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Gujarat Maharashtra Statehood Day 2025 is observed on May 1, commemorating the 1960 division of Bombay. Gujarat Maharashtra Statehood Day 2025 marks 65 years by reflecting unity through linguistic reorganisation.
PWOnlyIAS
May 01, 2025
Gujarat Maharashtra Statehood Day: Every year on May 1st, while much of the world observes International Labour Day, India commemorates a landmark in its democratic and cultural journey — the Gujarat Maharashtra Statehood Day. This occasion celebrates the formation of Gujarat and Maharashtra as independent states in 1960, following the division of the former Bombay State along linguistic lines. The Gujarat Maharashtra Statehood Day 2025 marks the 65th anniversary of this significant event in India’s post-independence reorganisation.
Gujarat Maharashtra Statehood Day 2025 will be celebrated on Thursday, May 1, 2025, marking 65 years since the formation of the two states from the former Bombay State. Observed every year, this day is of great historical and cultural significance for both Gujarat and Maharashtra, as it commemorates the linguistic reorganisation that led to their creation in 1960.
Known respectively as Gujarat Foundation Day and Maharashtra Statehood Day 2025, the occasion is marked by official ceremonies, parades, cultural programs, and public tributes, celebrating the progress, heritage, and unity of these states within the Indian federation.
| Gujarat Maharashtra Statehood Day 2025 Overview | |
| Particulars | Details |
| Event Name | Gujarat Maharashtra Statehood Day 2025 |
| Date | Thursday, May 1, 2025 |
| Occasion | 65th Foundation Day of Gujarat and Maharashtra |
| Also Known As | Gujarat Day, Gujarat Foundation Day, Maharashtra Din |
| States Formed | Gujarat and Maharashtra |
| Year of Formation | 1960 |
| Former State | Bombay State |
| Basis of Formation | Linguistic Reorganization |
| Capital of Gujarat | Gandhinagar (Initially Ahmedabad) |
| Capital of Maharashtra | Mumbai |
| Major Celebrations in Gujarat | Cultural events, parades, and Sabarmati Riverfront programs |
| Major Celebrations in Maharashtra | Parades, speeches, and cultural performances at Shivaji Park |
To understand the importance of Gujarat Maharashtra Statehood Day, one must revisit the history of Maharashtra State and the history of Gujarat State.
Post-independence India witnessed the growing demand for administrative reorganisation based on language. The Bombay State, a multilingual region, included speakers of Gujarati, Marathi, Konkani, and other languages. The desire for linguistic self-governance led to two powerful movements:
Recognising the intensity of the demands, the States Reorganisation Commission was formed in 1953. As a result, the Bombay Reorganisation Act was passed, and on May 1, 1960, Gujarat and Maharashtra were officially created.
The Gujarat Maharashtra Statehood Day 2025 on Thursday, May 1, 2025, will be observed as a public holiday in both states. It is known by different names:
Popularly known as Maharashtra Din, the day is observed with magnificence across the state. In Mumbai:
Known as Gujarat Gaurav Din or Gujarat Sthapana Divas, the celebrations span the length and breadth of the state:
Image Credit: Maps of India
Since their formation on Gujarat Maharashtra Statehood Day, both states have played critical roles in shaping India’s economic and political landscape.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who himself is from Gujarat, has often highlighted the contributions of both states. In his annual addresses, he recognizes Maharashtra’s bravery and history, and Gujarat’s culture and dynamism, emphasizing that both states continue to be vital pillars of India’s progress.
For UPSC aspirants, understanding the significance of the Gujarat Maharashtra Statehood Day is essential. It offers deep insights into:
Moreover, as India continues to grow and diversify, the model of peaceful state formation that Maharashtra and Gujarat represent remains a valuable lesson in federalism and pluralism.
The Gujarat Maharashtra Statehood Day 2025 is not just a historical commemoration; it is a celebration of the people’s voice and the democratic spirit of India. It reminds us that unity in diversity is not just a slogan but a lived reality, thanks to the cultural richness of states like Maharashtra and Gujarat. Whether through a Garba performance in Gandhinagar or a flag-hoisting ceremony in Mumbai, May 1st continues to symbolise the strength, identity, and aspirations of two of India’s most vibrant states.
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