Maharashtra Day, celebrated on May 1 each year, holds a special place in the hearts of Maharashtrians as it marks the formation of the western Indian state.
Maharashtra came into being on May 1, 1960, after the Bombay Reorganization Act came into effect on the linguistic lines.
Before 1960, Maharashtra was part of the larger Bombay State, which included present-day Maharashtra, Gujarat and parts of Madhya Pradesh.
People spoke different languages like Marathi, Gujarati, Kutchi and Konkani. However, recognising the linguistic and cultural differences between regions, the States Reorganization Commission
recommended the formation of states based on language.
The creation of Maharashtra was not merely a bureaucratic decision; it was a triumph of the aspirations and struggles of the Marathi-speaking people who fought tirelessly for their linguistic identity and cultural autonomy.
Maharashtra Day is a celebration of this hard-fought victory for linguistic and cultural rights.
Maharashtra Day is also an occasion to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the state like storied past, a legacy of ancient empires, medieval dynasties and a vibrant tradition of art, literature and music.
Firoz enacts Ramayana and Mahabharat characters.