Pune: Koregaon Bhima Vijay Stambh Shaurya Din to Be Celebrated on January 1; Over 20 Lakh Attendees Expected

Pune, 26th December 2025: The 209th Koregaon Bhima Vijay Stambh Shaurya Din will be celebrated with grandeur and enthusiasm on January 1, 2026, at Mauje Perne. The Pune district administration has begun preparations to provide all essential amenities for approximately 20 lakh Bhim followers, aiming to ensure maximum participation, the Koregaon Bhima Vijay Stambh Shaurya Din Coordination Committee said.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, Chairman Rahul Dambale appealed to followers to attend the event, highlighting that drinking water, parking, and sanitation facilities will be provided in greater numbers than in previous years. Over six planning meetings have already been held under the district collector’s supervision, with inputs from local communities helping to finalise a high-quality event plan.

In an unprecedented security measure, the Pune Police Commissionerate will employ drone-based face-scanning technology to monitor anti-social elements and prevent disturbances during the event. Considering previous incidents, over 13,000 police personnel will be deployed across Pune city and rural areas to ensure safety and smooth conduct. Police have emphasised that maintaining order and security will remain the top priority.

Centenary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Visit
The year also marks the 100th anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s visit to the Bhima Koregaon Vijay Stambh, and the celebrations this year will commemorate this milestone. Special programs will include joint tributes from families of followers who visited the stambh with Dr. Ambedkar, highlighting his enduring legacy.

Tribute to the Mahar Regiment
The annual event also honours the Mahar Regiment, which Dr. Ambedkar had advocated for in 1927. This year, approximately 3,000 retired soldiers from the Yashasvini Aaji-Amaji Soldiers Foundation will pay tribute with ceremonial singing of the national anthem and other formalities.

Dignitaries to Attend
As in previous years, the event will witness the presence of national and international dignitaries. Confirmed attendees include Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi President Prakash Ambedkar, Republican Sena leader Anand Raj Ambedkar, Indian Buddhist Mahasabha’s Bhimrao Ambedkar, Prof. Jogendra Kawade of People’s Republican Party, Vaman Meshram of Bharat Mukti Morcha, Suresh Mane of Bahujan Republican Socialist Party, Vivek Chavan of Indian Dalit Cobra, MPs Chandrashekhar Azad, Chandrakant Handore, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, former minister Nitin Raut, and Jitendra Awad, among others.

The coordination committee has arranged meals for around one lakh followers and organised cultural programs and exhibitions to mark the day, Rahul Dambale said, emphasising that this year’s Shaurya Din will be a landmark celebration in terms of scale, security, and public participation.