May 1 is celebrated as International Labour Day across the world. But apart from being Labour Day, May 1 has another significance in India too. It’s Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day too.
The date holds a special significance for both the states as both Maharashtra and Gujarat were formed 59 years ago on this day.
Maharashtra Diwas or Maharashtra Din is a state holiday, commemorating the formation of the state of Maharashtra from the division of the Bombay State on 1 May 1960.
The state of Gujarat was also officially formed on 1 May 1960, though the idea was first floated in 1928 in a magazine called Kumar.
On the occasion of Gujarat Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the nation on Wednesday. “Best wishes to the people of Gujarat On Gujarat Diwas. In all spheres, people from the state have made outstanding contributions, Gujaratis are Known for their courage, innovation and spirit of enterprise. May Gujarat scale new heights of glory. Jai Jai Garvi,” he tweeted.
He also wished the people of Maharashtra. “Greetings to my sisters and brothers of Maharashtra on the state’s Foundation Day. Maharashtra is a land of revolutionaries and reformers who have enriched India’s progress. Praying for the continued growth of the state in the times to come,” Modi posted.
President Kovind also took to Twitter and greeted the people of Maharashtra on the statehood day. He tweeted, “On Maharashtra Day, greetings and good wishes to the people of Maharashtra. May the state scale newer heights of development in the years to come.”