Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
The ‘Ladha Bhumiputra’ organisation erected a grand stage at Kranti Chowk featuring a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a small idol placed in a decorated cradle. The atmosphere turned emotional when a woman carrying her three-month-old baby joined as the traditional cradle song, “Julava Palana Bal Shivajicha… Chandr jasa ha Indra shobhato Putra Jijaucha…,” was sung. Former union minister Jaysingrao Gaikwad, organisation president Rahul Bhosale, Ramdas Shemade, Deepak Kavade, Sopan Jarad, Anil Patil, and Vaishali Phuke were present.
Kranti Chowk remained crowded throughout the day with more than six stages set up. At a stage near Rani of Jhansi Garden, young women paid tribute to Shivaji Maharaj as the founder of Hindavi Swarajya, while many recorded the moment on mobile phones. Youth actively tied saffron turbans, recorded videos, and took selfies. A vendor said he tied 234 turbans, including about 147 for young women. Large groups from colleges and residential areas arrived in traditional attire, with women in nauvari and six-yard sarees and men in Nehru shirts and pyjamas printed with Shivaji Maharaj’s image. The area echoed with slogans of “Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji,” reflecting pride and enthusiasm.