Chatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of
great the Maratha emperor Shivaji Maharaj. The Jayanti is mainly observed in
Maharashtra.
Shivaji
Jayanti falls on February 19 every year. The Jayanti is a public holiday in
Maharashtra as it is celebrated on a grand scale in the state.
Chatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj was born February 19, 1630, at Shivneri Fort. Considered as the
greatest Maratha ruler, Shivaji was known for establishing a competent and
liberal civil rule with well-structured administrative organisations.
History and Significance
There
are many stories of his strength and valour. Shivaji Maharaj carved out a
territory from the declining Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur that led to the
beginning of the Maratha Empire. The great warrior seized the Toma fort at the
age of 16 and by the time he turned 17, he had taken hold of the Raigad and
Kondana forts. Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation took place in 1674.
The
Jayanti of the great emperor was first started in Pune in 1870 by Mahatma
Jyotirao Phule, who had discovered the tomb of Shivaji Maharaj on Raigad. Phule
also wrote the longest and first Ballad on Shivaji Maharaj’s life.
Shivaji Jayanti had a vital role during India’s freedom struggle. Bala Gangadhara Tilak used the occasion to unite people during British oppression. Till date the Jayanti is celebrated with much fanfare.