At frequent intervals during the trek up Shivneri Fort, I see youngsters from urban lands such as Delhi and Mumbai ask local visitors, “Aur kitna duur hain Shivai Mata ka Mandir?” Some of them breathlessly think of giving up with a, “Birthplace abhi bhi bohot upar hain!” And yet, after a moment’s rest on the stony parapet of this historic killa were Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born, they trudge on. You might think a sip of water pumps their spirits up. But if like me, you were to witness their eyes sparking up at the tiny processions swiftly walking up to the vaadaa on top of the hill fort where the legend was born, with energetic chants of ‘Jai Bhawani, Jai Shivaji’ and ‘Har Har Mahadev’ you would understand that nothing but a staunch fervour to feel one with the history of this land acts like a jab of fresh adrenaline for them. I sense a cultural renaissance, a thorough penchant to be part of Bharat’s Sanatan past of which Chhatrapati Shivaraj Maharaj was such an iconic part. And the realisation that they are here during the time when the Maharashtra Government is celebrating the occasion with much pomp and splendour gives them a renewed sense of motivation to participate in the celebrations.
The Hindavi Swarajya Mahotsav 2024, a grand celebration marking the 394th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is a heartfelt tribute aimed at preserving and fostering the rich history and heritage that the legendary Maratha championed throughout his life. Maharashtra Tourism, under the guidance of the state government, not only aims it to be a festive celebration but also an educational experience, enriching attendees with knowledge of Maharashtra’s glorious part and timeless principles of the Chhatrapati. It’s a call to honour the past, celebrate the present and inspire the future, making it a must-visit event for those eager to experience the legacy of one of India’s greatest heroes in his birthplace. To witness the sleepy town reverberate with festivities during this time is quite an experience.
The sea of humans thronging the fort to mark their obeisance to the great Maratha is quite a humbling spectacle to see. But with the organisation of the Hindavi Swarajya Mahotsav 2024, one gets to partake of what this part of town has been observing with much fervour and faith for so many years. It truly shows the depth of pride the people of Maharashtra feel for their hero. This is the conglomeration of history, traditions and culture in the most beautiful way that also revs up the tourism quotient of picturesque Junnar. If one were visiting Pune, the Shivneri Junnar circuit becomes an attractive peg to add to excitement for those steeped in Bharatiya history. A well charted temple tour is also possible with several ancient mandirs in and around the town that continues to draw in people (I recommend the Shivai Mata mandir, the Brahmanath mandir and the Lenyadri mandir for sure).
Honestly, not many of us can imagine how Shivneri in Junnar comes alive during this time if Maharashtra Tourism would not design a jubilatory event around February 19, the momentous day when 394 years ago Jijabai gave birth to a boy whose name would go on to resonate with bravery, strategy and governance for us. But that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is revered like almost a Bhagwan by not just Marathis but most Hindus is only evident from how over the years people have recognised his paramount importance in Indian itihaas, particulary in the 17th century. His very name (inspired by Shivai Devi Mata whose mandir inside Shivneri Fort continues to pull the people from all over) has been like a thread binding Sanatanis together as they gauge how crucial he was with regards to resistance against the Mughal empire and other attacking forces out to destroy the sovereignty of Bharat.
February 19, 1630 would mark the beginning of a new era in the Indian subcontinent, leading to the establishment of the Maratha saamrajya. Unfortunately, early marxist historians of India given the task of illuminating students in Bharatiya history chose to glorify the Mughals while completely obviating the tales of valour and gumption of great Shivaji Maharaj. Drawing attention to the city of Junnar in what is now Pune district of Maharashtra during this time is a consolidated effort by the state tourism board and the government to familiarise more and more people about this brave Maratha who continues to spread awe and fascination amongst unadulterated history seekers and proud Indians.
As we near the great king, warrior and administrator’s birthplace, our guide narrates important nuggets of information about Shivaji Maharaj’s rise to power in the rugged terrain of the Western Ghats where he first took control of the fort of Torna at the age of 16. His early victories were strategic, aimed at gaining control over key territories and forts. The way he built his forts exhibits his keen understanding and prowess in guerilla warfare to suck the air out of the enemy’s lungs when they were least expecting. The architecture and lay out of Shivneri Fort also displays the same.
At the Bhutte Patil ground in the evening the celebrations take an interactive turn where scores of people witness a cultural extravaganza. It is indeed encouraging to find so many people engrossed in the theatrics of the performers enacting the life and times of Shivaji Maharaj on stage. Marathi folk numbers regale them as well as the histrionic skills of the artists. The sheer scale of the crowd might overwhelm you if not for the impeccable security and other arrangements put together by the government. I am told by my cabbie that every year this has been happening but not many are aware of how huge this occasion is for the people of Junnar. But the Maharashtra Tourism board is gearing to make this Mahotsav famous and they are taking the right decisions. I concur. Because, the arrangements at the Tent City put up in the vicinity of the epicentre of the celebrations taps into that aspect of hospitality that the modern traveller seeks today.
In tandem with the core idea of sustainability, the luxury tents (equipped with all facilities that city denizens are used to) are efficiently designed without disturbing the serene environment. In short, this is the Maharashtra tourism extending a golden opportunity to discerning travellers (with water sport and other adventure activities as well) to be part of India’s history without compromising on comfort. Yes, the trek to and from Shivneri Fort might be a wee taxing but then the tent city will be waiting to rejuvenate you with the delicious local food, fabulous service accompanied by the sound of dhol and nagada reminding you of the wonderful time you spent at the birthplace of the great Chhatrapati.
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