Why is Rajmata Jijau Jayanti celebrated?

It marks the birthday (12 January 1598) of Rajmata Jijau, mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

When and where was Rajmata Jijau born?

On 12 January 1598, in Sindkhed Raja, Buldhana district, Maharashtra.

How did Jijabai shape Shivaji Maharaj?

She gave him military training, values from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and principles of statecraft, and capably managed the administration of Pune during his campaigns.

Is there a public holiday on Jijau Jayanti?

No. Maharashtra observes 12 January as a government programme day (a garlanding ceremony at government/semi-government offices and schools), but this date does not appear on the state's official list of public holidays — so it isn't a holiday binding on all establishments.

How is Jijau Jayanti celebrated at Sindkhed Raja?

A grand birth-anniversary celebration, cultural programmes, and historical tableaux are held around the Jijau Mahal complex.

Rajmata Jijau Jayanti

Rajmata Jijau Jayanti is observed every year on 12 January — the birthday of Rajmata Jijabai, mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (born 12 January 1598, in Sindkhed Raja, Buldhana district). She is regarded as a foundational influence on Shivaji Maharaj's upbringing from childhood — his military training, moral values, and the principles of statecraft. In 2026, the day falls on a Monday.

This year's dates (2026)

Monday; a government commemoration day — not a public holidayMonday, 12 January 2026

The date is fixed every year, independent of the panchang's tithi or nakshatra. The Maharashtra government observes this day as an official commemorative programme day, but it is not a public holiday (see "Government status" below).

History & background

Jijabai was born on 12 January 1598 in Sindkhed Raja (present-day Buldhana district). Her father, Lakhuji Jadhav, was a prominent noble under the Nizamshahi and belonged to the Jadhavrao Deshmukh family of Sindkhed.

She married Shahaji Raje Bhosale around 1609-1610 at Devgiri (Daulatabad) fort. Shivaji Maharaj was born at Shivneri fort, and Jijabai gave him military training along with lessons from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the principles of statecraft from the Shanti Parva. She managed the administration of Pune during Shivaji Maharaj's campaigns — she had the Lal Mahal built in Pune, brought fallow land under cultivation, and laid out gardens such as Shahabaug.

Just 11 days after Shivaji Maharaj's coronation (6 June 1674, Raigad), Jijabai passed away on 17 June 1674 at Pachad village near Raigad.

Government status

Maharashtra's General Administration Department has designated 12 January as an official commemorative programme day ("Jijau Mansaheb Jayanti") — a garlanding of the portrait — at the Secretariat and all government/semi-government offices, colleges, and schools. However, this date is not a public holiday in Maharashtra — it does not appear on the state's official list of public holidays.

How it is marked

A grand birth-anniversary celebration is held every year around the Jijau Mahal complex in Sindkhed Raja, Buldhana — including cultural programmes, historical tableaux, and displays of valour. Government and public offices across the state garland portraits of Jijabai, while schools and colleges hold lectures and cultural events.

Good to know

This date (12 January, birthday) is fixed every year.
It's an official government programme day, but not a public holiday binding on all establishments — check locally whether banks or offices near you are open as usual.
Avoid confusing Rajmata Jijau (mother of Shivaji Maharaj) with other historical figures who share a similar name.

FAQ

Why is Rajmata Jijau Jayanti celebrated?: It marks the birthday (12 January 1598) of Rajmata Jijau, mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
When and where was Rajmata Jijau born?: On 12 January 1598, in Sindkhed Raja, Buldhana district, Maharashtra.
How did Jijabai shape Shivaji Maharaj?: She gave him military training, values from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and principles of statecraft, and capably managed the administration of Pune during his campaigns.
Is there a public holiday on Jijau Jayanti?: No. Maharashtra observes 12 January as a government programme day (a garlanding ceremony at government/semi-government offices and schools), but this date does not appear on the state's official list of public holidays — so it isn't a holiday binding on all establishments.
How is Jijau Jayanti celebrated at Sindkhed Raja?: A grand birth-anniversary celebration, cultural programmes, and historical tableaux are held around the Jijau Mahal complex.