Maharashtra Day 2026: President Murmu, PM Modi hail state's reform legacy and cultural richness
New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended greetings on Maharashtra Day, lauding the state’s legacy of social reform, cultural vitality and its continuing role in India’s development.
In a message posted on X by the official account of Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Murmu called Maharashtra the sacred land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and said it inspires patriotism, courage and self-respect. She highlighted the contributions of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Savitribai Phule, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Dr.
Babasaheb Ambedkar, and praised the industrious and determined people of the state for their significant contributions to the country’s progress. She wished Maharashtra continued advancement and prosperity for its residents. Prime Minister Modi, in his post on X, conveyed “heartfelt greetings” to the people of Maharashtra, describing the state’s long history of social awakening and rich traditions.
He noted its leadership across literature, theatre, music, cinema, industry, education, science and public service, and said he prays for Maharashtra’s continued development and the welfare of its people. Maharashtra Day, or Maharashtra Diwas, is celebrated on May 1 to mark the linguistic reorganisation of the erstwhile Bombay state into the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
The Bombay Reorganisation Act took effect on May 1, 1960, following sustained protests and movements that sought a separate state for Marathi speakers. The leaders’ messages underscored Maharashtra’s historic role in shaping India’s social and political thought and its ongoing influence across the arts, education and industry as the state commemorates its formation.