The Shiv Sena will mark its 60th Dussehra rally today, with two separate gatherings organised at different venues. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena will hold its rally at NESCO in Goregaon East, while the Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray will address party workers at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park in Dadar West. mid-day spoke with veteran Shiv Sainiks and party leaders to understand the significance of the milestone and what the annual rally means to them.

Shiv Sainiks recall previous rallies 

Speaking to mid-day, Gajanan Rajaram Chavan, 65, Sewri Vidhansabha Pramukh of Shiv Sena (UBT), said, “I still remember being in Std IX when my father took me and my four brothers to Shivaji Park to listen to Balasaheb Thackeray in 1977. It was an experience I can never forget. Listening to Balasaheb had a deep influence on me and inspired me to work for the upliftment of Marathi people. I continue to be with the Shiv Sena.”