When is Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Jayanti?

Every year on 14 May — a fixed Gregorian date that does not shift with the panchang tithi.

Where was Sambhaji Maharaj born?

At Purandar Fort (present-day Pune district), on 14 May 1657 — as the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Sai Bai.

Is there a public holiday in Maharashtra for Sambhaji Maharaj Jayanti?

No — it is a widely observed cultural and memorial date, but not a gazetted public holiday.

How is Sambhaji Maharaj Jayanti observed?

Through processions, lectures, and cultural programmes, especially within Marathi society; garlands are offered at his portraits and statues.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Jayanti

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Jayanti is observed every year on 14 May — the birthday of Sambhaji Maharaj, the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire and the eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This year (2026), 14 May falls on a Thursday.

This year's dates (2026)

Thursday; not a public holiday; the panchang also prominently carries a second, tithi-based observance, Pradosh, on this date — see Good to know14 May

Sambhaji Maharaj was born on 14 May 1657 at Purandar Fort (present-day Pune district). After the death of his father, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, he led the Maratha Empire from 1681 to 1689.

History & significance

Sambhaji Maharaj was born to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Sai Bai. Sai Bai passed away when he was two years old, so he was raised by his grandmother, Jijabai. After his father's death, Sambhaji Maharaj took charge of the Maratha Empire and ruled until 1689. His valour and struggle to defend the empire are remembered on his Jayanti across Maharashtra.

This page focuses on Sambhaji Maharaj's historical life and the Jayanti tradition itself.

Public holiday status

Sambhaji Maharaj Jayanti is not a gazetted public holiday in Maharashtra — it does not carry the same government holiday status as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti or Maharashtra Day. It is a widely observed cultural and memorial date.

How it is observed

Processions, lectures, and cultural programmes are held across Maharashtra; people offer garlands at portraits and statues of Sambhaji Maharaj. Programmes on his life and valour are organised, especially within Marathi society. This Jayanti is generally seen as holding particular cultural significance in Pune district (home to Purandar Fort, his birthplace) and in regions tied to Konkan/Maratha history.

Good to know

Unlike Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti or Maharashtra Day, there is no public holiday in Maharashtra for Sambhaji Maharaj Jayanti.
On this date (14 May), the calendar may also prominently show Pradosh, a separate observance — the date itself remains fixed and accurate, falling on 14 May every year regardless of the panchang tithi.

Check the exact time and venue of local programmes with the organising body beforehand.

FAQ

When is Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Jayanti?: Every year on 14 May — a fixed Gregorian date that does not shift with the panchang tithi.
Where was Sambhaji Maharaj born?: At Purandar Fort (present-day Pune district), on 14 May 1657 — as the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Sai Bai.
Is there a public holiday in Maharashtra for Sambhaji Maharaj Jayanti?: No — it is a widely observed cultural and memorial date, but not a gazetted public holiday.
How is Sambhaji Maharaj Jayanti observed?: Through processions, lectures, and cultural programmes, especially within Marathi society; garlands are offered at his portraits and statues.