Two states, one historic day: Why May 1 is celebrated as Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day
Every year on
May 1
, while much of the world observes International Labour Day, two Indian states mark the date with a different kind of pride and purpose.
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For Maharashtra and Gujarat, May 1 is a celebration of their statehood, commemorating the day in 1960 when the Bombay State was split in two, giving birth to these culturally rich and politically significant regions.
The story behind May 1: A linguistic revolution
The roots of
Maharashtra Day
and
Gujarat Day
lie in India's post-independence efforts to reorganize its states along linguistic lines. At the heart of this movement was the idea that language shapes identity, and people deserved governance that reflected their cultural and linguistic realities.
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In the decades following independence, demand grew stronger for states to be formed based on spoken language. For Marathi-speaking citizens, this meant carving out a distinct identity from the large and diverse Bombay State.
The
Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti
, founded in 1956, became the political face of this aspiration, demanding a separate state that included Bombay (now Mumbai), Vidarbha, and other Marathi-majority regions.
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Meanwhile, Gujarati-speaking citizens had long advocated for their own state as well. The
Mahagujarat Movement
, dating back to 1928, gained momentum in the 1950s, with its supporters calling for a state that unified all Gujarati-speaking areas, including parts of Saurashtra and Kutch.
Responding to these mounting pressures, the Indian government, following the recommendations of a reorganisation commission, decided to divide the Bombay State. On May 1, 1960, two new states were born: Maharashtra, with Mumbai as its capital, and Gujarat, initially with Ahmedabad as its capital (later shifted to Gandhinagar).
A dual celebration of identity and pride
Maharashtra Day (or Maharashtra Diwas) and Gujarat Day (also known as Gujarat Gaurav Din or Gujarat Sthapana Divas) are now observed annually with cultural pride, political reflection, and community celebrations.
In Maharashtra, the main event takes place at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, where the Chief Minister hoists the flag and addresses the public. The day is a public holiday in the state, marked by parades, patriotic songs, and tributes to leaders who fought for a separate Marathi-speaking state.
In Gujarat, celebrations are held across cities, with the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad often serving as a central venue for cultural shows and official events. Folk dances, music, and exhibitions showcase the vibrant heritage of the state.
While the two states may differ in language, customs, and history, they are united by the shared legacy of a peaceful and democratic movement that redefined Indian federalism.
A message for the future
As Maharashtra and Gujarat observe their 65th foundation day in 2025, the spirit of their formation remains deeply relevant. Both states have emerged as economic powerhouses and cultural torchbearers in independent India.
Celebrating their origins isn't just about remembering the past—it's about honouring the resilience of communities that stood up for self-determination through dialogue, not division.
So while the world celebrates workers on May 1, Maharashtra and Gujarat remind us that history can be written with unity, identity, and a shared dream for self-governance.
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