Massive Shiv Aarti at 12 Iconic Forts Built by Shivaji Maharaj to Celebrate Heritage Status Recognition
The celebrations kicked off Saturday at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park in Dadar, where Minister for Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar offered floral tributes at the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
To celebrate UNESCO awarding the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ World Heritage Site status on 12 forts built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of ‘Hindavi Swarajya’, the Mumbai BJP will organise ‘Shiv aarti’ and ‘Shiv jallosh’ at 106 locations in the city on Sunday.
The forts built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj are not merely architectural marvels, they stand as enduring symbols of valour and vision that defined ‘Hindavi Swarajya’. The celebrations kicked off Saturday at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park in Dadar, where Minister for Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar offered floral tributes at the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj amid the sounds of dhol-tasha.
On July 11, 2025, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, during its 47th session in Paris, inscribed the “Maratha Military Landscapes of India”, recognizing 12 iconic forts built or strengthened by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, as UNESCO World Heritage Sites – marking India’s 44th entry on the prestigious global list
In response, Maharashtra celebrated by organizing grand Shiv Aarti ceremonies across all 12 heritage-listed forts, marking a spiritual tribute fused with cultural pride and SEO‑power messaging.
The term “Shiv Aarti“ signifies a devotional ritual honoring Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This ritual was held ceremony-wide at all 12 forts following the UNESCO listing, blending heritage recognition with spiritual homage.
Spiritual resonance: By performing Shiv Aarti at each fort, Maharashtra fused devotion with cultural pride, invoking blessings and aligning the recognition with spiritual reverence.
SEO appeal: The phrase “Shiv Aarti at 12 heritage‑listed Shivaji forts” is rich in relevant keywords—Shivaji Maharaj, heritage forts, UNESCO listing, cultural pride—making it stand out in online visibility.
Political symbolism: Political leaders across parties praised the UNESCO recognition as a triumph of Marathi heritage and national identity. The BJP leveraged this momentum through orchestrated Aarti events in Mumbai and beyond
January 2024: India nominated the Maratha Military Landscapes under India’s UNESCO tentative list for 2024–25, featuring the 12 forts
February 2025: A high‑level delegation led by Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar travelled to Paris to present the case—supported by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and officials from ASI, Ministry of Culture, and architecture experts
July 11, 2025: UNESCO granted the World Heritage status, citing outstanding universal value, unique military architecture, integration with diverse landscapes, and global historical importance
PM Narendra Modi called it a moment of national pride, urging Indians to visit the forts and experience Maratha governance, military strength, cultural pride, and social welfare values firsthand
CM Devendra Fadnavis described the recognition as “historic” and “glorious,” expressing gratitude to all contributors and emphasizing the need for preservation, tourism, and scholarly study
Political parties such as NCP’s Sharad Pawar, MNS’s Raj Thackeray, and Congress leaders underscored the recognition as a cultural triumph—while urging better preservation and equitable governance
Situated in the Nashik region, Salher was the site of the largest battle of the Marathas, demonstrating military mastery and control over the Sahyadri terrain.
Birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj in 1630 — a symbolic source of his vision and Vijaya spirit.
Nestled near Lonavala | key treasury storage spot for Shivaji after 1670; also site of ancient Jain inscriptions dating to 1st century BC
Naval extension near Mumbai — critical for coastal defense against colonial forces; now known as Sinhagad in Pune region.
Shivaji’s capital seat and coronation site — epitome of Maratha sovereignty and administrative legacy.
Once chief fortress before Raigad — vital during Shivaji’s early rule and strategic planning center.
Site of Shivaji’s legendary victory over Afzal Khan in 1659 — hallmark of Maratha valor and leadership
Sea forts guarding the Konkan coast — designed as maritime fortresses against colonial enemies.
Over 800 years old, reinforced extensively by Shivaji and used during Battle of Pavan Khind; zig‑zag layout gave it the nickname “Fort of Snakes”
Known as the “Eastern Gibraltar,” a coastal fort expanded by Shivaji with high bastions and able to anchor warships invisibly
Located in Tamil Nadu — northernmost extension of Shivaji’s military reach; recognized for strategic southern campaigns.
The Aarti performed at each fort symbolized homage to Shivaji Maharaj’s ideals—courage, Swarajya, discipline, and devotion. These rituals infused a spiritual layer into cultural celebration.
News tags like “Shiv Aarti at 12 UNESCO‑listed Shivaji forts”, “Heritage Shiv Aarti ceremony across Shivaji forts 12”, and “UNESCO fort sites Shivaji Aarti event 2025” are SEO‑rich, tying devotional, historical, and heritage keywords together for powerful online visibility.
Ceremonies were coordinated or endorsed by political leadership to project stewardship of Marathi heritage and build public engagement before upcoming civic elections in Maharashtra
UNESCO status triggers strict conservation norms and potential funding protocols. The State government has initiated efforts to clear unauthorized encroachments and form dedicated committees headed by district collectors to preserve integrity and architecture
Elevated to world‑heritage status, the forts are positioned to draw both domestic and international tourists—people interested in Indian history, military engineering, Maratha legacy, and cultural experiences. The state plans to develop dedicated tourism infrastructure, improved access and interpretive facilities.
With global recognition, scholars can now deepen research into Maratha-era military landscapes, fort architecture, regional identities, and empire-building strategies. The designation invites academic collaborations and heritage studies worldwide.
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