The Maharashtra government has declared Friday, December 6, as a holiday to observe Mahaparinirvan Diwas, marking the death anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. As per the government’s notification, all government and semi-government offices in Mumbai and its surrounding districts will remain closed on this day to honor the legacy of Dr. Ambedkar, who passed away on December 6, 1956.
This will be the third local holiday announced by the state government this year, following Dahi Handi and Ganesh Visarjan.
While government offices will be closed, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) have not issued any holiday notices, so it remains uncertain whether the stock markets will be open on December 6.
In light of the significance of Mahaparinirvan Diwas, the Central Railway has scheduled 14 additional trains from cities like Aurangabad, Adilabad, Nagpur, and Sholapur, all heading to Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Additionally, 12 extra suburban trains will operate, with six on the main line and six on the Harbour Line. To ensure passenger safety, nearly 300 additional Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel have been deployed.
Thousands of people are expected to visit Chaitanyabhoomi at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, the place where Dr. Ambedkar was cremated, to pay their respects. Dr. Ambedkar, born on April 14, 1891, was a key figure in India’s fight against social discrimination, particularly towards Dalits, and advocated for women’s and workers’ rights. He earned multiple doctorates, including one in economics from Columbia University, and led major movements, including the 1927 Mahad Satyagraha for the right of untouchables to access water.
Dr. Ambedkar also played a pivotal role in drafting the Indian Constitution and was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, in 1990.
