International Workers’ Day (May Day)

May 1 corresponds to the International Workers’ Day which is celebrated and observed as a national holiday in around 80 countries around the world including India. Labour Day in India is celebrated in order to honor the contribution of working men and women. The Labour Day in India is also known as the May Day.

It was first celebrated in Chennai (then known as Madras) on May 1, 1923. The initiative was taken by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan. The leader of the party, Comrade Singaravelar passed a resolution which stated that the government should announce a national holiday on the day in India. He also emphasized the need for non-violence within a political party. This was the first time a red flag was used in India.

The history of the Labour Day dates back to May 1, 1886. On this day, labour unions in the United States of America decided to go on a strike with the demand that workers should not be allowed to work more than 8 hours a day. This strike was followed by a bomb blast in Chicago where hundreds were injured in the blast. Although the protests in the U.S. didn't lead to any immediate result, yet it helped establish the 8-hour work day norm in India and other countries in the world. Since then, the Labour Day is observed as the day for parades and demonstrations all around the globe.