Yesterday, on May 1, Mumbai marked Maharashtra Day with a slew of functions across the city. There was the annual march at Shivaji Park, an annual event long awaited by several Mumbaikars, who thronged the nursery of Indian cricket to watch the parade. For others there were several cultural performances, including traditional music and dance with an accent on the indigenous.

This focus on Maharashtra overshadowed the other occasion on May 1, which is also Labour Day. The International Workers’ Day (also known as May Day) is a celebration of the international labour movement. May 1 is a national holiday in more than 80 countries and is celebrated unofficially in many other countries. May Day is tied to labour movements for communist and socialist political parties.