Maharashtra: Preparations in Full Swing for Shiv Rajyabhishek Sohala at Raigad Fort
Raigad, 6th June 2025: Intensive preparations are underway at Maharashtra’s historic Raigad Fort for the 352nd edition of the Shivrajyabhishek Sohala, commemorating the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The two-day festival, set for June 5-6, is expected to draw thousands of devotees, historians, and cultural enthusiasts from across the country.
The event will begin with devotional ceremonies at the Jagadishwar Temple, followed by a grand procession ascending the fort’s steep pathways. Participants will carry the royal seal (Rajmudra), saffron flags, and ceremonial swords, all while dressed in traditional Maratha attire. The air will resonate with the rhythmic beats of dhol-tasha drums and the energetic Lezim folk dance, as well as powada performances recounting Shivaji Maharaj’s valor and leadership.
The Kolhapur royal family, direct descendants of Shivaji Maharaj, are leading the organizing committee. Their stewardship ensures that all rituals, especially the symbolic Rajyabhishek (coronation) ceremony, adhere to historical authenticity and cultural tradition. The family collaborates with local authorities and cultural groups to coordinate logistics, security, and crowd management, maintaining the event’s sanctity and smooth execution.
The Sohala is marked by strong grassroots participation, with many devotees trekking to Raigad Fort, some barefoot, as an act of devotion. Volunteer groups are arranging community meals and cleanliness drives, reinforcing the event’s social welfare dimension and fostering collective pride among attendees.
Local authorities have ramped up preparations, including setting up temporary facilities for visitors, deploying security personnel, and coordinating with cultural organizations for crowd control. Special arrangements are being made to accommodate the influx of pilgrims from various regions, including Vidarbha, where ceremonial palkhis have already begun their journey to Raigad.
Beyond the rituals and celebrations, the Shivrajyabhishek Sohala serves as a vital platform for educating new generations about Shivaji Maharaj’s ideals, justice, self-rule, and inclusive governance, while preserving the Maratha legacy for posterity.
As the historic fort readies for this grand occasion, the Rajyabhishek Sohala stands as a powerful reminder of Maharashtra’s rich heritage and the enduring spirit of Swarajya.
