RAMESH SAVAIKAR
Shiv Jayanti also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is celebrated in Maharashtra and Goa at different places to honour the warrior Maratha king. This year, it will be celebrated on February 19.
This day was first observed by social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule in Pune in 1870. The tradition was later continued by freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak (Lokmanya Tilak) who popularised the image of Shivaji by highlighting his contributions.
Shivaji was born to Jijabai and Shahajiraje Bhosale at Shivneri Fort. At the age of 16 he captured his first fort of Torna and began consolidating power, taking control of Pune in1647. He built many forts including Raigad and Sinhagad and also established a navy to protect coastline.
A visionary king, he was known for his guerrilla warfare, strong administrative, inclusive policies, religious tolerance and promotion of Marathi language. He was crowned Chhatrapati (sovereign king) at Raigad Fort.
Shivaji also made efforts to free Goa from the Portuguese rule but could not succeed. He had links with Antruz Mahal and Bicholim and renovated the Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple in 1666.
In Goa, Shivaji Jayanti is celebrated at state level at Farmagudi – Ponda and Bicholim. The main function at Farmagudi will include the garlanding of the statue and a programme at Ganapati Devasthan including the Natyalravesh competition for high school students at 9 a.m. There will also be an inter-collegiate competition on the life, times, and legacy
of Shivaji.
Bicholim Shivpremi and Shiv Jayanti Samiti in collaboration with BMC and the government have organised a shobha yatra at 3.30 p.m. from Bordem to Shivani Maidan. Competitions for school students will be held in the evening. Earlier in the morning, statues of Shivaji at the old bus stand and Shantadurga Circle will be garlanded by Bicholim and Mayem MLAs. Tourism minister Rohan Khaunte will be the chief guest at valedictory function, said the secretary of the samiti, Dilip Dhargalkar.
