History
Shiv Jayanti was first started and celebrated by Lokmanya Tilak in 1895 with the first event in Pune. Lockmanya Tilak worked to unite people during British Oppression through Shiv Jayanti. Since then Shiv Jayanti expanded on a large scale. In the 20th century, Babasaheb Ambedkar also celebrated Shiv Jayanti, (19 Feb, according to Julian date) who was twice the president of Shiv Jayanti's program. Shiv Jayanti is the birth anniversary of great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shivaji Jayanti is celebrated every year on Indian Solar 30th Magh or Gregorian 19th February. Shivaji Maharaj was born on Indian Solar Magh 30, 1551/Gregorian February 19, 1630, in Shivneri Fort. Shivaji Maharaj is considered as the greatest Maratha ruler who carved an enclave from the declining Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur that became the start of the Maratha Empire. At the young age of 16, Shivaji Maharaj seized the Torna fort and by the age of 17 had seized the Raigad and Kondana forts. Shivaji Maharaj as he is popularly known was named Shivaji Bhonsle and was a member of the Bhonsle Maratha clan. Shivaji promoted the use of Marathi and Sanskrit in court and administration, rather than using Persian which was the norm in those times.
