Pune: The Akhil Bharatiya Shivmahotsav Samiti inaugurated the Shivmahotsav festival on Saturday (February 15), marking the beginning of a grand historical celebration. The event includes an exhibition at Lal Mahal, where visitors can explore Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj-era artifacts, rare weapons, and Mughal-era armory.
Exhibition Highlights: A Glimpse into Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Legacy
The exhibition features:
Weapons and Armory – Ancient swords, shields, spears, axes, tiger claws (Wagh Nakh), and various firearms.
Historical Artifacts – Shiv-era clothing, coins, cannonballs, and armor.
Mughal-Era Swords – A special section showcasing swords used during the Mughal period.
The exhibition, open from 9 AM to 9 PM until February 18, offers a rare opportunity to witness historical artifacts up close.
Grand Inauguration Ceremony
The festival was inaugurated by Sangli District Collector Ashok Kakade, in the presence of notable dignitaries, including:
MLA Siddharth Shirole
Sharadini Kakade
Shivmahotsav President Vikas Pasalkar
Former Deputy Mayor Deepak Mankar
Vitthal Jadhav (Maratha Seva Sangh)
Kailas Vadghule (Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Social Foundation)
Satish Shelar, Chandrakant Kadam, and Tanaji Shirole
Cultural Programs & Events
Apart from the exhibition, several cultural events will take place, including:
Deepotsav & Mashal Utsav (February 18, 5 PM) – A grand lamp-lighting and torch festival will be held at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial (SSPMS).
Interactive Learning for Children – The exhibit includes live demonstrations of how historical weapons like tiger claws were used, attracting special curiosity from children. Curators Mahesh Pawar and Ajay Shinde noted the growing interest among young visitors in learning about these historic weapons.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: The Warrior & Strategist
Speaking at the event, Sangli District Collector Ashok Kakade highlighted that Lal Mahal stands as a witness to many significant events in history. He emphasized:
“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s rule was dedicated to justice and the protection of women and the common people.”
“He was not just a warrior but also a visionary strategist, deeply knowledgeable about weaponry and warfare.”
A Well-Orchestrated Event
The festival’s success was attributed to the hard work of the organizing committee, including Sachin Bhamre, Mandar Bahirat, Akshay Ranpise, Sachin Joshi, Nilesh Ingwale, Mukesh Yadav, and Abhishek Vadghule.
