“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ki Jai! Har Har Mahadev ("Hail Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj”) echoed the streets of Nashik on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti (or Shiv Jayanti), celebrated on January 19, each year, to commemorate the birth anniversary of the first Chhatrapati of the Maratha empire.

　　As I snaked my way through the dancing crowd at Panchvati, I sensed the admiration held in the hearts of people for the founder of the Maratha empire. Blaring Marathi music, people dressed in saffron clothes, energetic moves, infectious energy, and a life-sized idol of Shivaji Maharaj pulled me towards itself like a magnet. Before I knew it, I was a part of the same crowd. One can expect to witness such elaborate celebrations, every 500 m in Nashik.

　　Even other cities across Maharashtra are dotted with these grand celebrations. This year marked the 395th birth anniversary of the Maratha warrior.

　　As we waded through the town, every vehicle that whizzed past us had a saffron flag, printed with a photo of Shivaji Maharaj, fluttering. Not native to the state, I was curious to learn more about this congregation. “For us, he is second to God. We worship him,” said Pawan Ji, my driver, who looked rather stunned with my question.

　　He also explained how it is believed that Tulja Bhavani, the Kul devi of many Maharashtrian communities, gave a sword to Shivaji Maharaj as her signal for him to fight against injustice. “Had he not been there, we wouldn't have had the temples that we have in India today,” Pawan Ji claimed with great pride.

　　At another similar pandal, people dressed as Shiva and Kaali Maata were surrounded by eager children waiting to get pictures clicked with them. Installations depicting Shivaji Maharaj’s life stories, food stalls, balloon and toy vendors, ferris wheel, and other rides, created a carnival-like atmosphere at the birth-anniversary celebration. Don’t forget to stop by for the spiciest Paani Puri and yummiest Missal Pav at any one of the hawkers nearby.

　　From children as young as five-year-olds to older people, everyone joined in with equal gusto. Don’t forget to catch the cutest glimpse of young boys dressed as Shivaji Maharaj!

　　History Of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti

　　Who we know as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj today was born as Shivaji Bhosle to Shahji Bhosle and Jijabai on January 19, 1630. The founder of the Maratha empire, he is known and remembered today for his bravery, leadership, military prowess, fight against injustice, and conviction towards establishing Swarajya ("self rule.")

　　The Jayanti was first celebrated in 1870 after the discovery of the Raigad Fort where the mausoleum of Shivaji Maharaj was erected after his death in 1680. It was popularised by Mahatma Jyotiba Phule who sought to highlight Shivaji Maharaj’s emphasis on good governance and his pursuit to free India from foreign rule. Mahatma Phule wanted to inspire the Indian freedom movement with the principles and ideas of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Thus, starting the legacy to celebrate his birthday and his life.