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Maratha Day Honored with Wreath-Laying, Barakhana, and Agniveer Exercise in Belagavi

The Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre in Belagavi commemorated Maratha Day with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Sharqat War Memorial. The main event featured a Barakhana and cultural performances, presided over by senior officers and attended by veterans and dignitaries. Concurrently, Exercise Pehla Kadam was conducted for Agniveers, culminating in a disciplined route march. The day marks the historic capture of Kondhana Fort by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's forces on February 4, 1670.

Key Points: Maratha Day Commemorated at Maratha Light Infantry Centre in Belagavi

  • Wreath-laying at Sharqat War Memorial
  • Barakhana and cultural performances held
  • Exercise Pehla Kadam for Agniveers concluded
  • Day marks conquest of Kondhana Fort in 1670
2 min read

Karnataka: Maratha Day commemorated with solemn pride and deep regimental reverence in Belagavi

Maratha Day observed with wreath-laying, cultural events, and Exercise Pehla Kadam for Agniveers at the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre, Belagavi.

"The ceremony paid homage to the fallen heroes and reaffirmed the Regiment's enduring legacy of valour, sacrifice, and duty to the nation."

Belagavi, February 5

Maratha Day was commemorated with solemn pride and deep regimental reverence at The Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre, Belagavi.

The celebration, on Wednesday, commenced with a dignified wreath-laying ceremony at the Sharqat War Memorial, led by the Commandant and attended by serving officers, JCOs, ORs, and veterans. The ceremony paid homage to the fallen heroes and reaffirmed the Regiment's enduring legacy of valour, sacrifice, and duty to the nation.

The main programme comprised a Barakhana organised at the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre PT Ground. The event was graciously presided over by Brigadier Joydip Mukherjee, Commandant and Mrinalini Mukherjee, President, Family Welfare Organisation. Senior officers of the station, civil dignitaries, veterans, families and civil staff were also present, reflecting the strong bond between the Regiment, its veterans and the civil community.

The programme featured a well-coordinated sequence of events, including a high-standard martial arts display highlighting discipline and the warrior ethos of the Regiment, followed by a cultural musical performance showcasing India's rich and diverse heritage. The performing artistes were felicitated, and the Barakhana provided an ideal setting for interaction, camaraderie, and strengthening of regimental bonds across generations.

In conjunction with Maratha Day, Exercise Pehla Kadam was conducted at Turkamatti for Agniveers. A strength of 547 Agniveers participated from February 2 to 4, 2026, and 543 Agniveers from February 5 to 7, 2026. The exercise culminated with a disciplined route march from Turkamatti Defence Land to the Regimental Centre, symbolising endurance, commitment, and the seamless integration of training with tradition.

February 4 is celebrated across the regiment as Maratha Day to mark its historic significance: on this day in 1670, Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Mahraj conquered the famous Kondhana Fort (now known as Sinhgad) near Pune.

Tanaji Malusare, Chhatrapati, a military leader, fought valiantly and made the supreme sacrifice to conquer the fort.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Wonderful to read about the cultural musical performance showcasing India's diverse heritage. These events are so important for community bonding and for families of our armed forces. The Barakhana must have been a lovely affair. Salute to all veterans and serving officers!
R
Rohit P
As someone from Karnataka, it's great to see Belagavi hosting such a significant event. The Maratha legacy is a proud chapter of Indian history, not just Maharashtra's. The discipline shown by the Agniveers in the route march is commendable. More power to our armed forces!
S
Sarah B
Reading about the wreath-laying at the Sharqat War Memorial is moving. It's crucial to remember the sacrifices made for the country. The article does a good job highlighting both the historical significance and the current community spirit. Well reported.
V
Vikram M
While the commemoration is important, I hope the focus on a specific regional martial history doesn't overshadow the pan-Indian nature of our armed forces today. The Indian Army's strength is its unity in diversity. The event seems to have struck a good balance with the cultural program.
K
Karthik V
The story of Sinhgad and Tanaji's sacrifice is legendary. "Gad ala pan Sinha gela" (The fort was won but the lion was lost). It's fantastic that the regiment keeps this history alive for new generations of soldiers. The martial arts display must have been a sight to see!

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