The air at Pratapgad Fort on Sunday was filled with the continuous sound of drums, shouts of “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki jai,” the thrilling notes of trumpets and cymbals, and the sight of flowers showered on the equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from helicopters. The event also showcased various brave sports from the era, all celebrated with immense enthusiasm.
In the morning on Sunday, a grand puja was performed in a devotional atmosphere by Satara Chief Executive Officer Yashni Nagarajan, Chief Executive Officer of Kolhapur Zila Parishad Karthikeyan S, Superintendent of Police Sameer Shaikh, and Additional District Collector Jeevan Galande. The temple of Goddess Bhavani was the center of the ceremony, where dignitaries gathered for the worship of the flagpole. The saffron flag, a symbol of Shivshahi, was hoisted by Kanchan Sawant, the Sarpanch of Kumbharoshi. The area was filled with the resonant sound of drums, trumpets, and lezims, adding to the grandeur of the occasion.
शिवमय वातावरणात आणि उत्साहात प्रतापगड येथे शिवप्रताप दिन साजरा
ढोल ताशांचा निरंतर गजर, छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराजांचा जयघोष, रोमांच उभा करणारा तुताऱ्या, झांजांचा आवाज
छत्रपतींच्या अश्वारूढ पुतळ्यावर हेलिकॉप्टरमधून पुष्पवर्षाव pic.twitter.com/qiuya7sMtB
— DISTRICT INFORMATION OFFICE, SATARA (@Info_Satara) December 8, 2024
Following the aarti of Goddess Bhavani, the palanquin of honor was worshipped by dignitaries. The procession carrying the idol of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj began with the sound of the palanquin, as all dignitaries, including the Superintendent of Police and the Additional District Collector, took part in carrying it and leading the procession. The procession route was alive with the sounds of lezims, trumpets, and the cheering of students from Zila Parishad Primary Schools in Javali, Dare, and Wada Kumbharoshi, along with children walking on sticks.
Upon reaching the horse-mounted statue of Shivaji Maharaj, flowers were offered to the statue, and the palanquin was worshipped with devotion. The atmosphere was filled with the chants of “Kshatriya Kulavatans…” and slogans in praise of Shivaji Maharaj. Dignitaries hoisted the saffron flag on the platform in front of the statue, followed by a salute from the band of the Satara Police Force, which played various tunes. Shahir Suraj Jadhav and his team presented a spirited powada, “Pratapgadcha Ransangram.”
Chhawa Yuva Manch President Uday Yadav, along with students of all ages, presented captivating demonstrations of historical games such as lathi-kathi, sword fighting, dandpatta, fire wheel, and ganimikawa.
Wai Provincial Officer Rajendra Kachre-Patil, Mahabaleshwar Municipal Council Chief Officer Yogesh Patil, Primary Education Officer Shabnam Mujawar, along with officers from various departments and a large number of residents and students, also participated in the celebration.
Meanwhile, controversy arose regarding the appointment of security guards for the equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on Fort Pratapgad. Villagers from Pratapgad and Wada Kumbharoshi expressed anger over the appointment of three security guards from other regions, sidelining local candidates. This issue has led to a warning of agitation, as a statement was submitted to the Panchayat Samiti in Mahabaleshwar.
The Gram Panchayat Pratapgad, Wada Kumbharoshi had been instructed to appoint three security guards for the statue through the Executive Engineer of the Zilla Parishad in Satara and the Satara District Security Guard Board. As part of the process, the names of candidates were gathered by the Gram Sabha, and their documents were verified in front of the Kumbharoshi Sarpanch, Gram Panchayat members, and villagers. Physical tests and health checks were also conducted. Despite the local candidates being found eligible, the community was surprised to learn that three migrant security guards were appointed instead, leaving the locals dissatisfied.
This situation has sparked anger among the villagers of Pratapgad and Kumbharoshi. In response, Pratapgad Authority Special Invitee Member and Shiv Sena Mahabaleshwar City President Vijay Naidu, BJP Kamgar Morcha West Maharashtra General Secretary Sunny More, BJP Mahabaleshwar City In-charge Rajendra Pawar, Republican Party of India City President Vinay Gaikwad, BJP Yuva Morcha Taluka President Anil Langi, Yuva Morcha Taluka Vice President Rishi Sapkal, along with other political leaders, submitted a memorandum to Education Officer Anand Palse at the Panchayat Samiti. The memorandum demands the immediate cancellation of the appointments and the appointment of the candidates selected at the Gram Panchayat level.
