May Day

May Day History

May Day, also known as International Workers' Day, is a celebration of laborers and the working class worldwide. Promoted by the international labor movement, May Day is of immense significance as it symbolizes the ongoing struggle for fair workers' rights, highlighting issues such as fair pay, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions. It also fosters international unity amongst workers, thus serving a dual purpose of historical observance and reminder of labor rights advocacy.

The establishment of May Day has its roots in the Labor Union movement of the late 19th century, primarily in the United States and Europe. The Haymarket affair in Chicago in 1886, which saw laborers demanding an 8-hour workday, is often linked with the origins of May Day. In India, the first May Day observance took place in Chennai (then Madras) in 1923, initiated by the Labour Kisan Party. Important to note, in India, May Day has also been associated with the resistance against colonial rule, making it a symbol of both labor rights and national independence.

In India, Rallies and marches are organized by trade unions and labor rights activists across the country to raise awareness and advocate for workers' rights and welfare. Workers from various sectors participate in these demonstrations, making visible their collective force. Some organizations also conduct awareness campaigns about legally mandated worker benefits like social security and minimum wages. With its roots in both national history and international labor rights, May Day serves as a reminder for workers in India to continue advocating for their rights and fair treatment. May Day is observed annually on May 1st.

Facts about May Day

• May Day is also recognized as International Worker's Day, or Labor Day. This day commemorates workers rights and the labor movement. One popular cause that this day commemorates is the eight-hour workday.
• In France, it is customary to give a sweet smelling flower called the spring of lily of the valley (a symbol of springtime) on May 1st. The tradition started in 1561 when King Charles IX of France received a lily of the valley as a lucky charm.
• The holiday in India has been celebrated since 1923, primarily initiated by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan. It is noteworthy that 1923 was also the year when the first-ever parade by workers was organized on this day in Chennai, of former Madras, at the beach.
• May Day in India also coincides with Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day, marking the occasion when Bombay State was divided into Maharashtra and Gujarat in 1960.

In the News and Trending in India for May Day

Top things to do in India for May Day

• Dance around a Maypole. Decorate a tall pole with garlands of flowers and ribbons. Have a group of friends each take a ribbon and dance around the pole, interweaving the ribbons to form a braided affect. The braid can be undone by retracing one's steps.
• Have a picnic outdoors in the sunshine.
• Visit the Dr. Ambedkar Memorial located in New Dehli. It is common for people to visit the Dr Ambedkar memorial on this day to pay respect to the architect of the Indian Constitution, who worked tirelessly for social justice and labour rights.
• Visit an museum to observe India's history, such as the National Museum in New Delhi or the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya in Mumbai.