Under the vibrant banner of Maharashtra Mandal Tanzania, the 394th birth anniversary of Hindu Hridaysamrat Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was celebrated with great fervor at the auditorium of Lakshmi Narayan Temple of Sanatan Dharma Sabha in Dar-e-Salaam. The festivities included a procession, cultural performances, and insightful speeches, making it a memorable event for the attendees.
The celebration kicked off with a lively procession featuring the statue of Maharaj, accompanied by Bal Shivaji on horseback and two Mavlas, adding grandeur to the event. Women of Maharashtra Mandal, adorned in traditional attire, performed the traditional Lejhim dance in front of Shivaji Maharaj’s statue, while men chanted enthusiastic slogans, filling the air with energy. The procession, lasting two hours, traversed through key locations, ending back at the main gate of the temple.
The chief guest for the occasion was Charge D’Affairs (Acting) Indian High Commissioner Manoj Verma, accompanied by his wife Poonam Verma. Dr. Soumya Chauhan, Director of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, also graced the event. Kamalakar Bhatbhat, Founder and Patron of Maharashtra Mandal, Tanzania, and Ruchita Ahirrao and Varsha Shirsagar, who crafted a captivating rangoli of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the stage, were also present.
The program commenced with the installation of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the auditorium, followed by garland offerings and worship by the guests. The lighting of the lamp marked the official start of the event, and the women of Maharashtra Mandal celebrated the birthday of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by singing Palana songs in accordance with Maharashtra culture.
His Excellency Manoj Verma, in his speech, emphasized the need for today’s younger generation to embrace the thoughts and ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Maharashtra Mandal President Shri Sambhaji Patil echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of imparting Shivaji Maharaj’s bravery, strategy, and efficient leadership to the younger generation.
The event also witnessed speeches from prominent figures like Kamalakar Bhatbhat and Nitin Waghmare, Country Manager of Ashok Leyland Tanzania Company. Waghmare highlighted the importance of teaching Shivaji Maharaj’s policies in schools and colleges to strengthen the culture and war policy of the country.
Cultural performances included Swapnil Ahirrao presenting the Marathi language song “Povaada,” depicting the story of brave men rhythmically. Local children of Tanzania showcased their talent with the Marathi song “Shoor Amhi Sardar,” earning thunderous applause. The Indian School of Dar-e-Salaam children mesmerized the audience with a dance performance, demonstrating their reverence for Shivaji Maharaj.
Neena Mishra and Mahesh Sharma, singers from the Hindi Hain Hum antarashtriya Sahitya Manch, presented a soulful song, further adding to the cultural richness of the event. The program, flawlessly anchored by Suryakant Sutar ‘Surya’ and Gaurangi Bhandare, kept the audience engaged till the last performance.
Approximately four hundred people attended the festival, and Maharashtra Mandal Tanzania ensured food arrangements for all attendees after the program.
