May Day (Labour Day) 2026 अंतरराष्ट्रीय श्रमिक दिवस (मज़दूर दिवस)

Why May Day (Labour Day) is celebrated

May Day honours the work of labourers, farm workers, factory hands, drivers, domestic helpers and every person who earns a living through their effort. It also recalls the long struggle for rights that many workers now take for granted, such as fixed working hours, weekly rest, minimum wages and safety at work. Trade unions use the day to raise current demands and to remind governments and employers of their duties.

History and story of May Day (Labour Day)

The day's roots lie in the United States. On 1 May 1886, lakhs of workers went on strike demanding an eight hour working day. A few days later, a protest meeting at Haymarket Square in Chicago ended in violence, and several workers' leaders were later executed. In 1889 an international meeting of socialist and labour groups chose 1 May as a day for workers across the world.

In India, May Day was first celebrated in Madras on 1 May 1923. It was organised by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan, led by M. Singaravelu Chettiar, and is often described as the first time a red flag was used in India.

How May Day (Labour Day) is celebrated

Trade unions hold rallies, meetings and marches. Some employers honour long serving staff. Many people also take a moment to thank the workers who keep their homes, offices and cities running.

In Maharashtra and Gujarat, 1 May is also state formation day, marking the division of the old Bombay State in 1960. It is celebrated as Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day with parades and cultural programmes.