Agra Fort Hosts Grand Shiv Jayanti Utsav; Fadnavis, Shinde to Attend Celebrations

A grand Shiv Jayanti Utsav is being held at Agra Fort to mark the 396th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The event, coordinated by Maharashtra's Cultural Department, will feature a laser show, theatrical performance, and songs about his life. Several prominent leaders, including Maharashtra's Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, are scheduled to attend. Concurrently, the Uttar Pradesh government is developing a museum and memorial to honour Shivaji Maharaj's legacy.

Key Points: Shiv Jayanti Utsav at Agra Fort with Maharashtra CM, Dy CM

  • 396th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
  • Laser show & theatrical performance at Agra Fort
  • Museum renamed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum
  • UP & Maharashtra govts planning memorial at Kothi Meena Bazar
2 min read

Agra Fort to host grand Shiv Jayanti Utsav today; Maha CM, Dy CM to attend

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis attends Shiv Jayanti Utsav at Agra Fort featuring laser show, theatre. Museum renamed in Shivaji's honour.

"Agra is preparing to echo once again with stories of Shivaji Maharaj's courage and valour."

Agra, Feb 19

Marking the 396th birth anniversary of Maratha Emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a grand 'Shiv Jayanti Utsav' will be organised at the historic Agra Fort on Thursday for the fourth year in a row, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis set to attend the celebrations.

Agra is preparing to echo once again with stories of Shivaji Maharaj's courage and valour.

The Cultural Department of the Maharashtra government is coordinating the event, which will commence at 6 p.m. at the Agra Fort premises. A laser show dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj will be the centrepiece of the evening, accompanied by a theatrical performance and renditions of songs highlighting significant episodes from his life.

Several prominent leaders are expected to be present at the event, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, Union Minister of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, and Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, besides Chief Minister Fadnavis.

The Uttar Pradesh government has also been undertaking steps aimed at preserving and promoting the legacy of national heroes. As part of this initiative, the under-construction Mughal Museum near the eastern gate of the Taj Mahal was renamed the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum.

The proposed museum, being developed over nearly four acres at an estimated cost of Rs 141 crore, is slated for completion by December 2026. It will present Shivaji Maharaj's life, valour and his daring escape from Agra Fort through advanced technology and interactive galleries.

In addition, the Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra governments are jointly working on a comprehensive plan to transform Kothi Meena Bazar -- where Aurangzeb had imprisoned Shivaji in 1666 -- into a grand memorial. A magnificent statue of Shivaji Maharaj already stands in front of the Agra Fort, commemorating his indomitable courage and historic legacy.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's wonderful to see such cultural events that remind us of our history. I hope they also highlight his administrative skills and just rule, not just the military victories. The museum will be a great educational resource for kids.
R
Rohit P
While I appreciate celebrating our heroes, I have a small criticism. The article mentions renaming the Mughal Museum. Can't we have museums for all historical periods without erasing one to highlight another? Both are part of our complex history.
M
Meera T
As someone from Maharashtra living in UP, this makes me so proud! It's heartening to see two state governments collaborating to honor a national icon. The statue in front of Agra Fort is already magnificent. Can't wait to visit the museum when it opens.
D
David E
Visiting Agra next month. Will the museum exhibits be ready by then? Shivaji's escape story is incredible. Turning the prison site into a memorial is a brilliant idea for tourism and history.
K
Karthik V
141 crores for a museum? I hope the money is spent wisely and the project doesn't get delayed like so many others. The intent is good, but execution is key. The laser show tonight should be a good preview!

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