Nagpur News: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti celebrations are like Diwali festival for Shiv Sena . However, there is nagging dispute over the date of birth of the Great Maratha King. Maharashtra Government Gazette of Holidays mentions February 19 as Shivaji Jayanti and has declared holiday on that day. However, Shiv Sena had rejected the date way back in 2001 when the Shiv Sena supremo the late Balasaheb Thackeray had appealed to the people of Maharashtra to observe the Chhatrapati’s birth anniversary in accordance with the Hindu almanac. As per the Hindu Panchang, Falgun Vadya Tritiya, the date agreed upon by historians by a wide consensus is the real birthday of Shivaji Maharaj. Thereafter, Shiv Sena celebrates Falgun Vadya Tritiya as Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti every year and this year the Falgun Vadya Tritiya falls on March 19.
Notwithstanding the dispute, Shiv Sena celebrates Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti with great fanfare. The preparations for the day begin a month ago in Khaparkheda and nearby areas in Saoner Tehsil under the leadership of Deputy District President Ashok Zingre. Thousands of people participate in the celebrations and grand procession is taken out participated by bands, elephants, camels, horses, attractive tableaux (Jhakiya), colourful cultural programmes and other attractions.
Gold Rate
16April 2025
However, this year, there were no signs visible for celebrations of Shivaji Jayanti. The curious Nagpur Today Correpondent contacted Ashok Zingre for his comments. Zingre said, “Shiv Sena celebrates the day as Diwali. But this year, the region’s farmers suffered huge losses following natural calamities like unseasonal excessive rains, cyclonic storms and hailstorms. Farmers have been ravaged by the natural calamities. They are now debt-ridden. Many farmers have committed suicides. Therefore, we have deciderd not to celebrate Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti as usual until and unless Maharashtra Government extends adequate relief to farmers who have suffered massive financial losses,” Zingre said.
