Shivaji Jayanti is celebrated to mark the birthday of Chhatrapati Shivaji. On February 19th, the birthday of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is celebrated on a grand scale in Maharashtra. Shivaji was born at the Shivneri fort on February 19th, 1630. He was a great leader and the creator of the Maratha nation. His parents Jijabai and Shahaji Bhonsle named him Shivaji after local Goddess Shivai. He was the creator of the Maratha nation and he was instrumental in uniting the Maratha chiefs of Mayal, Konkan and Desh regions. His military and civil administration was of greatest importance. Shivaji was successful in carving out a small kingdom by defeating the alien powers.
The main highlight of Shivaji Jayanti is the colorful procession with the dancers who plays a traditional musical instrument known as lezims. Huge number of people attend this festival with great passion and wear clothes similar to Shivaji and his associates. Several programs will be performed which remembers the achievements of Shivaji. He is not only a hero for Maharashtra people but also for India. He was a good leader and founded the Hindu kingdom in the Deccan by fighting against the Moghuls.
Shivaji had great mind of constructive genius of medieval India. Time may change, empires may go and dynasties may become faded, but the greatness of Shivaji is alive in the minds of Maharashtrian in particular and in the minds of every India in general. His dazzling victories and ever-ready smile made him the idol of his soldiers.