Grand Shivrajyabhishek Day Celebrated with Grandeur at Raigad Fort

Raigad-Alibag, June 2026: The 352nd anniversary of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was celebrated with great pomp and devotion at the historic Raigad Fort on Saturday. The event witnessed a unique blend of history, tradition, and reverence, drawing thousands of devotees and admirers of Shivaji Maharaj from across Maharashtra and other parts of India.

The grand ceremony was attended by Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, his wife Sanyogitaraje Bhosale, and Raigad District Collector Kishan Jawale, among other dignitaries. The entire fort echoed with chants in praise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, creating a vibrant and patriotic atmosphere.

Among those present were legislators Sanjay Chavan, Abhijit Patil, and Aniket Tatkare, along with Zilla Parishad President Mangesh Wakadikar, Chief Executive Officer Neha Bhosale, Deputy Collector Ravindra Shelke, and senior government officials.

The celebrations commenced at 7 a.m. with a ceremonial flag hoisting at the Nagarkhana by Yuvraj Kumar Shahajiraje Chhatrapati amid the sounds of traditional musical instruments. A cultural performance featuring traditional ballads followed at the Raj Sadar. Subsequently, the ceremonial palanquin of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj arrived at the Raj Sadar, followed by the arrival of Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati and Shahajiraje Chhatrapati.

A ceremonial abhishek (ritual anointment) of the festival idol of Shivaji Maharaj was performed, while the enthroned statue at the Raj Sadar was showered with gold coins. The Maharashtra Police later presented an official guard of honour.

Addressing the gathering, Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati paid tribute to the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj. The Shivrajyabhishek palanquin procession then proceeded to the historic Jagadishwar Temple, where Sambhajiraje presented the traditional honorary flag to members of the Warkari community for the annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur. A collective tribute was also offered to Shivaji Maharaj.

The procession, featuring traditional dhol-tasha bands, lezim performances, martial arts displays, and saffron flags, generated tremendous enthusiasm among devotees. Throughout the day, cultural programmes, powadas (ballads), kirtans, lectures on Shivaji Maharaj’s life, and folk performances were organised under the banner of the All India Shivrajyabhishek Festival Committee.

Young men and women dressed in traditional attire, along with representatives of social organisations and groups portraying Maratha warriors, added to the historic ambience, recreating the spirit of the Maratha era across the fort.

The district administration made extensive arrangements for visitors, including free bus services, community meals, drinking water facilities, medical assistance, sanitation services, shaded resting areas, and emergency support. Tight security arrangements were also deployed throughout the fort.

District Collector Kishan Jawale personally reviewed arrangements at the control room, Jagadishwar Temple, the samadhi of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Raj Sadar, and food distribution centres. He interacted with devotees, reviewed facilities, and issued necessary instructions to officials.

The grand celebration concluded in a devotional and festive atmosphere, once again bringing alive the glory, courage, and self-respect associated with the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the rich legacy of Swarajya at Raigad Fort.