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Tributes were paid to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj across Maharashtra on his 396th birth anniversary on Thursday, February 19, with grand civic celebrations.

In Mumbai, a wreath-laying ceremony took place at the equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Shivaji Park in Dadar.

Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat garlanded the Maratha warrior king’s statue and offered ‘abhishek’, paying homage on behalf of the state. The event was part of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC`s) `Shiv Jayanti Utsav`.

Following the tribute, a vibrant cultural programme was held at the nearby Krida Bhavan in Dadar, organised by the Mumbai civic body’s Sangeet Kala Academy. The event featured powerful ‘powadas’ and ‘Shiv geets’ dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Governor Devvrat expressed his appreciation for the performances, applauding the artists and announcing a cash prize of Rs 51,000 as a token of encouragement.

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, who also participated in the Dadar event, led separate tributes at two key locations. At the BMC headquarters, she garlanded the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Later, at the iconic Gateway of India, she offered floral tributes to the legendary king’s statue, symbolising the city`s deep respect for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The celebrations were attended by several dignitaries, including Member of Parliament (MP) Anil Desai, legislator Sunil Shinde, Leader of Opposition in BMC Kishori Pednekar, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Corporator Trishna Vishwasrao, Deputy Commissioner (Zone 2) Prashant Sapkale, Deputy Commissioner (Special) Vinayak Vispute, Municipal Secretary Manjiri Deshpande, Assistant Commissioner (A Ward) Jaydeep More, and Deputy Secretary Sushil Mahajan, among others.

Shiv Jayanti 2026: Thane marks celebrations with floral tributes, wreath-laying ceremonies 

In neighbouring Thane, the civic body marked the day with equal enthusiasm. Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar, Deputy Mayor Krishna Patil, and Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao garlanded the portrait of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the late Narendra Ballal Hall in the civic premises. The leaders then proceeded to Masunda Talav, where Pimpalolkar led the wreath-laying ceremony at the full-size statue and extended Shiv Jayanti 2026 greetings to all Thanekars, urging them to imbibe the king`s ideals.

The deputy mayor separately honoured the full-size statue at Kalwa Naka with floral tributes.

The Thane event was attended by Additional Commissioner Prashant Rode, Shiv Sena group leader Pawan Kadam, Deputy Commissioners GG Godapure, Umesh Birari, and Deepak Zinzad, Transport Manager Bhalchandra Behere, Assistant Commissioners Lalita Jadhav and Sopan Bhaik, Acting Deputy Information and Public Relations Officer Prachi Dingankar, and other municipal staff.