Shahu Maharaj Jayanti is celebrated on June 26 every year to honour the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, the progressive ruler of Kolhapur and a pioneer of social justice in India. Born in 1874, he worked tirelessly for the upliftment of the backward classes, Dalits, and women. He was among the first to implement reservations in education and jobs for marginalized communities.