Marking the 396th birth anniversary of Maratha Emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a grand ‘Shiv Jayanti Utsav’ will be organized at the historic Agra Fort on Thursday. A laser show dedicated to Shivaji Maharaj will be the highlight of the event, accompanied by theatrical performances and renditions of songs depicting significant episodes from his life. The event, coordinated by the Cultural Department of the Maharashtra government, will commence at 6 p.m. at the Agra Fort premises.
Prominent leaders, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, are expected to attend the celebration. Other dignitaries like Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, Union Minister of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, and Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar will also grace the occasion.
The Uttar Pradesh government is actively involved in 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 has been renamed the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum. This museum, costing an estimated Rs 141 crore and scheduled for completion by December 2026, will showcase Shivaji Maharaj’s life, valor, and his escape from Agra Fort through advanced technology and interactive galleries.
The governments of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra are collaborating on a plan to transform Kothi Meena Bazar into a grand memorial. This location, where Shivaji was imprisoned by Aurangzeb in 1666, will be revamped to honor his legacy. A statue of Shivaji Maharaj already stands in front of the Agra Fort, symbolizing his courage and historic significance.
