Ahead of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, which will be celebrated on February 19, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray approved a proposal to allow the procession and gathering as the COVID-19 cases drop significantly.
As per the official statement released by the CMO, 200 people can attend the Shiv Jayanti procession or the "Shivjyot march" while maximum of 500 people can attend the celebrations.
Several Shivbhatks also come together to celebrate the birth anniversary of Maratha warrior King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on a large scale in the local areas of the city and the state. In addition, many go to forts like Shivneri (the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj) to celebrate Shiv Jayanti at midnight; however, they are expected to follow established protocol.
However, the CM has appealed citizens to follow all COVID-19 protocols such as social distancing, wearing masks mandatorily and proper sanitisation.
The home department said that morning rallies, bike rallies and processions are not allowed. Those garlanding Shivaji statues have to follow social distancing norms.
Meanwhile, now Shiv Sena MLAs have urged the MVA government-led by Uddhav Thackeray to celebrate Shiv Jayanti on a single day instead of celebrating it on two different, which will be celebrated on March 21, this year.
Moreover, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) held a meeting to plan preparations for Shivaji Maharaj birthday celebrations on February 12. PMC officials, police and various representative were present at the meeting.
The delegation led by NCP Pune President Prashant Jagtap and Pune district party spokesperson Pradeep Deshmukh along with others Party workers appealed to NCP leader and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar to allow grand celebrations this year on the occasion of upcoming Shiv Jayanti. This comes as from last two years, looking at pandemic situation of COVID-19, no procession, no gathering were organised.
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