Marathi Language Day

On 1 May 1960, the erstwhile Bombay State was divided into the current states of Maharashtra and Gujarat based on primary spoken languages as Marathi and Gujarati. The day is hence also celebrated in Maharashtra as Maharashtra Day (महाराष्ट्र दिन) and is observed as state holiday. Marathi thus became the "Official Language" of the state from 1 May 1960. The Government of Maharashtra issued notice on 5 July 1960 establishing Directorate of Languages. As per "Maharashtra Official Language Act 1964",{{Cite web |date=9 May 2022 |title=महाराष्ट्र शासन: मराठी भाषा विभाग |url=https://gr.maharashtra.gov.in/Site/Upload/Government%20Resolutions/Marathi/202205064715138433.....pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729124407/https://gr.maharashtra.gov.in/Site/Upload/Government%20Resolutions/Marathi/202205064715138433.....pdf |archive-date=29 July 2022 |access-date=20 March 2023 |website= gr.maharashtra.gov.in |language=Marathi

}} Marathi language officially received the status of Official Language. From 1 May 1966, the Marathi Official Language Act was implemented in all government affairs in the state. Book title Introduction to Raj Bhasha was also published for non-Marathi speaking government officials. However, in due course of time, due to the fanfare celebrations of Maharashtra Day and Labour Day; both being observed on 1 May, the Marathi Official Language Day celebrations had reduced and also being ignored by government bodies. On 10 April 1977, the government issued another circular about reminder of this day and its observances. In the revived events, various functions and competitions were encouraged to be arranged on local levels from 28 April to 30 April with conclusion ceremonies held on 1 May.{{cite web | url=https://www.esakal.com/citizen-journalism/sadanad-kadam-writes-about-marathi-language-day-265569 | title=मराठी राजभाषा, मराठी गौरव दिनाची गल्लत नको | publisher=Sakal |language=Marathi | date=26 February 2020 | accessdate=8 March 2023 | author=Kadam, Sadanand}}

Vishnu Vaman Shirwadkar, popularly known by his pen name, Kusumagraj, was a celebrated Marathi author who was honoured with Jnanpith Award in 1987.{{Cite web |date=21 March 2023 |title=Jnanpith Laureates |url=http://jnanpith.net/laureates.html?id=3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113014413/http://jnanpith.net/laureates.html?id=3 |archive-date=13 January 2023 |access-date=20 March 2023 |website= Jnanpit.net |language=English

}}{{cite web |url=https://divyamarathi.bhaskar.com/news/BOL-jagatik-marathi-bhasha-din-celebration-2914740.html |title=jagatik marathi bhasha din celebration - divyamarathi.bhaskar.com |work=divyabhaskar |access-date=27 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301045736/http://divyamarathi.bhaskar.com/news/BOL-jagatik-marathi-bhasha-din-celebration-2914740.html |archive-date=1 March 2016 |url-status=live }} He made significant contribution in the cultural field of Maharashtra and tireless efforts to make Marathi the language of knowledge.{{cn|date=March 2023}} On 21 January 2013, Maharashtra Government issued circular to celebrate 27 February,{{Cite web |date=27 February 2020 |title=Marathi Basha Divas मराठी भाषा दिवस २७ फेब्रुवारी |url=https://ekbharat.gov.in/images/InstituteActivities/Documents/31645/Marathi%20Basha%20Divas.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320183434/https://ekbharat.gov.in/images/InstituteActivities/Documents/31645/Marathi%20Basha%20Divas.pdf |archive-date=20 March 2023 |access-date=20 March 2023 |website= ekbharat.gov.in |language=English

}} birthday of Kusumagraj, as "Marathi Language Pride Day".{{Cite web |date=2 February 2020 |title= SPEAK MARATHI, I HEAR MARATHI |url=https://dgipr.maharashtra.gov.in/sites/default/files/2020-07/MAhead-Feb2020.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615172848/https://dgipr.maharashtra.gov.in/sites/default/files/2020-07/MAhead-Feb2020.pdf |archive-date=15 June 2022 |access-date=20 March 2023 |website= dgipr.maharashtra.gov.in |language=English

}}

Essay competitions and seminars are arranged in Schools and Colleges. Government officials are asked to conduct various events.{{cite web |url=http://www.loksatta.com/viva-news/celebration-of-marathi-bhasha-din-on-27-february-and-use-of-marathi-language-66025/ |title=आम्ही मराठीचे शिलेदार! |date=22 February 2013 |work= Loksatta |access-date= 27 February 2016}}

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Category:Government of Maharashtra

Category:Marathi language

Category:February observances

Category:Language observances

Category:Observances in India

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