Shivrajyabhishek Sohala 2025

 On June 6, 2025, Maharashtra’s iconic Raigad Fort will witness the 352nd Shivrajyabhishek Sohala, commemorating the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1674. Organised by a committee led by the Kolhapur royal family, this two-day event includes traditional rituals, cultural performances, and mass participation, celebrating the legacy of the Maratha Empire’s founder and the spirit of Swarajya.

Every year on June 6, thousands gather at Raigad Fort, perched high in the Sahyadri mountain range, to commemorate a landmark event in Indian history, the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. On this day in 1674, Shivaji Maharaj was formally crowned as the sovereign ruler of the Maratha kingdom, marking the official establishment of an independent state amidst the Mughal empire’s dominance. This moment symbolised not only political independence but also a cultural renaissance grounded in indigenous values, governance, and identity. The Shivrajyabhishek Sohala is more than a remembrance; it is a powerful cultural expression that connects present generations to the ideals of Swarajya - self-rule, justice, social welfare, and respect for diversity. The event stands as a reminder of Shivaji’s vision to govern with fairness and to protect the dignity and freedom of his people.

Organisational Stewardship By The Kolhapur Royal FamilyThe event is organised under the stewardship of a dedicated committee headed by the Kolhapur royal family, who are the direct descendants of Shivaji Maharaj. The family plays a key role in preserving the ceremonial authenticity and historical sanctity of the occasion. Their involvement ensures that all rituals, from the initial prayers to the symbolic coronation ceremony, adhere closely to documented historical practices and cultural norms. This committee collaborates with local authorities and cultural groups to manage the event's logistics, security, and participation, making it a well-organised and deeply respectful occasion. Ceremonial Activities and Cultural Festivities

The Shivrajyabhishek Sohala spans two days, traditionally beginning on June 5 with devotional rituals at the nearby Jagadishwar Temple, which holds historical significance related to Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha dynasty. The next day, a grand procession ascends the fort’s rugged pathways, carrying the royal seal known as the Rajmudra, the saffron flag, ceremonial swords, and other symbolic items. Participants and spectators dressed in traditional Maratha attire add to the vibrancy, joining in Lezim dance, a traditional folk dance involving rhythmic steps and twirling sticks, accompanied by the thunderous beats of dhol-tasha drums. Poetic powadas narrate tales of Shivaji Maharaj’s bravery, strategic genius, and leadership, preserving oral history through song. At the original coronation site within the fort, a symbolic Rajyabhishek  ceremony is conducted, often led by a descendant from the Kolhapur royal family, who dons regal attire to symbolically continue the legacy. This moment serves as the spiritual and emotional peak of the event, drawing deep reverence from attendees.