Shivaji Jayanti or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is a festival and public holiday in Maharashtra, India. It is celebrated on 19th February every year. It marks the birth anniversary of Shivaji, the first Chhatrapati and founder of the Maratha Empire. Some people even celebrate this day by Hindu Calendar in Maharashtra. Shivaji is known for establishing a progressive civil rule with well-structured administration and ministries. Shivajis powerful military forces expanded the Maratha influence. They captured and build forts and formed a strong navy.
Chhatrapati Shivaji remains one of the greatest figures in Maharashtras history. Stories of his life are an integral part of the lives of Marathi people. To honour this great king, the government of Maharashtra has proposed to build an enormous statue of Shivani off the coast of Mumbai. Memorials devoted to Shivaji are found throughout India, most notably in Maharashtra. Shivajis statues and monuments are found almost in every town and city in in this state. The Indian Navys INS Shivaji is named after this great king. His life is celebrated and remembered on Shivaji Jayanti everywhere. Several events and gatherings help to pay respects to the legend of Shivaji and the things he did for the Maratha Empire. He is the epitome of bravery and strength for the people of Maharashtra.
People dress up like Shivaji on this day and take part in various drama enactments of his life and wars. This festival is also celebrated in the states of Goa and Karnataka. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not only a heroic legend for the people of Maharashtra but also for the rest of India as his military powers and guerilla tactics of war are considered of great importance for the Indian history.