Rashtragaurav Rath Yatra from Nashik to Puri Announced for Shiv Jayanti 2026

Nashik/Odisha, 2nd February 2026: In a large-scale cultural outreach initiative, the Bharat Kranti Mission has announced the ‘International Shiv Jayanti Festival 2026,’ an event designed to promote the legacy and governance ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to a global audience. The celebrations will culminate in Jagannath Puri on February 19, following a five-day multi-state ‘Rashtragaurav Rath Yatra’ beginning in Nashik, Maharashtra.

Organisers said the initiative seeks to highlight Shivaji Maharaj’s administrative vision, inclusive governance model, and nation-building principles through a combination of processions, lectures, and cultural programmes.

A major feature of the yatra will be a convoy of thousands of cars and SUVs accompanying the symbolic chariot. Participants from several states are expected to join the procession in their own vehicles, making it one of the largest vehicle rallies associated with a cultural-historical theme in recent years.

Beyond its ceremonial aspect, the yatra is being positioned as an educational outreach programme. Historians and researchers are expected to travel with the procession and conduct lectures at key halt points along the route. Themes of these sessions will include Shivaji Maharaj’s military strategies, naval strength, water management systems, and his efforts to establish an inclusive Swarajya uniting diverse communities.

Five-Day Route Across States The procession will begin on February 14, 2026, and travel across Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha before reaching Puri.

Day 1 (Feb 14): Nashik → Sinnar → Shirdi → Vaijapur → Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar → Jalna → Sindkhed Raja A lecture on Rajmata Jijau’s values and upbringing traditions is scheduled here. Day 2 (Feb 15): Sindkhed Raja → Mehkar → Karanja Lad → Amravati → Wardha → Nagpur (halt) Day 3 (Feb 16): Nagpur → Bhandara → Raipur, Chhattisgarh (halt) Day 4 (Feb 17): Raipur → Sambalpur, Odisha (halt) Day 5 (Feb 18): Sambalpur → Cuttack → Bhubaneswar → Jagannath Puri (arrival)

Main Event on Shiv Jayanti The principal celebration will be held in Puri on February 19, 2026, marking Shiv Jayanti.

Planned programmes include: -7:00 AM: Ceremonial abhishek of a statue of Shivaji Maharaj near the Puri seafront -9:00 AM: “Shiv Rashtra Rath Yatra” around the Jagannath temple precincts, starting from the traditional chariot route and concluding near Arun Stambh -4:00 PM: Main international cultural and historical gathering near Arun Stambh

Organisers said the entire yatra and final event will be broadcast live through social media and news platforms. Welcome ceremonies are planned at numerous towns along the route, with large public participation expected.

Bharat Kranti Mission chief coordinator Sardar Vijay Kakade Patil has appealed for people from all regions and communities to join the initiative, describing it as a peaceful and educational effort to share Shivaji Maharaj’s ideas with the world.