Pune District Resounds with Zeal: 394th Shiv Jayanti Celebrations Echo Across Cities and Villages
Varad Bhatkhande
Pune, 19th February 2024: The 394th Shiv Jayanti was celebrated with enthusiasm throughout the Pune district. The birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was joyously observed in the Pune Municipal Corporation Jurisdiction, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation Jurisdiction, and Pune Rural Areas. A special celebration took place at Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The 394th birth anniversary celebration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj concluded at Shivneri Fort with enthusiasm. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Minister Dilip Walse Patil, former MP Shivajirao Adhalarao Patil, and Pune District Collector Dr Suhas Diwase attended the event. Traditionally starting at 10 am, this year, the ceremony began early in the morning. Devotees from across the country and abroad gathered for the Shiv Janmotsav. The Chief Minister concluded the official ceremony by moving the Shiv Janmotsav cradle. Decorated with flowers, Shivneri Fort hosted various festivities.
Pune district is passionately tied to the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire. Key elements include Shivneri Fort as Shivaji’s birthplace, his upbringing at the fort, the capture of Torna Fort initiating his military campaigns, strategic selection of Pune as the capital, the significance of Raigad Fort nearby, Pune’s development under Maharaj’s rule, Shaniwar Wada’s expansion by his successors, and ongoing commemoration of his legacy in Pune through monuments and events.
The Pune Municipal Corporation marked Shiv Jayanti with various events, attended by the Commissioner, Additional Commissioners, and other officials. Beyond PMC, residents in different areas of Pune such as Shivajinagar, Kothrud, Pune’s Peths, Lohegaon, Wagholi, Hadapsar, Kondhwa, Kharadi, Aundh, Swargate, Katraj, Mundhwa, Warje, etc., also celebrated the Birth Anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Similarly, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation organized its event, with the Commissioner, Additional Commissioners, and other officials in attendance. In PCMC jurisdiction, people celebrated Shiv Jayanti joyously in Pimpri, Chinchwad, Nigdi (Bhakti Shakti Samuh Shilp), Akurdi, Ravet, Wakad, Sangvi, Bhosari, Moshi, Chikhali, etc.
Throughout the Pune district, people were observed enthusiastically chanting slogans related to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, proudly displaying flags and banners dedicated to him on their vehicles. In Maharashtra, the profound legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has been a unifying force for Marathi-speaking regions since the 17th century. Beyond his military accomplishments, Shivaji Maharaj promoted the Marathi language, advocated for religious tolerance, and implemented innovative administrative practices, fortifying Sahyadri forts that symbolize Maratha’s strength. His cultural significance, resistance against foreign rule, and role as a symbol of Maharashtra’s identity continue to evoke lasting pride.
In addition to his historical impact, Shivaji Maharaj’s association with many forts in the Pune District adds a special dimension to the celebrations. Forts such as Shivneri, Sinhagad, Purandar, Rajgad, Torna (Prachandagad), etc., commemorate Shiv Jayanti on a grand scale, providing a glimpse into the remarkable times when he ruled over the Maratha Empire.
Shiv Jayanti is a monumental festival celebrated fervently in every corner of Maharashtra. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is revered as a deity, and his unparalleled legacy resonates deeply with the Marathi people. His stories continue to be relevant and his achievements serve as a timeless source of inspiration for everyone in Maharashtra.
