Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday, 6 June 2026, offered salutations to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the occasion of ShivRajyabhishek Din, marking the 352nd anniversary of the Maratha king's coronation at Raigad Fort.

Context

In his post, Fadnavis paid tribute in both English and Marathi, describing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as the 'visionary and indomitable founder of Hindavi Swarajya' and 'the greatest King.' The Marathi portion of the post reads: 'अखंड हिंदुस्थानचे आराध्य दैवत, हिंदवी स्वराज्य सरसंस्थापक, प्रजाहितदक्षक, युगप्रवर्तक' — ['the presiding deity of undivided Hindustan, the supreme founder of Hindavi Swarajya, a guardian of the people's welfare, a trailblazer of his era']. He concluded with a 'trivaar maanacha mujra' — a threefold salute of honour.

The hashtags #ShivRajyabhishek, #Raigad, and #Maharashtra accompanied the post, signalling its regional and historical resonance.

Policy Backdrop

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was crowned on 6 June 1674 at Raigad Fort in present-day Maharashtra, formally establishing the Hindavi Swarajya — a sovereign Maratha polity. The coronation is widely regarded as a landmark moment in the subcontinent's medieval history, representing an assertion of indigenous governance and administration.

Raigad Fort served as the capital of the early Maratha state and remains a site of deep historical and cultural significance. Annual commemorations at Raigad draw participation from political leaders, the Maratha community, and civic bodies across Maharashtra.

Stakeholders and Impact

The annual observance of ShivRajyabhishek Din holds particular resonance for the Maratha community and the broader population of Maharashtra. Political leaders across party lines traditionally mark the occasion with public tributes, reflecting the enduring place of Shivaji Maharaj's legacy in Maharashtra's civic identity.

As Chief Minister, Fadnavis's tribute carries official weight, reinforcing the state government's acknowledgement of the day. Maharashtra governments have long maintained the practice of formal observances tied to ShivRajyabhishek Din, including events at Raigad Fort.

What's Next

State government programmes around Raigad Fort conservation and heritage preservation remain an area to watch in connection with annual ShivRajyabhishek Din observances. The commemoration also provides a recurring platform for political and cultural discourse around Shivaji Maharaj's administrative legacy and its relevance to contemporary governance in Maharashtra.