Maharashtra Prepares for Grand Shiv Jayanti Festivities
The state of Maharashtra is poised to celebrate Shiv Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, with immense enthusiasm and grandeur on February 19. Major cities like Kolhapur and Nashik are at the forefront of the preparations, organizing a variety of events, processions, and cultural activities to honor the legendary Maratha warrior king.
Kolhapur's Vibrant Celebrations and Cultural Programs
In Kolhapur, the festivities are set to unfold on a large scale, with numerous processions and skits planned for Thursday. Throughout Wednesday, various groups, mandals, and traditional talims were actively preparing for the celebrations. Market areas such as Mahadwar Road, Papachi Tikti, Laxmipuri, Bindu Chowk, Mirajkar Tikti, and Rajarampuri have been bustling with activity, featuring stalls selling saffron flags, pheta (traditional turbans), and saffron shawls.
The Mavala group at Mirajkar Tikti has been staging the play 'Vadalvat Hindvi Swarajyachi' from February 17 to 19, adding a cultural touch to the celebrations. Meanwhile, the Shivaji Tarun Mandal has created an impressive replica of a historical fortress at Ubha Maruti Chowk and will organize a grand traditional procession on Shiv Jayanti.
Mega Padayatra and Community Engagement in Kolhapur
A significant highlight in Kolhapur is the mega padayatra titled 'My Bharat-Mera Yuva Bharat', scheduled at Panhala Fort on February 19. This event has been planned by the Kolhapur district administration under the guidance of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. District Collector Amol Yedge has urged residents, particularly youths and students, to participate actively.
The padayatra will commence from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj temple near the Panhala Municipal Council and proceed to Mayur garden. Approximately 2,000 students, along with government and semi-government employees, are expected to join. In addition to the walk, a blood donation camp will be held on February 18 and 19, promoting community service and health awareness.
Nashik's Security Measures and Traffic Arrangements
In Nashik, authorities have deployed extensive security measures to ensure a safe celebration. Over 2,000 police personnel, 500 home guards, and specialized teams including striking forces and Quick Response Teams (QRT) will be stationed across the city to handle any unforeseen incidents. The celebrations will be marked by enthusiastic processions, with the main one starting from Wakdi Barav and traversing through key areas like Jahangir Masjid, Dadasaheb Phalke Road, Mahatma Phule Market, and ending at Panchavati Karanja.
Traffic Diversions and Route Closures in Nashik
To facilitate the traditional procession, significant traffic diversions will be implemented in Nashik. From 3 AM onwards, no traffic will be allowed on the procession route until it concludes. The police have issued detailed alternative routes for motorists:
- For those traveling from Dwarka towards Shalimar or CBS, use the Sarda Circle, Gadkari Signal, and Trimbak Naka route.
- Motorists from Panchavati to Malegaon Stand should take the Peth Naka, Makhmalabad Naka, Baijabai Chhavni Ramwadi route, proceeding towards Chopda Lawns, Old Gangapur Naka Signal, and Old CTB Signal.
- Vehicles from Gangapur Road heading to Ashok Stambh must use the Old Gangapur Naka Signal and Chopda Lawns route to reach Panchavati.
- Those moving towards CBS or Mumbai Naka from Gangapur Road should follow the Old Gangapur Naka, Old CTB Signal, and Mico Circle route.
These diversions will be effective from 10 AM until the procession ends. Additionally, in Nashik Road, stretches from Bytco Chowk to Sinnar Phata and from the Railway Station towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue will be closed to traffic. Roads from Bytco Junction to Chhatrapati Shivaji Chowk, Jail Road, and from Nandur Naka to Bytco will also be shut from 9 AM onwards.
Additional Celebrations and Traffic Management
In view of Jayanti celebrations at Pathardi Phata and surrounding areas, traffic diversions will be in place from 3 PM to midnight. Motorists traveling from Pathardi village towards Pathardi Phata and Satpur are advised to use the Pathardi Phata-Garwa Hotel, Express Inn Hotel, and Pandavleni vehicular underpass route.
Overall, the Shiv Jayanti celebrations in Maharashtra reflect a deep cultural reverence and community spirit, with both Kolhapur and Nashik showcasing elaborate preparations to honor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's legacy through vibrant events and meticulous planning.
