May 1

Best wishes to people from both the states on the occasion of Foundation Day of both states.

·        Maharashtra Day & Gujarat Day are celebrated on May 1 each year as the states of Maharashtra and Gujrat were formed on May 1. 

Historical Background of Maharashtra Day:

·        It was in the year 1960 when the state of Bombay was divided to create two news states namely Maharashtra and Gujarat.      

·        It was under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 that the boundaries of the state were defined. 

·        The core issue was linguistic as there was too much difference between those who spoke Marathi, Gujarati, and Konkani languages. 

·        The demand for a separate state for Marathi-speaking people began in 1940. Samyukta Mahasabha Organisation has formed in present-day Mumbai for the statehood movement. 

·        However, the struggle took a backseat due to Quit India Movement and World War II. 

·        It took more than two decades with many commissions advocating for a separate state.

·        In the year 1956, then Prime Minister Pt Jawaharlal Nehru announced Bombay as Union territory for five years.

·        Later, the Lok Sabha passed a resolution for bilingual state of Bombay.

·        In March 1960 the Lok Sabha proposed the state resolution.

·        A month later the resolution on the state of Bombay was approved by the Lower House. On May 1st, 1960, the state of Maharashtra came into existence with Bombay as its capital. 

How is Maharashtra Day Celebrated?

·        From speeches to colourful parades, Maharashtra celebrates this day with a lot of enthusiasm.

·        Most schools, colleges, offices remain closed on this day under the jurisdiction of the State and Central Government.

·        Maharashtra Din is commemorated with a parade at Shivaji Park, Dadar, where the Governor of Maharashtra makes a speech.

·        On this day, the state government and private sector launch new projects and schemes.

·        Liquor sales to Indians are prohibited on Maharashtra Diwas across the state.

·        Due to the COVID-10 outbreak, nationwide lockdown is being implemented and so, no festivities have organised this year for Maharashtra Day.

Historical Background of Gujarat Day
( Gujarat- The jewel of Western India)

Gujarat was officially formed in the year 1960 after the idea for the state of Gujarat surfaced in the year 1928 in a magazine called Kumar.

·        May 1 marks the foundation day for the state of Gujarat, along with the state of Maharashtra.

·        It was on this day in 1960 that the erstwhile state of Bombay was divided on a linguistic basis and two states namely Gujarat and Maharashtra came into existence.

·        Often called as ‘Jewel of Western India’, Gujarat has been on the global map since ancient times. It is said that even the Greeks knew about Gujarat.

·        Gujarat was officially formed in the year 1960 after the idea for the state of Gujarat surfaced in the year 1928 in a magazine called Kumar.

·        Writer and freedom fighter KM Munshi first suggested a concept called Mahagujarat.

·        The suggestion was made in a meeting during the Gujarat Sahitya Sabha which was held in Karachi in the year 1937.

·         The map of Gujarat was first seen in a magazine ahead of a poem by Devshavji Parmar titled ‘Uthtrishta Jagrat’.