Pune: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Wednesday that "we owe our existence to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who instilled self-respect in us."
"We can learn a lot from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj — like administration, conservation of forests and water, tax systems and national and maritime security," the CM told reporters in Pune on the sidelines of a grand colourful rally, ‘Jai Shivaji, Jai Bharat', to mark the 395th birth anniversary of the great king.
Official celebrations began at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's birthplace — the historic Shivneri fort in Junnar taluka of Pune district. Fadnavis, deputy CMs Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde and many others participated in various traditional rituals.
Later, in Pune city, Union minister for sports and youth welfare Mansukh Mandaviya, minister of state for civil aviation and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol and state minister for cultural affairs Ashish Shelar were among the prominent politicians who were present in the rally which was organised jointly by the central and Maharashtra govts along with the Pune district administration. It was probably the first instance of the Centre and the state coming together to sponsor Shiv Jayanti on such a grand scale, as also organising pad yatras (marches) across Maharashtra and other places.
Over 10,000 students and citizens donned traditional Maharashtrian attire, played dhol-tasha and chanted ‘Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji' at the rally which began from the College of Engineering Pune grounds, passed through JM Road, Deccan and FC Road and culminated in front of the Fergusson College. Police imposed traffic restrictions on the route to facilitate movement of the procession which was led by Fadnavis. Movement of vehicles continued normally after traffic police created a separate corridor for motorists.
CM garlanded Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue at the Shri Shivaji Preparatory Military School in Shivajinagar.
Earlier, at Shivneri, Fadnavis had said forts associated with the great warrior king are more significant to them than temples and that the state was working to preserve and conserve the monuments.
The CM said various development works and removal of encroachments were underway at Raigad fort — capital of Maratha Empire Swarajya — and Shivneri. The Union govt has nominated 12 forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
"The forts are excellent examples of architecture, water conservation and environmental science. Next week, a presentation will be made at an assembly in Paris to declare the World Heritage Sites. The forts will attract international tourists after receiving the status," he added.
"Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was not only a warrior, but an excellent administrator and a master of various management skills. He dedicated his life to serve his people and is remembered as an ideal king, a wise ruler and a noble yogi. While various kings and palaces accepted the rule of the Mughal Empire, the Maratha king resisted it. He united people across castes and religions to fight against Mughal atrocities. He formed Swarajya and instilled a spirit of self-respect in all," Fadnavis added.
Shinde said the state operates with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's vision of inclusive and good governance. "We will continue our efforts to create a welfare state," he added.
Pawar said Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's forts are his wealth and sources of strength and inspiration since generations. "Preserving and conserving the monuments is the state's responsibility and there will be no lack of funds for it."
Meanwhile, women in traditional attire sang a lullaby praising Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Shivneri. The police band played the National Anthem and state song ‘Garja Maharashtra Mazha'. This was followed by a gun salute by the police. School students staged a play with scenes depicting the life of the Maratha king. Leaders offered floral tributes to statues of a young Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Rajmata Jijau.
Colourful processions were held in Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara and Nashik. The royal family of Kolhapur performed traditional rituals on behalf of Chhatrapati Devasthan Charitable Trust at the city's only Shivaji Maharaj temple at Shahu Samadhi Sthal in Nursery Garden area. Head of the royal family, MP Shahu Chhatrapati, along with Yashraje Chhatrapati, performed the traditional rituals at the temple.
In Satara district, a grand royal procession was brought out from Rajwada Chowk. Minister Shivendra Raje Bhosale, who is a 13th-generation descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, performed 'Maha Aarti' of the idol of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Shiv Tirth.
In Nashik too the day was celebrated enthusiastically.
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