Maharashtra Day 2022: Everything You Need to Know About the Day Maharashtra Was Created

Maharashtra Day marks the state’s creation in 1960. Following several rallies and demonstrations in favour of the new state, the Bombay Reorganisation Act went into force on May 1, 1960, forming Maharashtra.

The Act, in effect, formed two new states out of the former Bombay State: Maharashtra for Marathi-speaking people and Gujarat for Gujarati-speaking people. Both states went on to develop as business centres.

Maharashtra Day, which coincides with International Labor Day, is now a regional official holiday.

History and Importance

Following independence from the colonial administration, the provinces and princely states were reorganised into the Union of India by the States Reorganisation Act of 1956. The Act recommended reorganisation based on the language spoken in a certain region.

Bombay State was established initially for individuals who spoke Marathi, Konkani, Gujarati, and Kutchi.

There were two distinct groups: those who spoke Marathi and Konkani and those who spoke Gujarati and Kutchi. This sparked calls to partition Bombay into two states. In order to do this, the Bombay Reorganisation Act was approved in Parliament in April 1960.

Thus, Maharashtra Day commemorates not just statehood but also the tradition and culture of the Maharashtrian people.

Celebrations

To commemorate the anniversary, a number of activities are being hosted across Maharashtra. The Governor attends a huge celebration organised at Shivaji Park in Mumbai.

Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the celebrations have been subdued during the last two years. This year, events may be organised, but on a smaller scale, as COVID-19 cases have lately increased in several regions of the nation.