Pune: Grand Shivaji Jayanti Celebrations held at Shivneri Fort
Pune | February 19, 2026 – Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that walking on the path shown by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is the true route to holistic development. Addressing the Shivaji Jayanti ceremony at Shivneri Fort, he announced that the 400th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 2030 will be celebrated on a grand, global scale to present Shivaji Maharaj’s ideals and legacy to the world.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister Sunetra Pawar, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, MLA Sharad Sonawane, former MLA Atul Benke, senior police and administrative officers, actor Riteish Deshmukh, representatives of the Maratha Seva Sangh, and other dignitaries.
CM Fadnavis said that without Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, India’s history and geography would have been entirely different. While many rulers served under Mughal dominance, Shivaji Maharaj—shaped by the values of Rajmata Jijau—established Swarajya (people’s self-rule) and gave India a new direction. He united people from all communities, founded a state based on equality, justice, dignity, women’s safety, and welfare of farmers, and declared, “This is not my kingdom, this is the kingdom of the people.”
He highlighted Shivaji Maharaj’s visionary governance, including the abolition of nearly 50 types of taxes, simplified taxation, systematic water and forest management, and the construction of sea forts to prevent foreign invasions. By defeating the Portuguese and securing the western coastline, Shivaji Maharaj ensured maritime security, making coastal invasions impossible during his reign.
CM Fadnavis further stated that 12 forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, including Shivneri, have been recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, with the approval of 27 countries. These forts now hold official global heritage status. He also announced the state government’s decision to make all forts in Maharashtra encroachment-free.
He assured that the Maharashtra government would positively consider the demands of the Maratha Seva Sangh and extend full cooperation, while conveying Shivaji Jayanti greetings to Shiv devotees across the state and the world.
Strong Maharashtra Inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Ideals – Eknath Shinde
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde described Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a visionary leader whose Swarajya still inspires good governance. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a strong, self-reliant, and proud Maharashtra based on Shivaji Maharaj’s principles. He highlighted Shivaji Maharaj’s early implementation of water management, economic planning, environmental protection, and the progressive currency system ‘Shivarai’. He also announced accelerated conservation of forts and a special fort-cleanliness and preservation initiative in connection with Balasaheb Thackeray’s birth centenary.
Shivneri: A Source of Thought and Inspiration – Sunetra Pawar
Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar said that Shivneri Fort was not just a historical site but a deep source of inspiration for late Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. She highlighted the implementation of the Shivneri Development Master Plan, allocation of funds for conservation, and the broader vision of developing Junnar taluka as a tourism hub. She also spoke about memorial projects at Raigad, Tulapur, Wadu Budruk, Panipat, Sangameshwar, and Agra, stating that these memorials will inspire future generations with values of pride, sacrifice, and patriotism.
Cultural Tribute and Honors
The ceremony began with traditional performances, patriotic songs, and a guard of honor by the police band and firing salute. School children presented scenes from Shivaji Maharaj’s life. Floral tributes were offered to the statues of Bal Shivaji and Rajmata Jijau, followed by a ceremonial palanquin procession of Shivaji Maharaj’s portrait.
On the occasion, the Shivner Bhushan Award was presented to progressive farmer Late Pankaj Vaman, Dr. Vinod Sitaram Hande (Tata Cancer Hospital, Kharghar), Lt. Ajinkya Meher, former Panchayat Samiti Chairman Shivajirao Khair, and Sub-Lt. Shrutika Tathawade.
The event concluded in the presence of senior officials, Maratha Seva Sangh representatives, and thousands of Shiv devotees, marking a grand and dignified celebration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti at Shivneri Fort.
