Maharashtra Declares Local Holiday For Mumbai, Suburban Districts On Dec. 6; Here's Why

The Maharashtra government has declared a local holiday for Mumbai and suburban districts on Dec. 6 on account of Dr BR Ambedkar’s Mahaparinirvan Diwas. As per the circular issued by the General Administration Department, all government and semi-government offices in Mumbai and suburban districts will remain closed on Friday.

Mumbai has been granted two local holidays every year since 2007 on the occasions of Anant Chaturdashi and Gopalkala (Dahi Handi). The upcoming holiday for Dr. Ambedkar Mahaparinirvan Diwas will be the third local holiday in 2024 for the city and its suburban areas.

All state government offices and semi-government offices that fall under the jurisdiction of Mumbai and the suburban districts will be closed on Dec. 6 due to the holiday. The circular by the government has been issued under the provisions of the Government Resolution No. P&S. P-13/II/B, dated November 5, 1958.

The Mumbai Traffic Police have issued a traffic advisory for the preparation of  Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s 68th death anniversary, Mahaparinirvan Diwas from Dec. 5 to Dec. 7.

Every year, Mahaprinirvan Diwas is observed on the death anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Constitution and legendary social reformer.

The advisory has been issued in anticipation that a large number of devotees are expected to visit Chaityabhoomi at Shivaji Park in Dadar. The followers are expected to gather in order to pay respect to Dr Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar.

“In view of the #MahaparinirvanDiwas of Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar a large number of devotees are expected to visit Chaityabhoomi, Dadar. To avoid inconvenience following traffic arrangements will be in place from 6.00 hrs in the morning of 5th Dec till 24.00 hrs on 7th Dec,” Mumbai Traffic Police said in a post on X.

The temporary traffic curbs have been imposed to ensure smooth management of vehicular traffic amid the large gathering at Shivaji Park for the Mahaparinirvan Diwas.