Maharashtra Day 2026: Maharashtra Day is celebrated every year on May 1 to commemorate the formation of the state of Maharashtra, which dates back to May 1, 1960. It is a public holiday for the states, which also coincides with Labor Day Friday and Buddha Purnima, making it the perfect time for a long weekend. It is also the birth anniversary of Pandit Raghunath Murmu.
History of Maharashtra Day
The Bombay Reorganization Act of 1960 split Bombay State into two separate states, which we know today as Gujarat and Maharashtra. The state of Bombay had four main languages - Marathi, Kutch, Gujarati and Konkani. While the Marathi and Konkani speaking population remained in the state of Maharashtra, the Kutchi and Gujarati speaking community joined the state of Gujarat.
Several events and cultural programs are organized across Maharashtra to celebrate the occasion, with Mumbai taking center stage.
The much-awaited parade is held every year at Dadar’s Shivaji Park in the presence of government officials, police and other officials. Cultural performances are held at the event to honor the culture, traditions and folk art of the state.
Maharashtra Day 2026: What’s Open, What’s Closed
Maharashtra Day is a public holiday in the state. All major government offices including banks, government offices, schools and colleges are to remain closed today. See what’s open today and what’s closed on Maharashtra Day 2026.
Government offices and public institutions will remain closed today as per the holiday notification and RBI guidelines.
Schools/ Colleges
Schools and colleges are closed on Maharashtra Day 2026.
Shops, restaurants, shopping centers
Most retail stores, restaurants, eateries and shopping centers will operate as normal. Liquor shops, however, will observe a dry day in Maharashtra.
stock market
Stock markets are also closed on May 1 in most parts of India. The main stock exchanges – Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) – will remain closed on Friday for the holiday. As a result, trading across equity, derivatives and SLB segments is suspended. Market activity will resume on Monday, May 4.
However, commodity markets will remain closed today only for the morning session.
Bank holidays
Banks in 27 cities across India will remain closed today. It includes Agartala, Aizawl, Belapur, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chennai, Dehradun, Gangtok, Hyderabad, Imphal, Itanagar, Jammu, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi, Panaji, Patna, Raipur, Srinagarija, Thimahapy.
However, customers will be able to use online services like internet banking, mobile apps and UPI. ATM services will remain available today.
What is open today
Meanwhile, several other services will remain open on Maharashtra Day 2026. It includes tourist attractions in the state such as Marine Drive, Gateway of India, temples, beaches and monuments.
Public transport such as local trains, metro, buses and taxis will continue to operate according to holiday timetables. Most tourist spots are expected to be crowded.
All essential services including pharmacies and hospitals will operate as usual today.
