Sambhaji Brigade

Mavala

Shivaji Maharaj

Maharashtra

Shinde

Prashant Dhumal

Swarajya

Chhatrapati Shivaji

Mhasoba

Haveli

The Pune unit ofhas decided to send a letter-cum-ultimatum to all the marriage hall owners, hotels and event management companies asking them to stop dressing up waiters inuniforms. The brigade claims that their actions are demeaning to Mavalas — soldiers of— as they “degrade their brave image”.A note issued by the organisation claims that since a few years this practice has been prevalent at event management companies, hotels and caterers of marriage halls. The note also claims that these soldiers are the pride ofand that the organisation “will not allow the said practice in future”.Santosh, district president of Sambhaji Brigade, said, “We received several complaints from the people saying that in many events, the event show organisers allot the Mavala uniform to the waiters. On occasions, sometimes door guards are dressed up in the uniform — dressed in a pagadi and spear — at the wedding halls to welcome the guests. This is completely unacceptable.”Organisation’s city president,, said, “The Mavala soldiers had sacrificed their lives to establish theunder the leadership ofand Chhatrapati Sambhaji. Such practices are dishonouring their bravery and glorious history.”Dhumal further said that they will take the law in their hand if they see such event in the city. “We also appeal these people to exclude such practice from their events. (Otherwise), the host concerned will be responsible for the damage to their property,” Dhumal said.These pagadis, Dhumal said, are also sported by local deities like lord Khandoba of Jejuri, Viroba in Kolhapur andin several regions of the state. “Our cultural and religious sentiments are also involved in this Mavala pagadi,” he said.An event organiser from the city said that the Mavala costumes are provided to hosts on their demand as they claim that it provides a “royal feeling to their ceremony”.“In Pune, rural areas like Maval, Mulshi and, where people don’t hesitate to spend money on grand events, this theme is very popular. We don’t think that there is anything objectionable,” he claimed.When asked whether this move is lowering the dignity of labour, Shinde said, “There is no such intention. Why are these people are using historic figures for their so-called theme? They may use any fictional theme for the same. We will not allow this practice which is disregards our forefathers who were brave Mavalas.”