The historic Vasai Fort, a landmark of Maharashtra’s rich heritage, recently marked its 287th Victory Day in a vibrant and emotional celebration held on Monday. Every year, this day commemorates the legendary Maratha victory led by Chimaji Appa, and this year, too, the event saw hundreds come together to honor that triumph.

The atmosphere was festive as cultural troupes, school students, history lovers, and local leaders gathered to remember the significant battle of 1739 when Maratha forces reclaimed the Vasai Fort from the Portuguese. The day began early with a torch rally starting from the Vajreshwari temple, weaving its way to the iconic Vasai Fort, located near the scenic coastal stretch of the Vasai-Virar region.

This event was organized by the Sports and Cultural Department of the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation. The torch rally served as the symbolic start of the day’s celebrations and was a crowd-puller. Once the torch arrived at the Par Naka in Vasai, it was welcomed with the powerful beats of traditional dhol-tasha and the spirited moves of lezim dancers, which added energy and color to the gathering. Artists dressed in traditional attire attracted attention and added a historical feel to the parade.

As the rally reached the fort, a solemn moment followed. Dignitaries and citizens gathered to offer floral tributes to the equestrian statue of Narveer Chimaji Appa, the brave Maratha general whose military strategy and courage led to the recapture of Vasai Fort from colonial hands nearly three centuries ago. A floral offering was also made at a statue of Gautam Buddha, symbolizing peace and unity.

The program also included a moment of silence and tribute to Indian soldiers and civilians who had recently lost their lives in a terror attack in Pahalgam. Their sacrifice was remembered with deep respect, making the event not only a celebration of past glory but also a reflection on present-day patriotism.

Notable attendees at the event included MLA Sneha Dubey Pandit, MLA Rajan Naik, District Collector Dr. Indurani Jakhar, Additional Commissioner Sanjay Herwade, Sub-Divisional Officer Shekhar Ghadge, and Tehsildar Dr. Avinash Koshti. Former Mayor Rajiv Patil, senior citizen Narayan Mankar, ex-corporators, heritage lovers, and many school students also made their presence felt. Their participation underscored the importance of remembering and preserving historical milestones as a community.

The day was supposed to host several cultural programs at different parts of the fort and the surrounding Vasai village. However, these events had to be canceled due to unexpected rain. The showers left the fort’s open grounds muddy and slippery, making it unsafe for performances and public gatherings.

As a result, the three-day event originally planned was cut short to a single-day program. While this decision disappointed some, most attendees acknowledged that safety came first. Organizers, too, ensured that the essence of the celebration wasn’t lost and managed to adapt the program successfully.

Despite the weather playing spoilsport, the torch rally and floral tribute stood out as powerful moments that kept the spirit of the celebration alive. The national anthem and state song were sung towards the end, marking the conclusion of the day on a note of unity and pride.

During the event, District Collector Dr. Indurani Jakhar, who was visiting Vasai for the first time after taking charge, addressed the attendees. She expressed her admiration for Vasai’s natural beauty and historical significance. She promised that active efforts would be made toward preserving this heritage.

Dr. Jakhar emphasized the need to protect the Vasai Fort and its surroundings, and shared plans to promote Vasai as a heritage tourism destination. She stated that discussions and planning were already underway to ensure that the historical site gets the attention and maintenance it deserves. Her words were warmly received by the community and officials alike.

This year’s event, although affected by unseasonal rains, once again demonstrated the local population’s deep connection with their heritage. The Vasai Fort stands not only as a symbol of Maratha bravery but also as a reminder of the need to preserve history for future generations.

Local residents, schools, and social groups all came together with a shared purpose—to honor the past, and work towards keeping its stories alive. For many, the most moving moment was watching the torch carried through the streets, symbolizing the light of courage passed from one generation to the next.

As the celebrations ended, the message was clear: the legacy of the Marathas, the glory of Vasai Fort, and the dreams of those who protect it will continue to inspire. With promises of conservation and cultural promotion from the district administration, locals now look forward to seeing the fort receive the care and recognition it richly deserves.