Gearing up for May 1

On Friday night, freedom fighters from across Maharashtra, who participated in the struggle for the formation of Maharashtra state 50 years ago, will march towards Hutatma Chowk.

On Friday night, freedom fighters from across Maharashtra, who participated in the struggle for the formation of Maharashtra state 50 years ago, will march towards Hutatma Chowk.

HT Image

The delegation will carry water from the state’s rivers and soil from some of its historic and religious sites. Accompanied by Governor, K Shankarnarayan, and Chief Minister, Ashok Chavan, they will plant trees at the chowk in memory of those who died during the Samyukta Maharashtra movement.

From Lata Mangeshkar’s live concert to laser shows at Marine Drive, the government and political parties in Maharashtra are pulling out all stops to celebrate the state’s 50th foundation day on May 1.

The 47th Marathi Film Awards Function held at Gateway of India on Wednesday, was a precursor to the series of Maharashtra Day programmes.

On May 1, an exhibition of photos, artefacts, and historic documents at Shivaji Park will trace 50 years of the state’s growth. Women self-help groups will also put up stalls at the exhibition.

The Maharashtra Toursim Development Corporation (MTDC) has organised a grand laser show, Mahatej, from Nariman Point to Girgaon Chowpatty in the evening.

At night, theatre personality Ashok Hande, will put up a song, dance and drama act depicting historical, cultural, social heritage of Maharashtra.

The Shiv Sena launched celebrations with a massive blood donation drive on April 25 and collected more than 25,000 blood bottles in a day. For May 1, the party has organised a musical programme, in which Lata Mangeshkar will perform. Sena chief Bal Thackeray will attend the event.