Why 1st May Celebrated as Gujarat Day 2023? History and Significance

Gujarat Day 2023

The first of May, commonly known as May Day or International Labour Day, is a significant date in Gujarat and Maharashtra. The Bombay Reorganization Act, which was passed on this day in 1960, created both states. It stands for the Gujrati people’s history and culture. On this day, a number of events are planned to honour the celebrations.

Gujarat Day 2023: History

Gujarat Day is celebrated on May 1 every year to mark the foundation day of the Indian state of Gujarat. The state was established on May 1, 1960, after the State Reorganization Act was passed by the Indian government. Gujarat was carved out of the larger bilingual Bombay state, which was divided into Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Gujarat Day 2023: Significance

• The significance of Gujarat Day 2023 lies in the fact that the state reorganization led to the creation of a separate administrative unit for the Gujarati-speaking people.
• This move was aimed at fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Gujarat, who had been demanding a separate state for many years.
• The foundation of Gujarat marks the beginning of a new phase in the history of the state, as it embarked on a journey of development and progress.
• Over the years, Gujarat has emerged as one of the most prosperous and dynamic states in India, with a thriving economy and a rich cultural heritage.
• Gujarat Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fanfare across the state, with people taking part in cultural programs, exhibitions, and other events.
• The day is an occasion to showcase the achievements of the state and to renew the commitment towards its development and progress.

Gujarat Day 2023: State Reorganization Act, 1956

• Under the 1956 States Reorganization Act, the majority of states were reorganized along linguistic lines. Additionally, this act brought together Gujarati and Marathi-speaking regions, causing unrest in both of these areas.
• The bilingual Bombay state of India was called upon by a local political movement known as the Mahagujarat movement to create a separate state for the Gujarati-speaking population.
• Finally, the movement was successful, and the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra were created.
• The States Reorganization Act, 1956 was passed on November 1, 1956, creating a new state called Bombay that included the Marathi-speaking regions of the former Bombay State, the Vidarbha region of the former Madhya Pradesh State, the Marathwada region of the former Hyderabad State, and the former States of Saurashtra and Kutch.
• The previous States of Kutch and Saurashtra were then removed from the State of Bombay to form the new State of Gujarat, while the State of Bombay was renamed Maharashtra as a result of the Bombay Reorganization Act, 1960, which was passed on May 1, 1960.