Pune: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar on Friday visited the Shivneri Fort in Pune district to pay homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his birth anniversary. Shiv Sena President also paid tributes to Shivaji Maharaj and extended greetings to the people on the state on the occasion of Shiv Jayanti.

On his birthday, the government organises a grand occasion where several processions are held and people dress up like the king and his other associates. Several programmes are held to recognise and remember the great deeds done by this legendary ruler. However, this year amid COVID-19 pandemic, the celebration will be a low-key affair. Along with CM Uddhav Thackeray, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, Tourism Minister Aaditya Thackeray, MP Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati were present at Shivneri Fort.

When you are enthusiastic, the mountain also looks like a clay pile,” the quote is written by pride and honour of Maharashtra, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. February 19 marks the birth anniversary of great Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj who was the epitome of magnitude, loyalty and kindness.

People recall the contributions and teachings of the courageous heroes in the history of India. Shivaji Maharaj united the Maratha warriors and formed an army that eliminated and killed those who tried ruling over the state of Maharashtra.

The day began to be celebrated as the Shiv Jayanti in 1870 by Mahatma Jyotirao Phule in Pune. This year it is the 391st birth anniversary of the Maratha ruler. The day began to be celebrated as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti in 1870 by Mahatma Jyotirao Phule. Born on February 19, 1630, he was officially crowned as the 'Chhatrapati' or emperor in the year 1674. He was devoted to his mother Jijabai, who was deeply brave. Mahatma Jyotirao discovered the tomb of Shivaji Maharaj on Raigad, located around 100 km from Pune.

Founder of Maratha emperor was skilled in plotting out military missions in a knowledgeable way so that they are able to promise victory with the least possible loss to their army. He prearranged silent war ops, fled from house arrest in Agra and deviously accepted a stance of peace or violence depending upon his chances at victory. There are many brave tales of Shivaji Maharaj.

On Shiv Jayanti, people celebrate with great pride and courage and conduct long parades along with other cheers.