Shivrajyotsav – Grand Tribute to Shivaji Maharaj at Agra Fort
Shivrajyotsav – Shivrajyotsav – Sampoorna Bharatvarsh 2026 concluded with a sweeping national celebration marking the 396th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The event brought together citizens, scholars, and leaders from across the country in a shared tribute to one of India’s most revered historical figures.
A Historic Venue Adds Deeper Meaning
This year’s observance gained added significance as it was hosted at Agra Fort, a site closely associated with a defining chapter in Shivaji Maharaj’s life. The fort is remembered as the place from where he made his daring escape from Mughal captivity, a moment that reshaped the political landscape of the time. Holding the celebration at this historic monument underscored the enduring relevance of his courage, strategic brilliance, and leadership.
Organised by Vinod Patil and the Abhinav Devgiri Pratishthan, with the Government of Maharashtra serving as co-organiser, the festival evolved into a large-scale cultural gathering. It was designed not only to commemorate a birth anniversary but also to highlight the principles of self-rule, integrity in governance, and national pride that Shivaji Maharaj championed.
National Participation Reflects Collective Pride
Thousands of attendees, including historians, youth organisations, cultural groups, and admirers of Maratha history, participated in the closing ceremony. The event featured tributes, cultural performances, and addresses that reflected on the enduring values associated with Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.
Speakers emphasised themes such as Swaraj, responsible leadership, and social justice, drawing connections between historical ideals and contemporary aspirations. For many participants, the gathering served as a reminder that Shivaji Maharaj’s vision extended beyond territorial expansion; it represented a model of administration rooted in fairness and empowerment.
Presence of Prominent Leaders and Social Figures
The celebration was attended by several prominent public representatives and dignitaries. Among those present were Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, and Shri Atul Bhatkhalkar, Member of the Legislative Assembly from Mumbai. Advocate Smt. Ashita Shelke, former Mayor of Aurangabad, and Shri R.K. Singh, MLA from Agra, also took part in the proceedings.
Medical expert Shri Tatyarao Lahane, former Dean of JJ Hospital, was present alongside Shri Avinash Pandey. The gathering further included Shri Amrit Patel, former MLA from Gujarat, and Shri Narendra Pathak, a respected RSS leader. Social contributors such as Shri Ramkumar Yadav, Shri Kareem Siddiqui, Shri Haribansh Agarwal, and Shri Prashant Khedekar marked their attendance, as did youth leader Shri Ajinkya Chavan and Shri Gaurav Gupta from the Phatak Vrundaban Vedic Ashram Charitable Trust.
Their participation highlighted the broad-based support for preserving and celebrating the historical and cultural legacy of Shivaji Maharaj. Organisers noted that the diverse representation at the event reflected its national character.
Organisers Reflect on the Occasion
Vinod Patil described the 2026 edition of Shivrajyotsav as a milestone in the festival’s journey. According to him, the overwhelming response from across India demonstrated the enduring resonance of Shivaji Maharaj’s ideals. He stated that seeing people from different regions gather at Agra Fort symbolised unity and reaffirmed a shared commitment to principles such as justice, courage, and responsible governance.
Patil added that the event would be remembered as a defining chapter in contemporary cultural celebrations, particularly for its setting and scale. By choosing a location tied to a historic episode of resilience, the organisers aimed to create a powerful narrative linking the past to the present.
Renewing the Spirit of Swaraj
Beyond ceremonial tributes, the festival sought to rekindle awareness of the values associated with Shivaji Maharaj’s leadership. Organisers and speakers reiterated that his emphasis on administrative reforms, protection of people’s rights, and inclusive governance continues to inspire new generations.
As Shivrajyotsav – Sampoorna Bharatvarsh 2026 concluded, participants described the gathering as more than a commemorative event. It stood as a reminder of India’s rich historical heritage and the enduring relevance of visionary leadership rooted in courage and accountability.