Shivneri Fort — Maharashtra leaders marked Shiv Janmotsav with a traditional cradle-rocking ceremony Tuesday at the hilltop fortress where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born in 1630. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, flanked by Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, gently swayed the ornate cradle symbolizing Bal Shivaji, the child who would found the Maratha empire.

Chants of ‘Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji’ filled the air as devotees gathered under clear skies. Traditional lullabies echoed through the fort’s ancient walls, honoring Rajmata Jijau, Shivaji’s mother whose upbringing instilled values of courage and independence. Officials described the ritual as a blend of devotion and state tribute to Maharashtra’s founding hero.

Fadnavis addressed the crowd, praising Shivaji’s legacy of self-rule and bravery. “Shivneri stands as a symbol of our cultural heritage,” he said, according to organizers. Shinde and Pawar followed with similar remarks, emphasizing unity and pride in Maratha history.

The fort, perched 3,500 feet above Junnar in Pune district, attracts pilgrims year-round. Tuesday’s event amplified its role as a spiritual hub. Devotees offered flowers and prayers at the cradle site, a silver swing said to be the exact spot of Shivaji’s infancy. Security was tight, with police managing crowds estimated at over 10,000.

Local traditions recall Jijau’s determination during Shivaji’s birth amid political turmoil under Adilshahi rule. The ‘pālna’ ceremony reenacts her nurturing, with leaders participating to invoke blessings for governance rooted in dharma. Historians note Shivneri’s strategic location aided early Maratha resistance.

Beyond the ritual, cultural programs featured folk dances and speeches on Shivaji’s administrative genius, including revenue reforms and naval innovations. The celebration highlights ongoing reverence in Maharashtra politics, where Shivaji’s ideals shape rallies and manifestos.

Organizers from the Shivneri Sansthan reported smooth proceedings despite the fort’s rugged access via steep steps. No incidents were reported. The event concluded with an aarti and distribution of prasad, leaving attendees inspired by the site’s enduring pull.

Shiv Janmotsav, observed on the Jayanti tithi in Jyeshtha month, rotates dates annually. This year’s drew top state figures, signaling political harmony after recent coalition tensions. Residents of nearby villages joined, turning the fort into a sea of saffron flags.