UNESCO’s Honor for Shivaji Maharaj’s Forts Inspires a Cultural Movement for Youth and Nation-Building
Organised by Saisha Productions, Mumbai | 7th – 14th September 2025Mumbai
Maharashtra’s proud cultural heritage has received global recognition with the inclusion of 12 forts associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. These forts—Raigad, Vijaydurg, Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Jinji, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Panhala, Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, and Sindhudurg—stand as monuments of military ingenuity, strategic planning, and nation-building during the Maratha era. Hon. Shri Ashish Shelar, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Information Technology, Government of Maharashtra, inaugurated Shivsanskar Mahotsav 2025, emphasizing the importance of preserving and passing on Shivaji Maharaj’s timeless values to the younger generation for nation-building.
To celebrate this historic achievement and inspire deeper understanding among students and the general public, Saisha Productions, Mumbai is organising Shivsanskar Mahotsav 2025, a week-long cultural and educational festival from 7th to 14th September 2025 at the P. L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy, Prabhadevi, Mumbai. The festival aims to educate citizens, especially the youth, about the leadership, governance, and moral values that shaped Shivaji Maharaj’s era—and how those principles remain relevant in today’s society.
Learn Through Art and Literature – Exhibition Now Open
A major highlight of the Mahotsav is the Shivsanskar Chitrakavya Kaladalan (Pictorial Poetry Exhibition), which is already open to visitors. Running from 7th to 13th September, this exhibition is open from 10 AM to 8 PM daily and offers a unique educational experience through more than 150 illustrated poetic works created by Anil Nalawade. The poems explore themes such as courage, justice, self-rule, and resilience, making history accessible and engaging for learners of all ages.These artworks, supported by portraits from renowned artist Ram Deshmukh and AI-generated visuals by the Saisha Productions team, encourage visitors to reflect on how values from Shivaji Maharaj’s life can be applied in personal growth, leadership, and nation-building.
Empowering Young Minds – Discussion Series
To complement the exhibition, the “Shivray Beyond the Battles” series, scheduled from 8th to 12th September, focuses on leadership lessons, governance strategies, fort policies, and character development. These interactive sessions are designed to encourage critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and a deeper connection with history. Led by Padmashree Rao and Anil Nalawade, each session will be limited to 50 participants, fostering meaningful discussions in a small-group format.
Experience History through Music and Dialogue
On 14th September, the “Shivray Jagtanna” event will explore Shivaji Maharaj’s visionary leadership and governance through poetry, music, and conversation. This session will also feature the launch of five new songs that highlight Shivaji’s campaigns, ideals, and foresight.The Mahotsav will conclude with the grand musical event “Sangeet Shivswarajyagatha”, where visitors can experience Shivaji Maharaj’s inspiring journey through 43 original compositions. This educational musical experience is ticketed at ₹150 and offers an immersive way to connect with history.
A Call to Schools and Educators
Saisha Productions invites educational institutions to encourage students to visit the exhibition and attend discussions as part of their curriculum-related learning. By engaging with Shivaji Maharaj’s story through art, music, and dialogue, students can learn not only about historical events but also about values like patriotism, unity, resilience, and ethical leadership—skills that are essential for nation-building.
A Movement for Values-Based Learning
Shivsanskar Mahotsav is more than a festival—it’s an initiative to connect history with the present and shape future leaders by fostering awareness, empathy, and responsibility. The festival is free for all events except the finale, ensuring access to students, families, and communities.
Dates: 7–14 September 2025
Venue: P. L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy, Prabhadevi, Mumbai & Swatantryaveer Savarkar Smarak, Dadar.
Entry: Free (except the finale event on 14th Sept, ₹150 via BookMyShow)
Let’s bring history to life and build a stronger tomorrow—join Shivsanskar Mahotsav 2025 and experience the timeless wisdom of Shivaji Maharaj!
