Maharashtra Holiday Today: What’s Closed on Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti 2026

Today, February 19, 2026, Maharashtra is observing a public holiday on the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti. The day marks the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, one of India’s most respected historical figures. Across Mumbai and other major cities in the state, several government offices, municipal departments, and banks will remain closed in honour of the occasion.

I am writing about this because many people wake up on festival or commemorative days unsure about what is open and what is not. Whether you are a student, a working professional, or someone with important errands planned, knowing today’s holiday status in advance helps you organise your day better and avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

Is Today a Public Holiday in Maharashtra?

Yes. February 19, 2026, is officially declared as a public holiday in Maharashtra for Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti.

This means:

Most state government offices will remain closed
Several municipal and civic departments will not function
Many public sector banks will be shut

Private establishments, however, may follow their own holiday policies.

Are Schools and Colleges Closed Today?

In most parts of Maharashtra, schools and colleges are expected to remain closed today due to the public holiday.

Government schools and colleges will be closed
Many private schools and educational institutions have also declared a holiday
Some private colleges or coaching centres may operate limited online or internal activities

Students are advised to check official notices from their institutions for confirmation.

Bank Holiday Status on February 19

Banks in Maharashtra are observing a holiday today in connection with Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti.

Here is what to expect:

Public sector banks will remain closed
Most private sector banks will also be closed
Online banking, UPI, and ATM services will continue to work as usual

If you have branch-related work, it is better to plan it for another working day.

Are Government Offices and Municipal Services Open?

Most government offices and municipal departments across Maharashtra will remain closed today.

State government offices will not function
Many municipal offices and ward offices will remain shut
Emergency services such as hospitals, police, fire, and essential civic services will continue to operate

Some essential departments may run with minimal staff.

What About Private Offices and Businesses?

Private sector offices and businesses may or may not observe a holiday.

IT companies, corporates, and private offices usually decide based on internal policies
Shops, malls, restaurants, and cinemas are generally open
Markets may operate with normal or slightly reduced hours

Employees should check with their HR departments or supervisors for clarity.

Why Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti Is Important

Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti is celebrated to honour the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire. He is remembered for:

Establishing a strong and progressive administration
Promoting justice, good governance, and military strategy
Upholding values of courage, leadership, and respect for all communities

The day is marked by cultural programmes, processions, and tributes across Maharashtra.

Travel and Commuter Advisory

With many offices and schools closed, traffic in major cities may be lighter than usual. However:

Some roads may be diverted due to local celebrations
Public transport services generally operate as per normal schedule
It is advisable to check local advisories before travelling

Maharashtra to Recruit 5,500 Assistant Professors by June: Minister Chandrakant Patil Gives Timeline

Maharashtra’s Higher Education Minister Chandrakant Patil has assured that the long-awaited recruitment of 5,500 assistant professors across state universities will be completed by June 2026. This announcement comes after the initial deadline of March was missed due to administrative and procedural delays. The recruitment drive is aimed at filling vacant teaching positions in government and aided institutions, which have been affecting the quality of education and overall academic functioning in the state.

I am writing about this because faculty shortages have been a major concern in higher education for quite some time. From what I have seen, students often struggle due to a lack of permanent teachers, which directly impacts classroom learning and research opportunities. This update is important not just for job aspirants but also for students and institutions, as it promises to improve the student-teacher ratio and bring stability to the academic environment.

What the Minister Announced

Higher Education Minister Chandrakant Patil has clearly stated that the recruitment process is now on track.

Key points from the announcement:

5,500 assistant professor posts to be filled
New deadline set for June 2026
Delay caused by administrative and procedural issues
Recruitment to cover multiple universities and colleges

The government has assured that efforts are being made to complete the process without further delay.

Why the Recruitment Was Delayed

The recruitment drive was initially expected to be completed by March but faced several challenges.

Some major reasons include:

Complexities in finalising eligibility criteria
Large number of applications to be reviewed
Scheduling of examinations and interviews
Inclusion of newly established colleges and institutions

From my understanding, these delays are common in large-scale recruitment, but they often create uncertainty among candidates.

Role of MPSC in the Recruitment Process

The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) is handling the recruitment process.

Responsible for conducting exams and interviews
Ensures selection based on merit and transparency
Evaluates academic qualifications and performance

The commission is currently working to finalise the list of eligible candidates.

Selection Process Explained

The recruitment will follow a structured and rigorous selection process.

Screening of applications
Evaluation of academic credentials
Interviews conducted as per guidelines
Final selection based on merit

This process is aligned with University Grants Commission (UGC) norms.

Why This Recruitment is Important

Filling these vacancies is crucial for improving higher education in the state.

Helps improve student-teacher ratio
Ensures better classroom interaction and learning
Strengthens research and academic output
Provides stability in teaching staff

In my opinion, qualified faculty is the backbone of any strong education system.

Concerns Raised by Students and Academic Bodies

There have been growing concerns regarding the delay.

Student unions have highlighted lack of teachers
Academic bodies have raised issues about declining quality
Vacant posts affecting regular classes and research work

The latest assurance from the government is expected to address these concerns.

Government’s Broader Education Plan

The recruitment is part of a larger plan to improve higher education.

Focus on strengthening infrastructure and resources
Bringing in skilled and experienced faculty
Improving overall education standards
Aligning with future academic and industry needs

The government aims to create a more competitive and modern education system.

Key Highlights at a Glance

Particulars	Details
Total Vacancies	5,500 Assistant Professors
Revised Deadline	June 2026
Conducting Authority	MPSC
Recruitment Type	Government & Aided Institutions
Selection Process	Merit-based with interviews