Labor Day 2022: What Is May Day & Why Is It Marked On 1st May?

May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day or Labor Day, is observed on the first day of May around the world.

Labor Day is an annual celebration that commemorates the accomplishments of workers and has its roots in the labor movement.

For most nations, Labor Day is the same as International Workers’ Day or Workers’ Day, and it is observed on May 1st. The date of May 1 was chosen to memorialize the Haymarket Riot in Chicago in 1886.

Who Was The First To Declare May 1 As Labor Day In India?

May Day is the name given to Labor Day in India. Antarrashtriya Shramik Diwas is another name for it.

On May 1, 1923, it was first observed in Chennai (earlier Madras). The Labor Kisan Party of Hindustan took the initiative.

Comrade Singaravelar, the party’s head, organized two meetings to commemorate the occasion.

Why Is 1st May Celebrated As Maharashtra Day And Gujarat Day?

May 1 is also known as “Maharashtra Day” and “Gujarat Day,” commemorating the date in 1960. In that year, these 2 western states became independent after the former Bombay State was partitioned along linguistic lines.

Maharashtra Day is held in central Mumbai’s Shivaji Park. In Gandhinagar, a similar occasion is staged to celebrate Gujarat Day.

Why 1st May Is Marked as International Workers’ Day?

Many countries observe International Workers’ Day as a public holiday, while activities are prohibited in some areas, which sometimes lead to clashes.

The Haymarket Riot in Chicago in 1886 is commemorated on this day. The Haymarket Riot was a violent confrontation between police and labor protests that became a symbol of workers’ rights around the world.

The riot and subsequent prosecution in conjunction with the Haymarkert Riot in Chicago caused international anger, provided labor martyrs, and created May 1 as International Labor Day.