MAHARASHTRA DAY

Celebrated On : 1st May Significance : State of Maharashtra attained statehood State was formed in : 1960

1st May is celebrated as Maharashtra day. On this day the state of Maharashtra attained statehood. Maharashtra is one of the largest states in India, both in terms of population and area. Its booming capital Mumbai, makes it not only one of the most important states, economically, but also a major gateway for overseas visitors.

The present state was formed in 1960 when the Marathi and Gujarati linguistic areas of the former Bombay state were separated. Bombay then became the capital of the new state. In independent India, Bombay, the bilingual state, continued as one state consisting of Maharashtra and Gujarat. But this equation of two linguistic units in one state did not work and therefore on 1st May 1960, under the Bombay re-organization Act, Maharashtra and Gujarat were divided into separate states. Maharashtra retained the old capital Bombay. Shiv Sena Government has renamed the capital city Bombay into Mumbai.

In Mumbai, the Maharashtra Day celebrations are held at the Shivaji Park in central Mumbai. The governor of the state takes the salute at the ceremonial parade, comprising members of the state reserve police force, Brihanmumbai Commando Force, home guards, civil defence, fire brigade and city police.