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Shiv Jayanti
Statue of Shivaji I at Raigad
Official name	Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti
Also called	(Chhatrapati) Shivajayanti , Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj birth anniversary.
Observed by	Predomentaly Maharashtrians also celebrated in other parts of India
Liturgical color	Saffron representing the flag of the Hindavi Swarajya
Type	Historic, nationalistic
Significance	Celebrates the birth anniversary of Shivaji I.
Celebrations	1 Day
Observances	2 times a year
Date	February 19th
Frequency	Annual
Related to	Shivaji I, Maratha Empire

Shiv Jayanti also known simply as Chhatrapati Shivaji I Maharaj Jayanti,, is a festival and public holiday of the Indian state of Maharashtra. This festival is celebrated on February 19, celebrating the birth anniversary of Shivaji I, the first Chhatrapati and founder of the Maratha Empire. He established Hindavi Swarajya (Hindavī Svarājya; "Self-Rule of the hindavi people"). Some people celebrate this day as per Hindu Calendar in Maharashtra.^[1][2]

Birth of Shiv Jayanti

Shivaji I was born at the Shivneri fort on the third day of the Krishna Paksha of the Phalgun month in the year 1551 of the Shalivahan Shaka.^[3] In the Gregorian calendar, the date generally occurs between February and March.

As per the Gregorian calendar, the date is accepted to be February 19th, 1630, However, many Hindus celebrate Shiv Jayanti as per the Hindu calendar.^{[citation needed]}

The Marathi Shalivahana Hindu calendar birthdate of Shivaji is Falgun Krishna paksha 3, 1551^[4] Julian February 19, 1630, in Shivneri Fort. The error of not converting the Julian date to the corresponding Gregorian one is still not corrected.^[5]

History

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In 1894, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak started public celebration of the birth anniversary of Shivaji I as 'Shiv Jayanti' to inspire the youth to become like Shivaji I Maharaj, and to unite the Hindus for a national awakening.^{[citation needed]}

Along with Shiv Jayanti, Lokmanya Tilak also started public celebration of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Both these festivals initially began in Maharashtra, but Hindus all across India and the world celebrate them today.^{[citation needed]}

References