Holiday declared in Maharashtra on B.R. Ambedkar death anniversary today

The Maharashtra government has declared a public holiday on December 6, the 67th death anniversary of BR Ambedkar. According to a circular issued by the government, all state government and administrative offices in Mumbai and its sub-districts will remain closed on Ambedkar's death anniversary on Wednesday.

However, the holiday is not under the Negotiable Instruments Act because of which all banks will remain open.

The move came after Mumbai Regional Congress Committee (MRCC) president and MLA Varsha Gaikwad wrote to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde requesting him to declare December 6 as a public holiday for government and private offices in Mumbai.

"Ambedkar dedicated his entire life to eradicating casteism and the development of the poor, Dalits and backward classes. On his death anniversary, large crowds come not only from Maharashtra but also from abroad at Chaitya Bhoomi. However, since it is a working day, many followers are unable to pay respects at his memorial at Shivaji Park. Many state organisations have been demanding a holiday for many years," Gaikwad wrote in the letter.

Widely known as the Mahaparinirvan Diwas, the day attracts lakhs of Ambedkar's followers from India to Dadar's Chaitya Bhoomi, where they pay their homage to Dr Ambedkar.