Glorious Maharashtra Festival to Showcase the Legacy of Saints, Martyrs, and Visionary Leaders Who Shaped the State

Mumbai – The Glorious Maharashtra Festival aims to bring to light the legacy of the architects who helped shape the state of Maharashtra. Through this photo exhibition, the rich and inspirational heritage of the state is being celebrated, said Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar.

The exhibition, being held at the Trimurti Courtyard in the Mantralaya until May 21, chronicles the history of saints, social reformers, martyrs, and political leaders who played a pivotal role in the social, cultural, and political development of Maharashtra. The festival was inaugurated by Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar in the presence of Skill Development Minister Mangalprabhat Lodha, Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare, Member of Parliament Sunil Tatkare, and former MP Anand Paranjpe.

The exhibition provides a journey from the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to the contributions of modern-day chief ministers and public leaders in building a progressive Maharashtra. It includes depictions of the saint tradition, social reform movements, the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement, and legendary figures from diverse fields.

Honouring a Rich Heritage through the Festival

Minister Ashish Shelar stated that under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the exhibition has been curated to share the stories of the visionaries of Maharashtra with the public. He added that the exhibition is a tribute to an inspiring legacy and will also be taken across districts via a mobile exhibition van to ensure people across the state have access to this information.

The wall displays showcase the monumental contributions of numerous saints and social reformers, the sacrifices of martyrs in the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement, and the efforts of chief ministers in shaping the state’s progress post-formation.

The exhibition includes murals and visuals of iconic personalities such as:

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who laid the foundation of Swarajya
• Mahatma Phule, who established the principles of social truth
• Chhatrapati Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj, who championed social equality
• Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, who gifted the nation the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity through the Constitution
• Saints like Basaveshwar, Savata Mali, Namdev, Muktabai, Narhari Sonar, Chokhamela, and Kanhopatra, who enlightened society through spirituality

Under the exhibit titled Garja Maharashtra (“Roaring Maharashtra”), the historic struggle for the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement is brought to life, paying tribute to revolutionaries like Krantisinha Nana Patil, Prabodhankar Thackeray, Acharya Atre, and balladeer Sheikh Jainu Chand. The exhibition also showcases the contributions of reformers, philosophers, artists, singers, writers, athletes, and entrepreneurs.

Information about all former and current Chief Ministers and key political leaders who have played a crucial role in Maharashtra’s development is also featured in this grand exhibition.