Maharashtra Day 2026: Maharashtra Day 2026 will be celebrated on Friday, May 1, marking the 66th foundation day of the state and honouring its historical, cultural, and political journey. The day commemorates the creation of Maharashtra in 1960 under the Bombay Reorganisation Act, when the erstwhile Bombay State was divided into Maharashtra and Gujarat on linguistic grounds.
The formation of Maharashtra was the result of the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement, a landmark struggle led by Marathi-speaking communities demanding a separate state that reflected their language, identity, and cultural heritage.
This year, Maharashtra Day also coincides with International Workers’ Day and Buddha Purnima, making May 1 especially significant nationwide. The long weekend is likely to witness increased travel, public gatherings, and celebrations.
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Across Maharashtra, flag hoisting events, patriotic programmes, and cultural performances will be organised to celebrate the state’s legacy and achievements.
What Will Be Closed On Maharashtra Day 2026?
As May 1 is a declared public holiday, several services will remain shut, including:
- Government offices and public institutions
- Schools, colleges, and educational institutions
- Banks in most parts of India as per RBI holiday schedules
- NSE and BSE stock markets
- Liquor stores, due to dry day regulations
What Will Remain Open?
- Essential services and many public attractions will continue functioning, such as:
- Tourist destinations like Marine Drive, Gateway of India, and popular monuments
- Religious places, beaches, and parks
- Public transportation, including trains, metro, buses, taxis, and app-based cab services, on holiday timetables