An enormous crowd of approximately three lakh individuals is anticipated to gather at the Raigad fort on June 6 to commemorate the 350th anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation. The fort, which can accommodate a maximum of 25,000 people at a time and only permits the entry of four to five individuals through its main entrance, the Maha Darwaza, raises concerns for the preparations committee of the Maharashtra government. They wish to avoid a repeat of the tragic Kharghar stampede.
The Raigad fort, constructed with the intention of serving as a military stronghold, restricts large gatherings and mass entry. Nevertheless, plans are underway for a massive congregation next month. A senior official from Mantralaya, knowledgeable about the administration’s preparations, expressed that the primary concern for the state machinery and police department is effectively managing the turnout and the crowd.
“In 2018, over one lakh people visited the fort on June 6. At one point, there was a panic-like situation, but thanks to the prompt actions of those present at the fort, any untoward incident was averted,” stated a senior government official. Supporting the government’s account, Manoj Khambe, president of the Raigad press club, mentioned that in 2018, chaos ensued at the entrance door after 3 PM. “Only a maximum of six people can pass through the main door, but those descending from the fort and those attempting to reach the fort faced each other. The movement of the crowd was restricted, resulting in a chaotic situation at the entrance. Timely intervention by the administration, volunteers, and local citizens helped resolve the crisis and prevented matters from escalating. This year, the crowd turnout will be much higher.”
Therefore, Khambe urged the administration to take additional precautions and implement proper crowd management mechanisms. Given that this year marks the 350th anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s coronation, the administration expects a turnout of around three lakh people. They have also made arrangements for drinking water, parking facilities, and medical assistance.
Drawing from past experiences of celebrations at the Raigad fort, the administration is leaving no stone unturned in handling the situation. They are being extra cautious following the tragic incident in Kharghar, where fourteen deaths occurred during the Maharashtra Bhushan award ceremony. Although there were rumors of a stampede, the administration denied the claim and attributed the deaths to sunstroke.
Raigad District Collector Yogesh Mhase and Superintendent of Police Somnath Gharge, along with their respective teams, are working tirelessly to ensure smooth coordination of the event. “However, once the crowd surpasses two lakh, it will be a challenging task for the administration. The task will become even more difficult as the numbers continue to swell,” added the state government official.
More people are expected to attend as it will be a display of strength between two factions. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, leading the Shiv Sena-BJP government, will celebrate the 350th coronation anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Raigad on June 2. Approximately 75,000 individuals are expected to participate in the festivities. While the government will observe the event based on the Tithi (date as per the Hindu calendar), Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, the descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, will commemorate it according to the Western calendar date. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation took place on June 6, 1974, at the Raigad fort.