Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is a public holiday in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It celebrates the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire. The holiday is celebrated on February 19 every year.
Shivaji was born on February 19, 1630, at the Shivneri Fort in the town of Junnar, Maharashtra. He was the son of Shahaji Bhosale, a Maratha general, and Jijabai, a devout Hindu. Shivaji was educated in both Hindu and Islamic traditions.
Shivaji began his military career at a young age. He led a series of successful campaigns against the Mughal Empire, the Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur, and the Portuguese. He established the Maratha Empire, which covered much of present-day Maharashtra and parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat.
Shivaji was a skilled military strategist and a charismatic leader. He was also a devout Hindu and a patron of the arts. He is considered one of the greatest warriors and kings in Indian history.
Shivaji Jayanti is celebrated with great pomp and show in Maharashtra. People visit temples, offer prayers, and participate in processions. There are also cultural programs and events organized to mark the occasion.
Shivaji Jayanti is a reminder of the great achievements of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It is a day to celebrate his courage, leadership, and vision. It is also a day to reaffirm the values of Hindutva and swarajya (self-rule).
