Labour Day 2020: History, Significance and how it is being celebrated during the pandemic 

Here is everything you need to know about Labour Day

Like any other official day celebrated to regard or respect and show solidarity for a certain class, person or institution. Labour day is celebrated to regard and respect the working class of the nation. The day is celebrated every year on May 1^st, but unfortunately due to the prevailed circumstances of COVID 19 pandemic every special moment, as well as ordinary moments, lost its importance and treatment of celebration.

For the first time in history, the day is being celebrated in the locked rooms rather than the actual working places. The labour day is also called as International working day, May Day. India along with Cuba, China and Pakistan celebrate this day on 1^st May while the date for other countries varies. However, there are many more countries who celebrate the day on the same date with India but with a mere difference of public holiday. In countries like India, Pakistan, China and Cuba the day is celebrated by observing a public holiday to regard and respect the working class of the nation.

Read more: What all happened on May 1? Important Events to know 

History of labour day

The history of Mayday or workers’ day can be traced from the revolt of 1886 in America. It was 1^st May when labourers in America came together to protest the exploitation by elite class or what we may say owners of the factories. The protesters demanded a proper working schedule and put forth many more demands. The angry protesters revolted against the unjust of 15-hour working and other demands were paid leaves, good wages along with proper breaks during the work.

However, in India, the origin of the Labour day arrived during the Labour Union Movement. The purpose of the movement was specifically eight-hour working day. The movement advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation and eight hours for rest.

When was it first observed in India?

In India officially for the first time, the day was celebrated by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan in the then Madras and now Chennai on 1^st May 1923. Since India got independence, 1^st May is observed as a public holiday in all the sectors all over India as a mark of respect and regard to the nation’s workforce. The red flag which represents Labor day is used to symbolize with them. Communist parties and socialist parties have played a great role in officializing the day in India. For the additional information remember that 1^st May is also Maharashtra Day and Gujrat Day as on this day in 1960 the two attained statehood after the division on a linguistic basis.

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