SoCal Celebrates Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti With Cultural And Civic Pride
India-West News Desk
LA PALMA, CA – A packed auditorium at Kennedy High School came alive April 5 as hundreds from across Southern California gathered to celebrate Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti at a large-scale cultural event organized by Shivaji Maharaj America Parivar.
The program blended traditional Indian heritage with modern technology, reflecting organizers’ goal of making Shiv Jayanti both spiritually uplifting and educational for the community. Through performances and speeches, attendees were encouraged to draw inspiration from the life and leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, widely regarded as one of India’s most influential historical figures.
The evening opened with a high energy dhol tasha performance led by Sandeep Katre and his group, whose thunderous rhythms set an energetic tone for the celebration. Emcee Sujatha Padmanabhan guided the program, which began formally with a ceremonial lamp lighting attended by community leaders, military personnel, and SMAP members.
A number of civic leaders were present, underscoring the growing visibility of Indian American cultural events in the region. Among those in attendance were Nitesh Patel, Mayor of La Palma; Vikesh Patel, La Palma City Councilmember; Zeel Ahir, Artesia City Councilmember; Shivender Singh, Yorba Linda City Councilmember; Frank Aurelio Yokoyama, Mayor of Cerritos; and Pat Patnaik, Cerritos Parks and Recreation Commissioner, along with Kulwant Singh, Head of Chancery, Consulate General of India in Los Angeles.
Ashok Madan, chairman of SMAP, welcomed dignitaries, community leaders, and guests, thanking them for their support. Aparna Hande followed with a message highlighting the enduring relevance of Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy. “We gather not just as an audience, but as a united community inspired by a timeless legacy of courage, vision, and self respect,” she said, urging attendees to carry those values forward.
Vijay Patil, founder and global president of SMAP, outlined the organization’s mission of promoting unity, leadership, and community service by drawing on the examples of Indian historical figures. He also emphasized future plans focused on youth engagement and leadership development. SMAP executives Vilas Jadhav and Ashutosh Khisti acknowledged donors and community supporters.
A centerpiece of the event was a pair of theatrical productions based on the Ramayana and the life and teachings of Lord Krishna. The performances artistically choreographed and directed by Pradnya Kuwadekar for the Rama play and Sonli Bhave for Krishna one, combined traditional storytelling with artificial intelligence driven visual effects and elaborate stagecraft, including more than 70 custom made costumes and pieces of jewelry crafted in India. The productions highlighted the values of courage, strategy, and wisdom associated with figures such as Rama and Krishna, which organizers said influenced Shivaji Maharaj’s leadership.
The celebration also featured a ceremonial palki procession and additional dhol tasha performances, adding a devotional element to the evening. Community participation extended beyond the stage, with essay writing and fort building competitions designed to engage younger attendees and deepen their understanding of history.
Organizers also marked the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, paying tribute to his role in unifying India and describing him as a symbol of fearless leadership.
