
Celebration : Birthday of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Falls on : 19th January
On February 19th, the birthday of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is celebrated on a grand scale in Maharashtra. Shivaji was born at the Shivneri fort on February 19th, 1630. He was a great leader and the creator of the Maratha nation.
He united the Maratha chiefs from Maval, Konkan and Desh regions for a higher purpose - the promotion of Maharashtra Dharma - and carved out a small kingdom by defeating the alien powers. He stabilised the state with effective civil and military administration and adopted a policy of religious tolerance to accommodate all religions and sects in his state.
Shivaji was not only the maker of the Maratha nation, but also the greatest constructive genius of medieval India. States fall, empires break up, dynasties become extinct, but the memory of a true 'hero as King' like Shivaji remains an imperishable historical legacy for an entire human race. His dazzling victories and ever-ready smile made him the idol of his soldiers. A royal gift of judging character was one of the main causes of his success.