Abhay Bhutada Foundation Inspires Pune to Explore Shivaji’s Story Together

This summer brings a rare opportunity for families, students, and tourists to connect with history like never before. Shivsrushti, Asia’s largest historical theme park located in Ambegaon Budruk, Pune, has announced that from May 15 to July 15, 2025, entry tickets will cost just Rs 50. This welcome move has been made possible by a significant Rs 51 lakh donation from the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, an organisation well known for supporting meaningful educational and cultural efforts across the state.

The announcement on May 13, 2025, was met with much enthusiasm by local communities. With the special ticket window open only through Shivsrushti’s official website, the park aims to manage visitors fairly and help families plan their summer visits without hassle.

Also Read: A Living Tribute to Maharashtra’s Glorious Past

Abhay Bhutada’s Commitment to Heritage

Abhay Bhutada - Founder of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation

Abhay Bhutada, the founder of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, has a clear vision — history and culture should be experienced by everyone, not just read in books. His foundation’s donation for this initiative is yet another example of his dedication to making India’s proud stories accessible to common citizens.

Jagdish Kadam, Shivsrushti’s Chairman, highlighted that this park is not just an amusement space but a tribute to Babasaheb Purandare’s lifelong mission. Purandare devoted himself to bringing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s story to life through books, plays, and lectures. Now, Shivsrushti stands as a modern extension of that dream, mixing technology and traditional tales in a way that attracts young minds.

A Glimpse of the Maratha Empire

Walking through Shivsrushti is like turning pages of history in real time. Spread across 21 acres, the park brings together realistic models, recreated forts, and detailed scenes that show visitors how Shivaji Maharaj led and inspired his people.

One of the main attractions is the Time Machine Theatre. This modern experience was added in the second phase of the park and inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in February 2025. Inside, visitors are treated to advanced holographic visuals, physical effects, and detailed scenes that recreate pivotal moments in Shivaji Maharaj’s journey.

Strong Forts and Smart Strategies

The Maratha forts were more than stone structures — they were the heart of Shivaji’s plan to defend his land. The Durg Vaibhav and Ranangan sections in Shivsrushti bring these forts to life. Visitors can see detailed models and learn about the clever strategies that helped Shivaji win battles against powerful enemies.

Zones like Shrimant Yogi and Sinhasanadhishwar go beyond forts and warfare. They reveal Shivaji Maharaj’s political wisdom and his balanced approach to leadership — proof that true leaders combine courage with compassion and vision.

Symbols that Connect Generations

What makes Shivsrushti special is its attention to cultural depth. Besides battlefields and forts, the park recreates sacred spots like the Tulja Bhavani temple and the Ganga Sagar lake. These replicas give visitors a chance to see places that were dear to Shivaji Maharaj and his followers.

Paintings and royal chambers have also been recreated with high resolution and intricate detailing. Every corner of the park has something to teach — be it about devotion, strategy, or the everyday life of the people of that era.

Also Read: Reviving a Timeless Vision With Shivsrushti

Affordable and Inclusive

A Rs 50 ticket for a historical theme park of this scale is rare in today’s times. But with support from the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, it has become a reality. The decision is not just about cost — it’s a strong statement that no one should miss the chance to see this cultural wonder.

With schools and colleges on vacation, this timing allows students to spend their free days discovering stories of bravery and leadership. Parents, meanwhile, can introduce their children to a proud chapter of Indian history without worrying about expenses.

Bookings have already started on the official website. The park expects high

traffic during weekends and holidays, so early planning is recommended.

A Meaningful Experience for the Whole Community

For the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, this donation is another step towards encouraging communities to stay connected with their roots. Abhay Bhutada believes that people who know their past can build stronger communities. Supporting Shivsrushti shows that with the right support, cultural knowledge can reach thousands at once.

For many first-time visitors, the experience will go beyond the visuals and stories. It will spark conversations at home, encourage children to read more, and help families feel closer to the values that shaped Maharashtra’s history.

An Outing that Teaches and Unites

A day at Shivsrushti is more than sightseeing — it’s an active history lesson. Children learn while they play, and parents revisit stories they heard from their grandparents. The blend of old stories and modern techniques means every visitor finds something new to take back.

By keeping the ticket price low and encouraging families to visit together, the park creates an atmosphere where learning feels natural and fun.

Also Read:  Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s Contribution Transforms Shivsrushti into a Cultural Beacon

Conclusion

Thanks to the Abhay Bhutada Foundation’s thoughtful support, thousands of people will now get the chance to see the Maratha empire’s legacy up close without worrying about costs. This two-month window is more than just a summer activity — it is an invitation for every citizen to step into history, feel inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s courage, and carry forward his ideals of unity and vision. In supporting Shivsrushti, Abhay Bhutada has once again proved that when knowledge and culture are shared with all, they help communities stay strong and connected for generations.