Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day 2025

• Every year 1st May is celebrated as Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day.
• The 65th foundation day of both these states is being celebrated in the year 2025.
• This day not only marks the establishment of these states but also symbolizes the historic achievement of the State Reorganization Movement.

History: Maharashtra and Gujarat State Formation

Bombay Presidency

• Before independence, the present Maharashtra and Gujarat regions were part of the Bombay Presidency of British India.
• After independence (1947) this presidency was transformed into Bombay State, which included diverse linguistic communities – mainly Marathi and Gujarati speakers.

Demand for states on linguistic basis

• The demand for state formation on linguistic basis gradually intensified.
• The Marathi speaking people formed the "Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti" to demand a separate state, while the Gujarati speaking community also raised their voice for Gujarat.

Fazal Ali Commission and State Reorganization Act, 1956

• The Central Government formed the Fazal Ali Commission in 1953 to reorganize the states.
• On the basis of this, the State Reorganization Act, 1956 was passed, but Bombay state was not divided on linguistic basis.

Protests and Movements

• After 1956, discontent grew between Marathi and Gujarati groups.
• The United Maharashtra Movement gained momentum and people were martyred in it.
• Under the influence of the movement, the government decided to divide Bombay state in 1960.

Creation of Maharashtra and Gujarat (1 May 1960)

• Under the 'Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960',
  • On 1 May 1960, Bombay State was divided into two parts:
  • Maharashtra (Marathi and Konkani speaking)
• Gujarat (Gujarati and Kutchi speaking)
• And two new states were formed.
• This historic decision gave constitutional shape to linguistic identity in the country.

Important facts about Gujarat

• Gujarat is a state located in western India.
• Its north-western border touches Pakistan.
• Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are states located to its north and north-east respectively.
• Maharashtra is to its south.
• The Arabian Sea forms its western-southern border.
• Dadar and Nagar Haveli are on its southern border.
• Gujarat is the country's major producer of cotton, tobacco and peanuts
• Official language: Gujarati
• Capital – Gandhinagar
• Area - 1,96,024 km
• Population (2011) - 6,04,39,692
• Districts – 33
• Governor - Acharya Devvrat
• Chief Minister - Bhupendrabhai Patel
• Legislative Assembly - 182 seats
• Rajya Sabha - 11 seats
• Lok Sabha - 26 seats
• Major rivers - Narmada, Tapi, Sabarmati, Mahi
• World Heritage Sites - Pavagadh-Champaner, Rani ki Vav
• Major festivals - Navratri, Uttarayan (Kite Festival), Diwali, Holi
• Famous dances - Garba, Dandiya
• Statue of Unity - World's tallest Statue (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel), located in Narmada district

Important facts about Maharashtra

• Maharashtra is a state located in the western part of India.
• It shares its borders with Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Karnataka and Goa.
• It is the third largest state in terms of area.
• Governor - C.P. Radhakrishnan
• Chief Minister - Devendra Fadnavis
• Deputy Chief Minister - Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar
• Capital – Mumbai
• Official language – Marathi
• Districts – 36
• Rajya Sabha - 19 seats
• Lok Sabha - 48 seats
• Legislative Assembly - 288 seats
• Area - 307,713 sq km
• Population (2011) - 112,374,333
• Population of males (2011) - 58,243,056
• Population of females (2011) - 54,131,277
• Density - 365 per sq km
• Literacy rate - 82.34%
• Rivers - Godavari, Krishna and Tapi etc.
• National parks - Tadoba, Nagzira, Navegaon, Gugamal etc.
• Major Industries - Cotton Textiles, Machinery, Chemicals, Transport, Electrical and Metallurgy
• Popular Dances - Dhangari, Lavani, Powadas, Tamasha and Koli
• Popular Music - Bharud, Bhajan, Kirtan and Tumbdi
• Famous Tourist Places - Ajanta and Ellora Caves - UNESCO World Heritage Sites.