Watch video: Indian army soldiers pay tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji in sub-zero temperature

Annually on February 19, the commemoration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti takes place. On Monday, India observed his 394th birth anniversary. PM Narendra Modi along with soldiers paid their tributes to the 17th-century warrior king of Maratha in the presence of the Maharaj Statue in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir. 

The temperatures reached below 0 degrees in the India-Pakistan Line of Control ceremony premises. The ground was covered in snow as the group gathered to pay respect. Despite the trying weather conditions the soldiers wholeheartedly honored the king.    

Commemoration ceremony

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected on  Chhatrapati Shivaji's courage, warrior spirit, organized leadership, valiant fighting spirit, dedication to cultural preservation, and adaption of sound governance. The leader voiced the emotion of many individuals of India, who admire the leader and are grateful for his contributions to the nation.  

Watch ceremony here:

कुपवाडा येथील भारत- पाक नियंत्रण रेषेजवळ #शिवजयंती सोहळा साजरा. हिमवर्षावात छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराजांना जवांनाकडून अभिवादन. मुख्यमंत्री @mieknathshinde यांच्याकडून भारतीय लष्कराच्या जवानांचे अभिनंदन#छत्रपतीशिवाजीमहाराजजयंती@MahaDGIPR pic.twitter.com/ZlPUfNPefx

— DISTRICT INFORMATION OFFICE, PUNE (@Info_Pune) February 19, 2024

PM Modi's post on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti: 

Tributes to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his Jayanti. A visionary leader, fearless warrior, protector of culture and embodiment of good governance, his life inspires generations. pic.twitter.com/4lF1IIAaFw

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 19, 2024

Governor of Maharashtra Ramesh Bais commemorated the event at Raj Bhavan by laying floral tributes. The deputy chief ministers of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, and Devendra Fadnavis, as well as chief minister Eknath Shinde, took part in the festivities at Shivneri Fort.

CM Shinde praised Chhatrapati Shivaji:

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde)

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde)

Legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was born on Feburary 19, 1630 in Shivneri Fort, Kusur. He established a kingdom that is renowned as one of history's most formidable empires, the Maratha Empire. 

He is considered to be one of the most supreme warriors in the history of India. He is popularly recalled for his military skills and fought in opposition to the Mughal Empire. His command of administrative skills is also admired. His legacy is still revisited today.