Soldiers pay tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji at LoC in Kupwara despite sub-zero temperatures

Soldiers during Shivjayanti celebrations in Kupwara/ Screengrab

Soldiers stationed at the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, braved sub-zero temperatures to pay tribute to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue.

Despite the challenging conditions with snowfall and temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius, the soldiers organized a program to celebrate Shiv Jayanti, commemorating the birth anniversary of the 17th-century Indian warrior king, per a report in ANI.

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"A program was organized to celebrate the Shiv Jayanti at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue in Kupwara, on the India-Pakistan Line of Control. The soldiers paid their respect to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj amidst snowfall and white ground all around in the vicinity with temperature with the level of mercury under 0 degrees," news agency ANI cited the statement by DIO, Pune.

The soldiers honoured the great Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the placid white surroundings of the statue, demonstrating their respect for him.

Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis, and others attended an event held in view of Shivaji Maharaj's birth anniversary at Shivneri Fort. CM Shinde had also offered floral tribute to the statue of Shivaji in Chembur, Mumbai, reported ANI.

Taking to his 'X' account, the Chief Minister paid tribute to Shivaji Maharaj, saying, "Salutations to the revered deity of Akhand Hindustan, the founder of Hindavi Swarajya, Maharajadhiraj Shri #Chhatrapati #Shivaji_Maharaj on his birth anniversary."

The agency report stated that CM Shinde had also performed bhumi pujan for the beautification of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj circle and statue. BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal, MP Rahul Shewale, and other Shiv Sena workers and officials were present on the occasion.

February 19 is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's birth anniversary and is observed every year with celebrations honouring the warrior who founded the Maratha Empire and is regarded as one of India's finest warriors. This year marks the 394th birthday of the heroic Maratha king.