Importance of Sunday and its origin
Whenever the name of Sunday is mentioned, a different happiness and peace is seen on people’s faces. This day provides an opportunity to spend with family, relax and get some respite from the everyday hustle and bustle. At present, Sunday is celebrated as a weekly holiday in India, but this system was not always there.
Historical context of Sunday holiday
The history of this holiday is linked to workers’ struggles and the colonial era. During British rule, working conditions in India were extremely difficult, especially for workers in the textile mills of Mumbai. They had to work continuously and there was no provision for leave. This constant labor and lack of rest had a negative impact on their physical and mental health. At such a time, social reformer and labor leader Narayan Meghaji Lokhande raised his voice for the rights of workers.
Lokhande took the problems of the workers seriously and demanded weekly leave for them. He organized several demonstrations between 1881 and 1884 and submitted memorandums to the British administration. A large number of workers joined this movement and it gradually turned into a strong mass movement. This struggle was not easy and lasted for many years. Ultimately the unity and sustained efforts of the workers resulted in the British Government recognizing Sunday as an official weekly holiday on 10 June 1890.
Choosing Sunday: religious and practical reasons
There were both religious and practical reasons behind choosing Sunday as a holiday. The British rulers followed Christianity, and for them it was a day of church going and prayer. Therefore, it was convenient for the administration to give holiday on this day. Sunday also has special significance in Indian tradition, as it is considered auspicious for the worship of Sun God. Thus, this day proved to be suitable for both the communities.
The tradition of making Sunday a day of rest is not limited to India only. Its history is very old. In 321 AD the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great declared Sunday the official day of rest throughout the Roman Empire. Later this tradition was adopted in Europe and Britain and was also implemented in India during the British rule.
Thus, today’s Sunday is not just a holiday, but it symbolizes the long struggle of the workers, the victory of their rights and a historic change.
Comments are closed.