Why is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti observed on 19 February?

The Maharashtra government officially announced on 9 February 2000 that Shiv Jayanti would be observed every year on 19 February — a date fixed from the Gregorian conversion of the traditional tithi, Phalgun Vadya Tritiya, Shaka 1551, after decades of discussion.

Is there a public holiday in Maharashtra for Shiv Jayanti?

Yes, 19 February is a public holiday in Maharashtra — government offices and schools remain closed.

How is Shiv Jayanti celebrated?

Through processions, cultural programmes (powada ballads), the main government programme in Mumbai, and special events at forts such as Raigad, Shivneri, and Sinhagad.

What is the difference between Shiv Jayanti and the tithi-based Shiv Jayanti?

This (fixed-date) version always falls on 19 February. The tithi-based version falls on Phalgun Vadya Tritiya, which shifts every year. Both refer to the same historical birth event.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is observed every year on 19 February — the birthday of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, founder of the Maratha Empire, and a public holiday in Maharashtra. This year (2026), 19 February falls on a Thursday.

This year's dates (2026)

Thursday; public holiday; the tithi/nakshatra above are just that day's incidental panchang detail — the date itself falls on 19 February every yearThursday, 19 February 2026

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Jayanti is observed in Maharashtra through two traditions. This date — 19 February — is the fixed Gregorian date set by the Maharashtra government. Alongside it, Shiv Jayanti (tithi-based) is also observed — it falls on Phalgun Vadya Tritiya, a tithi that shifts every year. Both dates trace back to the same historical birth event; neither is more correct or authentic than the other.

History & significance

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is regarded as the founder of Hindavi Swarajya and a symbol of Marathi pride. His Jayanti is observed at school, government, and public levels in memory of his justice, vision, and valour.

In the early twentieth century, social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule began publicly observing Shiv Jayanti in 1870; Lokmanya Tilak later widened the tradition. Around 1914, an old chronicle (the "Jedhe Shakavali") was found to record the birth date as "Phalgun Vadya Tritiya, Shaka 1551," which was matched to 19 February 1630 by the Gregorian calendar. A committee of historians appointed in the mid-1960s supported this date, though no formal decision followed at the time. After decades of discussion, then Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh officially announced on 9 February 2000 that Shiv Jayanti would be observed every year on 19 February — the date has remained on Maharashtra's civic calendar and public-holiday list ever since.

There is no historical consensus on Shivaji Maharaj's exact birth date, so the tithi-based tradition also continues to be observed by some groups and organisations. This page records that fact neutrally — deciding which date is "correct" is not possible.

Public holiday status

19 February is a public holiday in Maharashtra — government offices, schools, and many establishments remain closed. This status is reconfirmed by government notification each year, so it's worth checking the local notification closer to the date.

How it is observed

In Mumbai, the Governor pays tribute at the equestrian statue at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Maidan, followed by the main government programme organised by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, with cultural performances (powada ballads, patriotic songs). Processions, tableaus, lectures, and school cultural programmes are held across the state; garlands are offered at statues of Shivaji Maharaj.

Special programmes are reported at forts associated with Shivaji Maharaj — Raigad (site of his coronation), Shivneri (his birthplace), and Sinhagad. Local celebrations tend to be especially prominent in areas tied to Shivaji-era history, such as Kolhapur, Pune, and the Raigad region.

Shivaji Maharaj's son, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's Jayanti, falls on 14 May, and Maharashtra Day, tied to Marathi pride, is observed on 1 May.

Good to know

This is the fixed-date (19 February, government) version — don't confuse it with the tithi-based version (Phalgun Vadya Tritiya); both are separate observances, and neither is more correct.
Check the exact timing and route of fort programmes with the local administration beforehand.
Being a public holiday, government offices and most schools are closed — private establishments may vary.

FAQ

Why is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti observed on 19 February?: The Maharashtra government officially announced on 9 February 2000 that Shiv Jayanti would be observed every year on 19 February — a date fixed from the Gregorian conversion of the traditional tithi, Phalgun Vadya Tritiya, Shaka 1551, after decades of discussion.
Is there a public holiday in Maharashtra for Shiv Jayanti?: Yes, 19 February is a public holiday in Maharashtra — government offices and schools remain closed.
How is Shiv Jayanti celebrated?: Through processions, cultural programmes (powada ballads), the main government programme in Mumbai, and special events at forts such as Raigad, Shivneri, and Sinhagad.
Who fixed the government date for Shiv Jayanti, and when?: Then Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh announced on 9 February 2000 that Shiv Jayanti would be observed every year on 19 February, after decades of discussion among historians' committees.
What is the difference between Shiv Jayanti and the tithi-based Shiv Jayanti?: This (fixed-date) version always falls on 19 February. The tithi-based version falls on Phalgun Vadya Tritiya, which shifts every year. Both refer to the same historical birth event.