The history of Maharashtra Day traces back to post-independence India, where there was a strong demand to reorganize states based on linguistic and cultural identity. Initially, the Bombay State was formed, which included parts of today’s Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh. However, linguistic differences caused unrest among various groups.

Key Events:

• Sanyukta Maharashtra Movement (1946–1960):
  A massive movement led by Marathi-speaking people and political leaders like Keshavrao Jedhe, Shridhar Maharashta, and Prabodhankar Thackeray, advocating for a separate state for Marathi speakers.

• Demands of the Movement:

  • A separate state of Maharashtra with Mumbai as its capital

  • Protection of the Marathi language and culture

  • Separation from Gujarati-speaking areas

• Formation of Maharashtra:

  • On May 1, 1960, the Indian government passed the Bombay Reorganisation Act, resulting in the bifurcation of the Bombay State into:

    • Maharashtra (Marathi-speaking)

    • Gujarat (Gujarati-speaking)

58 protestors sacrificed their lives in this struggle – their sacrifice is remembered every Maharashtra Day.