The International Worker’s Day (also called Labour Day or May Day) in India is celebrated in order to honor the contribution of working men and women. It is observed on the first day of the month of May. The Labour Day in India is also known as the May Day. May 1 corresponds to the International Workers’ Day which is celebrated around the world, hence belongs to World’s Day. It is observed as a national holiday in around 80 countries including India.
History in India
International Worker’s Day in India or May Day was first celebrated in Chennai (then known as Madras) on May 1, 1923. The initiative was taken by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan. The leader of the party, Comrade Singaravelar arranged two meetings to celebrate this occasion.
One meeting was held at the Triplicane Beach, and the other took place at the beach opposite Madras High Court. On the meeting, Singaravelar passed a resolution which stated that the government should announce a national holiday on the May Day or Labour Day in India. He also emphasized the need for non-violence within a political party. This was the first time a red flag was used in India.
Origin
The history of this Day dates back to May 1, 1886. On this day, labour unions in the United States of America decided to go on a strike with the demand that workers should not be allowed to work more than 8 hours a day. This strike was followed by a bomb blast in Chicago’s Haymarket Square on the 4th of May. This led to the death of several people and police officers. In addition, more than 100 people were injured in the blast.
Although the protests in the U.S. didn’t lead to any immediate result, yet it helped establish the 8-hour work day norm in India and other countries in the world. Since then, the Labour Day is observed as the day for parades and demonstrations all around the globe.
Celebrations in India
It is celebrated as the day for protests not only in India but around the world. This is when the working men and women participate in processions to defend their rights and safeguard their interests. Various labour organizations and trade unions come up with their processions so that the economic reforms they’ve proposed become effective in a short period of time. Other than processions, you’ll find contests being organized for children to participate and understand the bond of togetherness. This way the children can understand the strength of unity which is the essence of the processions that are a part of the Labour Day celebrations.
The Labour Day is a special occasion when people worldwide celebrate the true spirit of the working class. It’s the day when workers get together and showcase their strength which indicates how effectively they can struggle to bring in positive reforms for the working class of the society.
Facts About Labour Day in India
- Also known as ‘Kamgar Din’ or ‘Antarrashtriya Shramik Diwas’ in Hindi, ‘Kamgar Divas’ in Marathi and ‘Uzhaipalar Naal’ in Tamil.
- Annually celebrated for the achievements of the workers.
- It is celebrated internationally as a holiday for the working class.
- In India, the first Labour day or May Day was celebrated in the year 1923.
- It was the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan, who had organised the May Day celebrations in Madras (now Chennai) on May 1, 1923.
- Labour Day began in Chicago as a protest campaign to support 8-hour workday.
- This day is observed as a holiday in more than 80 countries including India
- Labour Day has its origins in the labour union movement in the United States in the 19th century. During that period the industrialists used to exploit the labour class and made them work up to 15 hours a day.
Significance of International Worker’s Day
- The day has its origins in the labour union movement, particularly the eight-hour day movement, which supports eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest
- May Day has long been a crucial point for demonstrations by various socialist, communist and anarchist groups
- May Day has been an important official holiday in countries such as the People’s Republic of China, North Korea, Cuba, and the former Soviet Union. May Day celebrations typically feature elaborate popular and military parades in these countries
- During the Cold War, May Day became intermittent for large military parades in Red Square by the Soviet Union and was attended by the top leaders of the Kremlin, especially the Politburo, atop Lenin’s Tomb. It became an enduring symbol of that period.