Mumbai: This year, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 19, in Maharashtra. The festival holds great significance in Maharashtra.
This year, the celebrations will take place on February 19. To honour the legacy of the great Maratha ruler and maintain the solemnity of the occasion, the Maharashtra government has declared a dry day.
On this day, the sale of alcohol is completely banned across the state as a mark of respect for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The objective of this prohibition is to ensure a disciplined and dignified observance, keeping the focus on his immense contributions to Indian history and culture.
The Maharashtra government enforces this restriction annually, with strict monitoring to prevent any violations. As per the notice, bars, liquor shops, and restaurants are required to cease alcohol sales for the day, and authorities conduct thorough checks to ensure compliance.
Many citizens support this measure, believing it helps preserve the significance of the occasion and encourages active participation in the celebrations.
How Mumbai Celebrates Shivaji Jayanti
Shivaji Jayanti has always been an important day for the government and all Maharashtra citizens. In 2024, Maharashtra leaders Devendra Fadnavis, Eknath Shinde, and Ajit Pawar celebrated Shivaji Jayati in Pune, marking the 394th birthday of Shivaji Maharaj in Shivneri Fort.
Do you know places in Mumbai named after Shivaji Maharaj?
In honour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, several places in Mumbai hold his name. In addition to the Mumbai railway station, which was formerly known as VT (Victoria Terminus) and is now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the Mumbai airport, also called Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, a museum called Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, and the popular park Shivaji Park, which is dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.