In a tribute to the valiant legacy of the MARATHA Light Infantry Regiment, an epic cycle expedition covering 800 km was flagged off from MARATHA Light Infantry Regimental Center, Belgavi, on MARATHA Day, February 4, 2024. The cycling team, led by Maj Sandeep Kumar, embarked on a journey visiting major forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, ultimately culminating at the historic Sinhagad Fort.
MARATHA Day, celebrated on February 4, marks the capture of KONDHANA Fort by Tanaji Malusare. The battle for Kondhana holds unique significance, showcasing strategic and tactical lessons of warfare and highlighting the brilliance, motivation, and bravery of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Marathas.
The cycle expedition concluded on February 17, 2024, dovetailing into the ‘Commemoration Ceremony of the successful battle for Kondhana.’ This event served as a fitting tribute to Tanaji Malusare, acknowledging his contributions, achievements, and sacrifices during the capture of Kondhana, also known as Sinhagad Fort.
The ceremony featured speeches and narratives by distinguished personalities, including Cmde Shrikant Kesnur, Wg Cdr Shashikant Oak, and Lt Gen PJS Pannu, shedding light on maritime history, the Battle of Sinhgad, and the Light Infantry exploits and tactics of MARATHA LI, respectively.
The event concluded with a traditional Maratha ‘Jewan’ or meal, thoughtfully crafted to replicate the pre-battle meal taken by Tanaji Malusare at the very location before the Battle of Kondhana. The ceremony left attendees humbled, grateful, motivated, proud, happy, and invigorated, encapsulating a spectrum of emotions. The timing of the event on the eve of Shiv Jayanti added an extra layer of significance to this celebration of valor and history.
