The valour of a great Maratha warrior meets the festive spirit of Navratri at Ravi Nagar Ground, where Maa Nau Durga Utsav Mandal has recreated the grandeur of Raigad Fort. A towering 15-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the entrance welcomes visitors, making the pandal a tribute to the warrior king’s legacy and Maharashtra’s rich historical heritage. Celebrating its 15th year of installing the idol of Goddess Durga, the mandal has chosen a theme that connects devotion with history. After presenting the Char Dham theme last year, the organisers have turned to Raigad Fort, which served as the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s kingdom and remains a powerful symbol of Maratha pride.

 

The idea emerged from the mandal members’ desire to create a theme centred on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. “We wanted to create a theme dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and introduce visitors to the historical significance of Raigad Fort. The 15-foot statue at the entrance is a tribute to his legacy, and through this pandal, we hope to combine the devotion of Navratri with Maharashtra’s rich history,” said Golu Masram, member of the mandal. The idol of Goddess Durga has been brought from Chitaroli and crafted by artist Raju Darlinge.

 

The pandal has been created by Amit Sumit, who have worked on bringing the mandal’s vision to life since two and the half months. Organisers Rahul Mende and Dhirendra Gaikwad, along with members Sonu Masram and Golu Masram, have contributed to the preparations. Through this year’s theme, the mandal continues its tradition of presenting distinctive concepts for devotees, marking its 15-year journey with a tribute to one of Maharashtra’s most revered historical figures. At Ravi Nagar Ground, the celebrations offer devotees more than a place to worship. The Raigad-inspired pandal brings together faith, history and cultural pride, making the festive experience a reminder of the enduring legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.