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Maharashtra Day 2024, observed on May 1st, commemorates the founding of Maharashtra, India’s first Marathi-speaking state. It was formed as a result of separation of the Bombay State on May 1, 1960, dividing the Marathi and Gujrati speaking populations into two separate states, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Maharashtra Day is also commonly known as ‘Maharashtra Din’ or ‘Maharashtra Diwas’. It is a day when people of Maharashtra celebrate their culture and heritage.
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Maharashtra Day 2024 History
Maharashtra, a state in the western region of India, is India’s third largest and second most populous state. It was formed by dividing the state of Bombay based on language. Bombay was a large Indian state formed during India’s independence, and encompassed parts of Gujarat and Karnataka. In 1956, the States Reorganization Act reorganized the Indian states along linguistic lines, and Bombay State was enlarged by the addition of the predominantly Marathi-speaking regions. The people of Marathi speaking areas strongly protested against being included in the bilingual Bombay state. Maharashtra based organization Maharashtra Samyukta Samiti wanted a separate Marathi speaking state. At the same time, the Mahagujarat Movement was also declared by Gujrati local organizations, which advocated for a separate Gujarat state. Finally, on 1 May 1960, following mass protests and several deaths, the States Reorganization Act of 1960 established two distinct states, Maharashtra and Gujrat.
Maharashtra Day 2024 Significance
1: Who was the first woman President of India?
This day marks the formation of a Marathi speaking state. People of Maharashtra observe this day with great pride and fervor. This day instills patriotism in them and brings together different communities of people. They take this opportunity to promote their culture among the younger generation. This day, observed on May 1st, is also celebrated as Gujarat Day commemorating the formation of the state of Gujarat. International Labor Day is also observed on 1st of May.
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Maharashtra Day 2024 Celebration
The day is celebrated as a state holiday and is marked by immense enthusiasm and happiness throughout the state. Educational institutions like schools, colleges, offices remain closed. The celebration includes a variety of activities such as parades, rallies, roadshows, essay competitions in schools, and a variety of cultural events and programs that promote the heritage and culture among future generations with the aim of keeping the culture alive. Maharashtra Day has a huge celebration with a parade at Shivaji Park, Dadar. The Maharashtra Governor also makes a speech at the Shivaji Park in Mumbai to honor this day. Various projects are also inaugurated by the state government and private sectors on ‘Maharashtra Diwas’. Annual celebrations of such institutions and projects are also held on this special day. Liquor sales to Indians are prohibited on this day across Maharashtra. A flag is hoisted at the respective district headquarters in the presence of dignitaries as they commemorate the day with tributes to martyrs on this day. Prominent personalities from various fields such as sportspersons, police officials, and doctors are rewarded in recognition of their notable service to the state. The people of Maharashtra celebrate the day with traditional Lavani performances – narration of poems written by Marathi saints.
Maharashtra Day 2024 Quotes
- “Let us all remember the golden heritage of our state and feel proud to be a part of Maharashtra. Happy Maharashtra Day.”
- “On this day of Maharashtra, let’s unite and promise to take our states to new heights together.”
- “We are proud to be raised in Maharashtra. We are proud of the Marathi language. We are proud of our culture.”
- “Constitution gave us faith, freedom and peace. So, let’s celebrate this day with pride.”
- “The occasion of Maharashtra Day will arouse feelings of patriotism in all hearts, for the country and the states.”
- “Best wishes to the people of Maharashtra. May this state will progress with new developments in the years to come. Long Live Maharashtra.”
- “Let us give a hand in establishing a peaceful, secular, and non-discriminatory state.”
- “A celebration is incomplete without unity among people, so let us bring together people of all religions, castes, and ethnicities to celebrate Maharashtra Day.”
- “It is the land of the great Maratha Empire, so let us rejoice and pay tribute to the great Shivaji Maharaj.”
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Maharashtra Day 2024 Quiz
When is Maharashtra Day observed?
a) May 1st
b) March 1st
c) May 31st
d) May 11th
Ans: a) May 1st
The state of Maharashtra was formed by Bombay Reorganization Act in the year _________.
a) 1954
b) 1956
c) 1958
d) 1960
Ans: d) 1960
Who was the first Chief Minister of Maharashtra?
a) Vasantrao Naik
b) Yashvantrao Chavan
c) P. K. Sawant
d) Shankarrao Chavan
Ans: b) Yashvantrao Chavan
In which year was Bombay officially renamed as Mumbai?
a) 1995
b) 1993
c) 1992
d) 1994
Ans: a) 1995
Which fort is the birthplace of Sivaji Maharaj?
a) Raigad
b) Sinhgad
c) Shivneri
d) Daulatabad
Ans: c) Shivneri
Which Marathi newspaper was published by Bal Gangadhar Tilak?
a) Darpan
b) Kesari
c) Sakal
d) Poona Vaibhav
Ans: b) Kesari
Which of the following is the highest point in Maharashtra?
a) Lohagad
b) Kalsubai
c) Raigad
d) Mahabaleshwar
Ans: b) Kalsubai
Which is State tree of Maharashtra?
a) Neem
b) Peepal
c) Mango
d) Khejri
Ans: c) Mango
Marathi Language Day is Celebrated on ________.
a) February 27th
b) February 7th
c) February 17th
d) February 11th
Ans: a) February 27
