Pune: The town of Tulapur witnessed an overwhelming gathering of devotees on the occasion of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s 336th death anniversary.
Thousands of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj followers arrived carrying saffron flags, sacred flames, and participating in grand processions, filling the air with enthusiastic chants of "Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj ki Jai" and "Har Har Mahadev."
The commemorative palanquin procession, official tributes, floral showers, and traditional folk performances marked the day-long observance. Political leaders, government officials, and devotees from across Maharashtra paid their respects at the historic site.
Grand Processions and Cultural Performances
Organized by the Pune Zilla Parishad, Haveli Panchayat Samiti, and Tulapur Gram Panchayat, the event featured:
Silent march in honor of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj
Government-led worship and police honor guard
Saffron-clad processions carrying sacred flames (jyoti) from different regions
Traditional performances including powadas (historical ballads), dandpatta martial arts displays, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj-era lectures
Blood donation and health check-up camps
The event was attended by prominent leaders, including Deputy CMs Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol, and MPs Udayanraje Bhosale and Nilesh Lanke. Various MLAs, former legislators, and administrative officials also marked their presence, offering floral tributes.
Unprecedented Participation in Blood Donation Drive
The Vadhu Budruk blood donation camp, which usually collects 700-800 blood bags annually, saw an extraordinary response this year, with nearly 5,000 blood bags collected by evening, as per the Dharmaveer Sambhaji Raje Youth Committee.
Government to Support Statewide Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Processions
A 300-strong Dindi procession from Nanded arrived at Vadhu Budruk, highlighting the growing statewide devotion to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Speaking at the event, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde announced government support for similar processions across Maharashtra, recognizing their role in preserving Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s legacy.
