February 4 celebrated as Maratha Day with fervour and josh in Kupwara

@JournalistAadil

Srinagar: February 4 is commemorated as the momentous day when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had resolved to reclaim his lost territories. On February 4, 1670, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had started the victory march by capturing Kondhana fort (present-day Sinhagad fort) in Pune. 

This victory was a cornerstone in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s conquest and epitomises bravery and supreme sacrifice made by Subedar Tanaji Malusare in capturing the Kondhana fort. The martial qualities inherited by every Maratha soldier and their glorious past has been depicted beautifully in the recent Bollywood movie ‘Tanaji’. 

Various events were organised by the Humdard-E-Kupwara Battalion throughout the day to celebrate the occasion. The day started with Mandir Parade where everyone sought blessings from the almighty for strength and courage to continue the gallant traditions of Marathas.

A wreath laying ceremony was conducted to pay homage to all the brave soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation. A cultural programme was also organised in which various speeches, songs, dance & skits were performed by the soldiers depicting the great martial history of the Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The celebrations acted as a reminder of the rich & valiant history of Marathas as well as motivated everyone to continue to strive harder, even to the peril of their lives, towards protection of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation.