New Delhi: On February, 19 Chattrapati Shivaji Jayanti RasthraUtsav celebrated in New Delhi at Indra Gandhi National Centre for Arts.
The birth anniversary of Maratha emperor, Shivaji was celebrated with much fervour and joy which was joined by thousands of people hailing from several states of India.
Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan was the chief guest of the festival while Rajya Sabha MP Chattrapati Shambhaji was the host of the mega celebration.
While it is believed that the festival is celebrated in a small extent outside Maharashtra but from last year, the celebrations also began in the national capital at very high extent with gatherings of thousands of people.
During the festival most of the girls were dressed in Maratha traditional clothes with swords in their hand, when Ten News asked how they are feeling, they replied it feels too great to celebrate the birthday of Chattrapati despite not being living in Maharashtra. It gives us an immense pleasure to be a part this festival.
About 2000 artists from Maharashtra displaying their skills participated in the Powada, Shiv Janma, Paalna, Shahnai Vadan, and Shobha Yatra from Maharashtra Sadan to IGNCA Lawns.
The Shobha Yatra includes highly decorated elephants, camels and horses. The other attractions that Shobha Yatra had were, Varkari Pathak, Dhol –Tasha Pathak, Halgi Pathak, Dhangari Dhol, Dhwaj Pathak and Lezim Pathak besides Mardani Khel. The tableaus of all the seven North-Eastern States remained to be the main attraction of the Shobha Yatra.
The event showcased various historical performances and plays of Marathas.
Shivaji Maharaj was born on 19th February, 1630 at Shivneri Fort. Chhatrapati Shivaji needs no introduction for it was he, who despite being the son of Shahji Bhonsle, a Mughal Commander, had confronted the Mughals and Sultans of Bijapur and Golkonda head on and made their life miserable by virtue of his exceptional bravery and innovative military tactics.
He ensured that the people understood the true meaning of Swarajya and resisted any occupation and exploitation by foreign invaders. He saw to it that the foreign invaders are uprooted from the homeland and exploitation of natives stopped any more.
PhotoHighlights: SHIVA JAYANTI RASHTROSTSAV, February 19, 2019, New Delhi
