The Maharashtra government is set to spend Rs 39 crore to orchestrate a grand play in every district of the state, marking the 350th anniversary of the coronation of the 17th-century Maratha warrior king, Shivaji Maharaj, on June 2, 2024. Additionally, Rs 73 crore has been sanctioned for the ‘Mahasanskrit Mahotsav’ to celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav across all districts, with Rs 2 crore allocated for each district. The government has also earmarked Rs 1.10 crore for event publicity.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with the BJP and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), issued separate Government Resolutions to approve funds for both events. According to the English calendar, the coronation of the 17th-century Maratha warrior king took place on June 6, 1674, at Raigad Fort.
In June this year, Chief Minister Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated a week-long celebration (June 2-6) at Raigad Fort to honor Shivaji Maharaj’s 350th coronation anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, the government plans to organize a series of events in all 36 districts of the state. As part of these celebrations, a festival will be conducted to educate and inspire people, particularly the younger generation, about Shivaji Maharaj’s life, contributions to the state and country, policies, and thoughts.
“As an important part of this initiative, a ‘Mahanatyam’ (grand play) depicting the life of Shivaji Maharaj and his 17th-century work for Maharashtra and Hindavi Swarajya, along with the policies he implemented, is being organized by the government. Accordingly, the government has approved spending Rs 39 crore to organize the grand play in every district of the state and publicize it. The event will take place in all districts for three consecutive days,” stated an official.
