Pune: Maharashtra to Celebrate Shivaji Maharaj’s 400th Birth Anniversary Globally in 2030, Says CM at Shivneri
Junnar, 19th February 2026: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday announced that the 400th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be commemorated on a grand international scale in 2030, describing the Maratha ruler’s governance model as the “true blueprint for holistic development.”
The announcement was made during the state-organised Shiv Jayanti celebrations held at Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of the legendary warrior king.
Addressing a massive gathering, Fadnavis asserted that India’s historical and geographical trajectory would have been vastly different without Shivaji Maharaj’s leadership. He credited Jijau’s values and upbringing for moulding a visionary ruler who established “Raiyat’s Swarajya” during a period when many regional powers operated under Mughal influence.
The Chief Minister emphasised that Shivaji Maharaj built an inclusive administration by uniting people from 18 communities and declaring Swarajya as the people’s kingdom rather than a personal empire. He highlighted the ruler’s focus on justice, equality, women’s dignity and farmer welfare as foundational principles of governance.
Fadnavis also spoke about administrative reforms initiated by Shivaji Maharaj, including the abolition of nearly 50 taxes to streamline revenue systems, structured management of forests and water resources, and the strategic development of naval forts to counter maritime threats. He noted that the western coastline was secured after defeating Portuguese forces, strengthening maritime defence.
12 Forts Receive World Heritage Recognition:
In a significant development, the Chief Minister announced that 12 forts linked to Shivaji Maharaj — including Shivneri — have been recognised as World Heritage Sites following an initiative of the Prime Minister. The recognition reportedly received approval from 27 countries. Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar formally accepted the certification.
Fadnavis further stated that the state government will undertake a drive to remove encroachments from forts across Maharashtra to safeguard their heritage value. Responding to a memorandum from the Maratha Seva Sangh, he assured that the government would examine the demands sympathetically.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said Shivaji Maharaj’s administrative foresight continues to inspire modern governance. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to build a strong and self-reliant Maharashtra rooted in the king’s ideals.
Shinde highlighted that Shivaji Maharaj conceptualised advanced systems of water management, economic planning, environmental conservation and even introduced the ‘Shivrai’ currency centuries ago. He announced that fort conservation would be intensified and that a statewide cleanliness and preservation campaign would be undertaken during the birth centenary year of Balasaheb Thackeray.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to farmer and women empowerment through various welfare initiatives and said focused development of Junnar taluka and the Shivneri region would continue.
Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister Sunetra Pawar described Shivneri Fort as more than a historical monument, calling it a living source of inspiration. She recalled the vision of the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to develop and preserve the Shivneri region.
She said a structured development plan supported by dedicated funding has already been implemented, and efforts are underway to transform Junnar taluka into a tourism hub. Memorial projects honouring Maratha valour at Agra, Panipat, Sangameshwar, Tulapur and Vadhu Budruk are also progressing, she added.
During the programme, the ‘Shivner Bhushan’ awards were conferred on distinguished personalities, including progressive farmer (late) Pankaj Vaman, Dr Vinod Sitaram Hande of Tata Cancer Hospital (Kharghar), Lt Ajinkya Meher, former Panchayat Samiti chairman Shivajirao Khaire and Sub-Lieutenant Shrutika Tathawade.
Several senior officials, public representatives and devotees were present at the celebration.
