The Maharashtra government has issued guidelines for the Shivaji Jayanti, which falls on February 19.
In the wake of coronavirus pandemic, the state government has banned processions and cultural-religious programs and urged people to have a simple celebration this year. However, a gathering of around 100 people has been allowed on the day.
Moreover, the processions, motorbike rallies should be avoided and cultural programs should be telecast through cable networks or online platforms instead of holding them in public, the guidelines said.
Statues or portraits of Shivaji Maharaj can be garlanded in the presence of a maximum of 10 persons by observing social distancing, the government said. Blood donation camps and programs to spread awareness about COVID-19, malaria, dengue and other diseases should be organized while observing social distancing, the guidelines advised.
Shiv Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the iconic 17th-century ruler, is celebrated with great fervour in the state. Shivaji Maharaj was born on February 19, 1630, on the Shivneri fort in Pune district and people gather on that and other forts in large numbers on the midnight of February 18 every year, the official statement noted.
But this time, the revellers gathering at forts (built by Shivaji Maharaj) at the midnight of February 18, have been advised to keep the celebration low key.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have criticised the government for the restricting the celebration of birth anniversary of great Maratha warrior.
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