Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti 2021: History, Significance, and Quotes of Shivaji Maharaj

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is observed as the birth anniversary of the King of Maratha, Shivaji Maharaj. On February 19, Shivaji Jayanti is being celebrated every year to show respect and honour to the founder of the Maratha realm. The Maharashtrians to celebrate 391th Shivaji Jayanti 2021. The great emperor was the founder of the realm of Maratha and he was quite brave, sensible, and progressive king in India.

This festival is mainly celebrated by the Maharashtrians (people of Maharashtra) in Mumbai, Maharashtra. On this day, a public holiday is being observed. This festival is observed with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm, celebrating pride and honour to the great king. Various cultural programs are being organized in the region of Mumbai, Maharashtra and people dance and sing with great excitement. But this year due to the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic there shall be certain restrictions and people must follow certain guidelines. This year there won't be any public gatherings and events due to the pandemic.

The History of Shivaji Jayanti:

Mahatma Jyotirao Phule first commenced the festival of Shivaji Jayanti in 1870. He first founded Shivaji Maharaj's tomb in Raigad, a hundred km away from Pune. The Celebration of this festival was first observed in Pune.

The Great freedom fighter, Bal Gangadhar Tilak was the one who took forward the festival and was responsible to bring the valuable contribution of King Shivaji into the limelight and greatly motivated people by emphasizing the image of the great emperor.

The name of the emperor, Shivaji was named after 'Shivai' the local deity. He was greatly known for his administrative strategies, heroism, and warfare skills. He was the one who played a crucial role in bringing together the Maratha Chiefs of Desh, Konkan, and Mayal region. His heroic deeds and significant contribution to the history of India make him a great king and people respect him for his works.

The Significance of the Day:

In Maharashtra, this day is observed as a statewide holiday and is being celebrated with a lot of elegance and excitement. On this day one could witness the rich and wide cultural heritage of the Marathas. The people commemorate the valuable contribution of the brave king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his birth anniversary and pay respects and honour in organizing several cultural events and taking part in them. The significance of his birth anniversary is to commemorate the crucial role played by the great king in building the Maratha Realm and promoting the Maratha Culture. In 1674, Shivaji Maharaj is coroneted as the Chhatrapati at Raigad.

As we'll know that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was known for his brave deeds and noble works, he also left behind some of his golden words that have inspired generations since ages.

Here are some of the quotes of the great king:

• "Never bend your head always hold it high."

• "Freedom is a boon, which everyone has the right to receive."

• "When you are enthusiastic, the mountain also looks like a clay pile."

• "Do not think of the enemy as weak, and then do not be too scared to feel too strong."

• "No need to be learned from own fault. We can learn a lot from others' mistakes."

• "Even if there were a sword in the hands of everyone, it is willpower that establishes a government."

• "Self-confidence provides strength and Power imparts knowledge. Knowledge provides stability and stability leads to victory."

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