Monday, March 28, 2005

Shivaji Jayanti

Its "Shivaji Jayanti" (birthday of Shivaji Maharaj, a Maratha king) today as per the Hindu calendar. Many celebrations were held in different parts of Mumbai including poojas and processions.

I have a great respect for Shivaji Maharaj. A lot of what Maharashtra is today, I feel, can be attributed to him. One comparison of Maharashtra's cultural state of affairs (barring Mumbai - which is a mix anyways) can tell you about the history.

Shivaji Maharaj actively sought help and advice from Swami Ramdas (one of the saints of Maharshtra) as well encouraged and patronised many other saints and temples. These saints were, in turn, part of starting a spiritual movement that soon gripped most of Maharashtra and the people became very God-fearing as well as spiritually devout.

Even today, most Maharashtrians (original residents of Maharashtra) start their day listening to songs (abhangs) composed by these saints. Of course, the credit for popularising the abhangs in the 70s and 80s should be given to Pt. Bhimsen Joshi (and the music composers) as well as to All India Radio for broadcasting these songs on radio.

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