Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje Bhosale was the eldest son of
Chhatrapati Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire. His mother was Saibai
and he was the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire. He is popularly known
as Dharmveer Sambhaji Maharaj as he died defending his faith – Hinduism. His Balidan
din, or death anniversary, is observed annually on the no moon day in Phalgun month as per Marathi Calendar. In 2024, it is
on April 8.
As per Gregorian calendar, he died fighting the Mughals on March 11, 1689.
He had fought valiantly against the Mughals. But he was
captured and humiliated and executed by Aurangzeb for not converting to Islam.
This valiant act earned him the title ‘Dharmveer.’
Several meetings and programs are held on
the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje Bhosale Balidan Din.