Pune Marks Shiv Jayanti with Grand Youth Padyatra; 2,000 Participants Join Celebrations
Pune, 19th February 2026: Nearly 2,000 students and young volunteers took part in a spirited padyatra across Pune on Wednesday to commemorate the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, turning the city’s historic core into a vibrant celebration of unity and patriotism.
The march began at the iconic Shaniwar Wada and proceeded through key city routes before culminating near the statue of the Maratha warrior king close to SSPM School. The air resonated with traditional drum beats and chants of “Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji” and “Har Har Mahadev,” reflecting the enthusiasm of the participants.
The large-scale event was conducted under the guidance of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, and coordinated jointly by the district administration, the sports department, and the Pune Municipal Corporation as part of the ‘Mera Yuva Bharat’ initiative.
Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure flagged off the padyatra, marking the formal commencement of the procession.
Several prominent officials and dignitaries attended the event, including Deputy Mayor Parshuram Wadekar, Deputy Director of Sports Yuvraj Naik, District Sports Officer Jagannath Lakde, Education Deputy Commissioner Vasundhara Barve, PMC Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Khalate, and Tehsildar Smita Mane representing the district administration.
Arjuna Awardee Kakasaheb Pawar and Indian Kho Kho team captain Pratik Waikar were also present, alongside representatives from the education, tourism, sports, health, and police departments.
Addressing the gathering, Mayor Nagpure urged citizens, especially the youth, to internalise the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj rather than limiting the celebrations to ceremonial observances. She emphasised that Shiv Jayanti should serve as a meaningful occasion to connect young generations with values such as courage, unity, leadership, and collective responsibility.
District Sports Officer Lakde, in his introductory remarks, stated that the padyatra was aimed at inspiring youth to preserve the legacy of national icons while fostering innovation and renewed energy among the younger generation.
Cadets of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), volunteers of the National Service Scheme (NSS), and students from higher education, technical and vocational institutions, including Savitribai Phule Pune University, participated in large numbers. Several Shiv devotees also gathered along the route to witness and support the procession.
The event once again highlighted Pune’s long-standing tradition of commemorating Shiv Jayanti with collective participation and youthful fervour, reinforcing the city’s deep-rooted historical and cultural legacy.
