In 1960, the Act came into effect…
On Monday, 01 May 2023, Maharashtra Day, also known as Maharashtra Diwas, is celebrated annually to mark the day on which the western Indian state was created in 1960.
In the year 1960, the Bombay Reorganization Act came into effect, creating Maharashtra.
After a number of protests and demonstrations in support of the new state formation.
The Act created two new states out of Bombay: Maharashtra, for the Marathi-speaking people, and Gujarat, for Gujarati.
Earlier, Maharashtra was known as Bombay, with people speaking different languages like Marathi, Gujarati, Kutchi, and Konkani.
However, two distinct groups emerged in the state. While one comprised those who spoke Marathi and Konkani, the other group included people speaking Gujarati and Kutchi.
A regional movement known as the Samyukta Maharashtra Andolan started agitations and protested demanding a separate Marathi-speaking state.
To achieve this, the Bombay Reorganisation Act was passed in Parliament in April 1960. The act bifurcated the Bombay State into two separate states: Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Maharashtra Day; is observed on the same day as International Labour Day; is a regional public holiday.
This day is celebrated with cultural events, parades, and other public gatherings across the states.
The event is organized at Shivaji Park in Mumbai and will be attended by the Governor.
People dress up in traditional costumes to attend musical rallies and other cultural events across Maharashtra.
Educational institutes, banks, government offices, and several offices will remain shut.
All major financial markets including BSE, National Stock Exchange, currency, and debt markets will remain closed on Maharashtra Day.
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