Tributes were paid to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj across Maharashtra on his 396th birth anniversary on Thursday, February 19, with grand civic celebrations. Here are the glimpses of the Shiv Jayanti 2026 celebrations from Mumbai and Thane. PICS/BMC and TMC  

Balasaheb Thackeray, the founder of the Shiv Sena was also known as Tiger and Hindu Hriday Samraat (Emperor of Hindu Hearts) among his supporters. Balasaheb was born on January 23,1926 in Pune, Maharashtra. On his birth anniversary here are some lesser known facts about the late Shiv Sena chief. File Photos/mid-day photo team/X