Mumbai, August 17(HS): The historic sword of Shrimant Raje Raghuji Bhonsale, a priceless relic of Maratha heritage, will arrive in Mumbai on Monday, August 18. The Government of Maharashtra has planned a grand ceremonial reception for the legendary artifact at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, followed by a public unveiling in the august presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis later in the evening.

Symbol of Legacy Returns Home

The revered sword was recently secured by the Maharashtra government through a prestigious London auction. State Cultural Affairs Minister, Adv. Ashish Shelar, personally received the artifact abroad and will formally bring it back to Mumbai. At around 10 a.m. on Monday, Shelar will take charge of the sword at the airport. A tribute will first be paid to the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj before the relic embarks on its onward journey.

To mark the return of this iconic symbol of valor, a bike rally and ceremonial procession on a decorated chariot have been organized to escort the sword to the P. L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy in Prabhadevi.

Evening Unveiling Ceremony

At 6 p.m., the sword will be formally unveiled during the ‘Sena Saheb Subha Parakram Darshan’ ceremony, jointly organized by the Departments of Cultural Affairs, Archaeology and Museums, and the PL Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will inaugurate the event, joined by Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, along with Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar.

Adding to the historic significance, Shrimant Mudhoji Raje Bhonsle, a descendant of Raje Raghuji Bhonsle, will grace the ceremonies. Senior officials including Dr. Kiran Kulkarni (IAS), Secretary of the Cultural Affairs Department, MP Anil Desai, and MLA Mahesh Sawant are also expected to attend.

Open to Citizens

The grand unveiling will take place at the P. L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy, Prabhadevi. The event is open to the public, and citizens have been urged to participate in large numbers to witness this rare moment of history.

Directors from the associated cultural bodies — Dr. Tejas Madan Garge (Archaeology & Museums), Meenal Joglekar (PL Deshpande Academy), and Vibhishan Chavare (Directorate of Cultural Affairs) — have appealed for enthusiastic public turnout, calling it a proud opportunity to celebrate Maharashtra’s glorious heritage.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar