Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti or Shivaji Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Maratha king Shivaji in honor of the founder of the Maratha Kingdom. He was the first Chhatrapati of the Marathas who established Hindavi Swarajya or “Self-Rule of the hindavi people”. 19 February marks an official or public holiday in the Indian state of Maharashtra which is popularly known as Shivaji festival or Shiv Jayanti.
Shivaji Jayanti is celebrated twice in the year. As per the Samvat Hindu calendar Shivaji was born on the third day of Phalgun Krishna Paksha, 1551 of the Shalivahan Shaka at the Shivneri Fort (Maharashtra state of India) whereas according to the Gregorian calendar Shivaji was born on 19 February 1630.
It was first celebrated in 1870 by the British colonial government in the Bombay Presidency as a way to honor Shivaji’s contribution to the region’s territory. Shivaji was a brave and visionary leader who introduced several innovative reforms and policies including the creation of a powerful navy.
In 1870, Mahatma Phule was the first person who initiated Shiv Jayanti in commemoration of the birth anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj and was first celebrated in Pune, marking the beginning of this tradition. Subsequently, Bal Gangadhar Tilak played a pivotal role in advancing this observance.
Shivaji Maharaj Birth Anniversary
| Official Name | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj |
| Also called | Shiv Jayanti, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Birth Anniversary. |
| Observed by | Predominantly Maharashtrian and also Indians throughout the World. |
| Liturgical color | Saffron(Bhagwa) representing the Flag of the Hindavi Swarajya |
| Type | Historic, nationalistic |
| Significance | Celebrates the birth anniversary of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj. |
| Celebrations | 1 Day |
| Observances | 2 times a year |
| Date | February 19th |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | Shivaji I, Maratha Empire |
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