CM Fadnavis attends 'Praudh Pratap Purandar' maha-natya in Sambhajinagar
Synopsis
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis attended the historical Marathi maha-natya 'Praudh Pratap Purandar' as chief guest in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on 1 November 2026, underscoring the state government's commitment to Maratha heritage and Marathwada's growing cultural profile.
Key Takeaways
CM Devendra Fadnavis attended the Marathi maha-natya 'Praudh Pratap Purandar' as chief guest on 1 November 2026 .
The event was held in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar , renamed in 2023 from Aurangabad to honour Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
The programme began at 7:15 PM IST and was live-streamed via Fadnavis's official X account.
Maharashtra CMs have a long tradition of attending historical plays as a gesture of Maratha heritage stewardship.
The event highlights Marathwada's emerging profile as a state-supported arts and cultural hub.
A grand historical spectacle lit up Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on the evening of 1 November 2026, as Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took his seat as the chief guest at 'प्रौढ प्रताप पुरंदर' ('Praudh Pratap Purandar') — a large-scale Marathi maha-natya, or grand historical play, beginning at 7:15 PM.
'Praudh Pratap Purandar' — a Marathi maha-natya takes centre stage
The title 'Praudh Pratap Purandar' — loosely translating to 'the mature and mighty glory of Purandar' — evokes the rich tradition of Marathi historical theatre that draws heavily from the Maratha empire's legacy. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, renamed in 2023 from Aurangabad to honour Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has emerged as a symbolic cultural capital for the Marathwada region, making it a fitting stage for such a production.
CM Fadnavis live-streamed the event announcement on X, signalling the occasion's public significance and inviting a wider audience to engage with the cultural moment.
Maharashtra CMs and the tradition of honouring Maratha heritage
Maharashtra's chief ministers have long used attendance at historical plays and cultural programmes as a visible gesture of commitment to the state's Maratha heritage. These appearances reinforce the government's positioning as a custodian of regional identity — particularly relevant in Marathwada, where the renaming of Aurangabad itself was a charged, long-sought act of cultural reclamation.
For Fadnavis, whose BJP-led government has leaned into heritage symbolism across Maharashtra, an evening at a grand historical drama in Sambhajinagar carries both cultural weight and political resonance in the heartland of the Maratha belt.
Sambhajinagar as a rising hub for state-supported arts
The choice of venue is telling. Since its renaming, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has increasingly attracted state-backed cultural investment, with Marathwada arts groups seeking greater representation in Maharashtra's festival calendar. A CM-attended maha-natya of this scale could signal momentum toward formal state-supported theatre festivals in the region — something cultural organisations here have long advocated for.
For the Marathi theatre world, a live-streamed, headline-grade evening like this is both a celebration and a bid for visibility. The curtain rose at 7:15 PM. The story it tells is older than the city's newest name.
Point of View
Where the 2023 renaming of Aurangabad remains a live symbol of the community's political assertions. By live-streaming the event, Fadnavis amplifies its reach beyond the venue, turning a regional cultural evening into a statewide narrative moment. If the government follows this with formal policy support for Marathwada theatre festivals, this night could be remembered as more than ceremonial.
NationPress
1 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Praudh Pratap Purandar'?
'Praudh Pratap Purandar' is a Marathi maha-natya, or grand historical play, evoking the Maratha empire's legacy. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis attended it as chief guest in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on 1 November 2026.
Where was the 'Praudh Pratap Purandar' event held?
The event was held in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, formerly known as Aurangabad, which was renamed in 2023 to honour Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
Why did CM Fadnavis attend the maha-natya?
CM Fadnavis attended as chief guest, continuing Maharashtra's tradition of chief ministers participating in historical plays to promote Maratha heritage and regional arts.
What is the significance of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar for Marathi culture?
Renamed in 2023 from Aurangabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is a symbolic cultural hub for Marathwada and a growing venue for state-supported heritage and arts programmes.
What is a maha-natya in Marathi theatre?
A maha-natya is a large-scale, grand theatrical production in the Marathi tradition, typically drawing on historical or mythological themes — often involving elaborate staging and large casts.
