Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is a festival and public holiday of the Indian state of Maharashtra. This festival is celebrated on February 19 (according to Julian date), celebrating the birth anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj, the first Chhatrapati and founder of the Maratha Empire, Some people celebrate this day by Hindu Calendar in Maharashtra.
History
Shiv Jayanti was firstly started and celebrated by Lockmanya Tilak in 1895 with the first event in Pune to convey Shivaji Maharaj’s thoughts and teachings to the people After that,he worked to unite the people through Shiva Jayanti and ganeshotsav. Lockmanya Tilak worked to unite people during British Oppression through Shiv Jayanti. Since then Shiv Jayanti expanded on a large scale.
Shivaji Jayanti was taken forward by an esteemed freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak who brought the contributions of Shivaji Maharaj into the light and influenced people by highlighting the image of Shivaji Maharaj.
After that,he worked to unite the people through Shiva Jayanti and ganeshotsav. Lockmanya Tilak worked to unite people during British Oppression through Shiv Jayanti. Since then Shiv Jayanti expanded on a large scale.
Shiv Jayanti is the birth anniversary of great Maratha ruler Shivaji . Shiv Jayanti is celebrated every year on Indian Solar 30th Magh or Gregorian 19th February. Shivaji Maharaj was born on Indian Solar Magh 30, 1551/Gregorian February 19, 1630, in Shivneri Fort. Shivaji Maharaj is considered as the greatest Maratha ruler who carved an enclave from the declining Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur that became the start of the Maratha Empire. At the young age of 16, Shivaji seized the Torna fort and by the age of 17 had seized the Raigad and Kondana forts. Shivaji Maharaj as he is popularly known was named Shivaji Bhonsle and was a member of the Bhonsle Maratha clan. Shivaji Maharaj promoted the use of Marathi and Sanskrit in court and administration, rather than using Persian which was the norm in those times.