Grand ‘Jagar Yatra’ and Women’s Marathon Organised in Jalgaon to Celebrate Ahilyadevi Holkar’s 300th Birth Anniversary

Pune | 30 May 2025

To mark the 300th birth anniversary of Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar, a revered symbol of justice, welfare, and women’s empowerment, a series of cultural and social events are being organised across Maharashtra. One of the most notable celebrations took place in Jalgaon, where a vibrant Jagar Yatra and a spirited women’s marathon drew massive participation and admiration.

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Jalgaon Witnesses Massive Public Participation in ‘Jagar Yatra’ and Women’s Marathon

The Jagar Yatra organised in Jalgaon was a grand spectacle, bringing together thousands of local citizens, students, women’s groups, and social organisations. The rally marched through the city, showcasing traditional attire, slogans, and banners that highlighted Ahilyadevi Holkar’s timeless contributions to society.

Alongside the yatra, a dedicated women’s marathon was flagged off, aimed at promoting women’s empowerment and public health awareness. Runners, from young girls to senior citizens, participated enthusiastically, turning the event into a vibrant celebration of strength and solidarity.

Organisers stated that the intent behind these events was not only to commemorate the legacy of Ahilyadevi Holkar but also to inspire future generations by showcasing her ideals of justice, gender equality, and social welfare.

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Celebrations Extend Across Maharashtra

The spirit of celebration wasn’t confined to Jalgaon. In Dhule, a grand women’s convention was organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Mahila Aghadi (Women’s Wing) and Kamgar Aghadi (Workers’ Wing). During the event, essential utensils were distributed symbolically to women, reflecting Ahilyadevi’s values of community care and household dignity.

Addressing the gathering, MLA Anup Agarwal expressed a strong commitment to the effective implementation of welfare schemes and emphasised the importance of social unity. He called upon attendees to draw inspiration from Ahilyadevi Holkar’s administrative wisdom and compassion for the underprivileged.

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Pimpri-Chinchwad Hosts Series of Thematic Events

In Pimpri-Chinchwad, multiple events were held under the leadership of the BJP to pay tribute to the great queen. The city saw a flurry of activity with sanitation drives, spiritual discourses (pravachans), cultural parades (chitrarath), street plays (natya pradarshan), and women-centric gatherings.

Each event was designed to engage different sections of society — from homemakers and students to working professionals — reinforcing Ahilyadevi’s image as a unifier and progressive reformer. Participants shared how the programmes rekindled their interest in her life story and the relevance of her vision in today’s India.

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A Legacy That Still Inspires

Ahilyadevi Holkar is celebrated as one of India’s greatest women rulers, known for her administrative brilliance and dedication to public welfare. Her governance model — marked by the construction of temples, dharamshalas, wells, and roads — is often hailed as a benchmark in inclusive and benevolent leadership.

The ongoing state-wide celebrations aim to revive her principles, making them relevant in the modern socio-political landscape. By organising mass events like marathons, rallies, and community meetings, local authorities and organisations are ensuring her legacy reaches every corner of the state.

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Empowerment Through Commemoration

What stood out in these events was the underlying theme of empowerment. Whether through the marathon in Jalgaon or the utensil distribution in Dhule, the celebrations emphasised action over rhetoric. Organisers highlighted how these symbolic gestures reflect Ahilyadevi’s emphasis on practical solutions for everyday challenges faced by women and the marginalised.

Speaking at the Jalgaon event, a local women’s rights activist said, “We need more role models like Ahilyadevi Holkar — leaders who not only dream of a better society but also implement policies that benefit the grassroots.”