With the historic inclusion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s twelve forts in UNESCO’s World Heritage List, Maharashtra’s cultural legacy has found global recognition and admiration. Raigad, Vijaydurg, Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Jinji, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Panhala, Khanderi, Suvarnadurg and Sindhudurg have been inscribed under the concept of “Maratha Military Landscapes.
To mark this historic occasion and to carry the timeless values of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s life to future generations, Saisha Productions, Mumbai, is organising Shivsanskar Mahotsav 2025 from September 7-14, 2025 at the P. L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy, Prabhadevi, Mumbai. The Mahotsav will be a confluence of history, culture and inspiration.
Shivsanskar Mahotsav is not merely a presentation of history—it is a living experience that will remind today’s citizens, youth, and students of values like patriotism, leadership, integrity, character and unity. For the past 15 years, Saisha Productions has been consistently working to bring this invaluable legacy to the masses.
Writer, lyricist, and the driving force behind the initiative, Anil Nalawade, said, “The life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is not limited to battles and victories. It holds priceless lessons in vision, ethics, leadership, and a deep sense of duty towards the nation. Through Shivsanskar Mahotsav, we aim to bring these values to the younger generation so they can contribute to building a strong and united India.”
During the Mahotsav, Mumbaikars will get to experience different dimensions of Shivaji Maharaj’s life. The event will commence with “Shivsanskar Chitrakavya Kaladalan” (Exhibition of Pictorial Poetry) from September 7-13, at the Art Gallery, P. L. Deshpande Kala Academy (10am – 8pm). The exhibition will showcase over 150 pictorial-poetic works conceptualised and written by Mr. Anil Nalawade over several years. Some portraits for the poems have been painted by artist Ram Deshmukh, while others have been created using AI neural rendering by the Saisha Productions Mumbai team. Saisha Productions has appealed to all schools and colleges to ensure that their students visit this exhibition to experience India’s rich history and national heritage.
Program director, theatre artist and narrator, Padmashree Rao, said, “This Mahotsav is an opportunity to rediscover Shivaji Maharaj—not just as a warrior, but as a visionary statesman and a pillar of moral strength. Through poetry, songs and dialogues, we are attempting to connect history with the present times in a meaningful way.”
A special highlight will be the discussion series “Shivray Beyond the Battles” from 8th to 12th September, focusing on Shivaji Maharaj’s leadership and values. These knowledge sessions will be conducted by Padmashree Rao and Anil Nalawade at the Art Gallery itself, with limited seating of 50 people per day.
On September 14, the program “Shivray Jagtanna” will bring together poetry, dialogues and unplugged music, exploring themes such as Sahyadri, Rajmata Jijau, forts, vision, and Swarajya featuring performances by Shrirang Bhave, Ketaki Bhave Joshi, Padmashree Rao, and Anil Nalawade. During the program, five new songs written by Anil Nalawade on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be released at the Mini Auditorium of the Kala Academy.
The Mahotsav will conclude on September 14 at the Swatantryaveer Savarkar Smarak, Dadar, with the grand musical event “Sangeet Shivswarajyagatha.” This award-winning production presents the inspiring life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj through 43 original compositions written by Anil Nalawade performed by Nachiket Desai, Shrirang Bhave, Ketaki Bhave Joshi, Anil Nalawade and Padmashree Rao. Entry to this program is ticketed (₹150, available on BookMyShow), while all other events are free.
Shivsanskar Mahotsav is not just a series of programs—it is a movement of thought, a source of inspiration, and a cultural force shaping society.
