Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Agra escape: Maharashtra marks August 17 as ‘Shivchaturya Din’

Several cultural programmes were organised at Agra Fort to mark Shivchaturya Din. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Maharashtra government observed ‘Shivchaturya Din' on Monday to commemorate Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's historic escape from Agra on August 17, 1666. The annual observance is aimed at taking the Maratha ruler's legacy of valour, strategic acumen, and restraint to younger generations.

The initiative was highlighted during the observance of Shivchaturya Din in Agra. Speaking at the event, Maharashtra Protocol Minister and coordinator for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Memorial in Agra, Jaykumar Rawal, said the initiative would help take the historical episode to a wider audience.

Maharashtra Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai said Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj successfully escaped from Agra on August 17, 1666, and returned towards Swarajya.

"To commemorate this historic event, August 17 will be observed as Shivchaturya Din every year," Desai said.

As part of Monday's commemorations, the Pune-based Garud Zep organisation flagged off a 1,310-km foot and cycling campaign from Agra to Rajgad.

Grand memorial in Agra

A major highlight of the state's plan is the construction of a grand Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj memorial in Agra. The project, being coordinated by the Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh (UP) governments, has been envisioned by Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai and Protocol Minister Jaykumar Rawal, with cooperation from UP CM Yogi Adityanath.

Meetings have been held with local historians, tourism industry representatives, and the Agra district administration regarding the proposed memorial. Discussions between the two state governments are also being held to finalise its design.

World-renowned architect Abha Lamba has been appointed for the memorial project, the release stated.

Nilesh Gatne, managing director of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), said the memorial would be an inspiring destination for tourists and history enthusiasts from Maharashtra and across the country.

He said it would symbolise patriotism, religious harmony and valour and play an important role in taking the legacy of the Maratha Empire to people across the country.

1,310-km Garud Zep campaign

The Garud Zep organisation has been conducting the Agra-to-Rajgad campaign for the past seven years under the leadership of its national president, Maruti Gole.

According to the release, around 2,200 Mavalas and 60 cyclists will participate in the campaign, which will pass through four states - UP, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra - and around 78 cities.

The campaign will begin in Agra and pass through Gwalior, Shivpuri, Guna, Pachore, Dewas, Tikhri, Sendhwa, Dhule, Chandwad, Sangamner, and Bhosari before reaching Rajgad.

The campaign aims to spread awareness about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's history, the inspiration of Swarajya, national unity, environmental conservation, and a drug-free India.

One lakh seeds will also be sown along the route as part of a tree-plantation initiative.

Cultural events held at Agra Fort

Several cultural programmes were organised at Agra Fort to mark Shivchaturya Din.

A special postal cover commemorating the historic episode was released. Water from sacred rivers was offered in an abhishek to the statue in front of Agra Fort, following which the Shivbachi Wari began.

Around 50 female artists from Goa presented Shivshaurya, a historical theatrical performance depicting the valour of the Shivaji era, Jijau's values and the inspiration of Swarajya.

Actor Sayali Joshi Godbole presented a solo performance on Rashtramata Jijau, while traditional Halgi performances were presented by Vinayak Sonawane. Members of the Hindu Tej organisation from Karad demonstrated traditional warfare techniques, including Dandpatta.

The Shivchaturya Din programme and the flag-off of the Garud Zep campaign were held at the Agra Fort premises at 8 am on August 17, 2026.

Rawal also visited the Shiv temple in Agra associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Prominent attendees included UP Higher and Technical Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay, Maharashtra Employment Guarantee Scheme Minister Bharat Gogawale, MTDC Managing Director Nilesh Gatne, UP Tourism Deputy Director Shakti Singh and other officials and representatives of the Garud Zep organisation.