ShivajiMaharaj – Agra Fort to Host Grand 396th Birth Anniversary Event
ShivajiMaharaj – The historic city of Agra is set to host a major cultural gathering on Thursday as leaders and citizens come together to commemorate the 396th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The annual Shiv Jayanti Utsav will once again take place at the iconic Agra Fort, marking the fourth consecutive year the celebration has been organised at the site.
Cultural Tribute at a Historic Landmark
The event is being coordinated by the Cultural Department of the Maharashtra government and is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. within the fort complex. This year’s programme will feature a specially curated laser show that traces key milestones from the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The visual presentation will be complemented by theatrical performances and musical renditions that highlight defining moments of his leadership, military acumen and administrative vision.
Organisers say the aim is to present history in a format that resonates with younger generations while preserving the essence of Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy. The celebration is expected to draw a large audience, including local residents and visitors from Maharashtra and other states.
Presence of Senior Political Leaders
Several senior leaders are scheduled to attend the programme. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will be present at the ceremony, alongside Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Union Minister for Jal Shakti C. R. Patil, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, Union Minister of State S. P. Singh Baghel, and Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar are also expected to participate.
Officials said the gathering reflects inter-state collaboration and shared respect for national icons whose contributions shaped India’s history.
Museum Project Near Taj Mahal
Alongside the commemorative event, the Uttar Pradesh government has undertaken initiatives aimed at honouring historic figures. One such step involved renaming the under-construction Mughal Museum as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum. The facility is being developed near the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal.
Spread across nearly four acres, the museum project is being built at an estimated cost of Rs 141 crore and is expected to be completed by December 2026. According to officials, the museum will use modern display technologies and interactive galleries to narrate Shivaji Maharaj’s life story, including his governance model and his dramatic escape from Agra Fort in 1666.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate historical storytelling with digital engagement tools, allowing visitors to explore archival content, visual reconstructions and immersive exhibits.
Plans for Memorial at Kothi Meena Bazar
In addition to the museum, the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra are working jointly on plans to redevelop Kothi Meena Bazar, the site where Mughal ruler Aurangzeb had placed Shivaji Maharaj under house arrest during his visit to Agra. The proposed redevelopment aims to transform the location into a formal memorial that reflects the historical significance of the episode.
A statue of Shivaji Maharaj already stands prominently outside Agra Fort, symbolising his resilience and the enduring impact of his leadership. Authorities believe that strengthening such memorial spaces will contribute to heritage tourism while fostering awareness of pivotal chapters in Indian history.
As preparations for the Shiv Jayanti Utsav gather momentum, Agra is once again preparing to host an event that blends history, culture and public participation, reinforcing the lasting relevance of Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy across generations.