Holiday in Maharashtra, Parliament Celebrates Mahaparinirvan Divas

On Thursday, December 5, the new government in Maharashtra took the oath of office, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis along with two Deputy Chief Ministers, Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde. Prior to this oath-taking ceremony, the government had already announced a public holiday for Friday, December 6, in Mumbai. This means that today, December 6, all government and semi-government offices in Mumbai and its suburban areas are closed, and schools have also been given a holiday. But why did the government declare this holiday? Let's find out.

Why is there a holiday?

Today, December 6, marks the death anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. It is observed as Mahaparinirvan Divas, the 69th death anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar. The Maharashtra government issued a circular clearly stating that in honor of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Mahaparinirvan Divas, there would be a holiday in all government and semi-government offices in Mumbai and its suburbs.

What is Mahaparinirvan Divas?

Mahaparinirvan Divas is observed on the day when Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the maker of the Indian Constitution, passed away. Dr. Ambedkar was not only the principal architect of the Indian Constitution but also a renowned social reformer and philanthropist.

In the Constitution created by Babasaheb, it is ensured that citizens of all classes in the country will receive freedom, equality, and justice. It is also the responsibility and duty of every citizen to protect and preserve the fundamental principles and values of the Constitution.

PM Pays Tribute

On the occasion of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s death anniversary and Mahaparinirvan Divas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to him through social media. He also reiterated his commitment to fulfilling Babasaheb’s vision, emphasizing that today, as the nation remembers his contributions, the commitment to fulfilling his ideals is stronger than ever.

Mahaparinirvan Divas Observed in Parliament

Today, Mahaparinirvan Divas was observed at the Prerna Sthal (Inspiration Site) in the Parliament complex in New Delhi. The event was organized by the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The ceremony was attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, and other distinguished guests, who paid homage and offered floral tributes. Former President Ram Nath Kovind was also present and paid floral tributes to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the architect of India’s Constitution.

Remembering the great Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas. His thoughts and ideals continue to give strength to millions. We are committed to fulfilling the dreams he had for our nation. pic.twitter.com/dJUwGjv3Z5

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 6, 2020

by Priyanka Yadav