Gujarat Day

Gujarat Day marks 1 May 1960, when the bilingual Bombay State was divided and the state of Gujarat was created under the Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960. After independence the Bombay State contained large Gujarati-speaking and Marathi-speaking regions, and competing linguistic movements sought separate states in which administration and public life would reflect their languages. The Mahagujarat movement campaigned for a Gujarati-speaking state, while the Samyukta Maharashtra movement pressed for Maharashtra. The reorganisation created both Gujarat and Maharashtra on the same date. Ahmedabad initially served as Gujarat’s capital before the purpose-planned capital Gandhinagar developed. Gujarat Day is therefore rooted in the history of linguistic federalism in India, but present-day celebrations go beyond politics: they showcase Gujarati literature, folk traditions, Garba, crafts, entrepreneurship, public service and the state’s diverse regional cultures from Kutch to South Gujarat. The anniversary links language and identity with the ongoing work of building the state.

Gujarat Day helps remember an important person, institution, event or public value in India.