Who is the real hero of Sunday holiday? This Indian changed history by defeating the British

As soon as the name of Sunday is mentioned, relief and happiness are visible on the faces of most people. This day gives an opportunity to spend time with family, relax and take a break from the everyday hustle and bustle. Today in India, Sunday is fixed as a weekly holiday, but this system was not always present.

History of Sunday holiday related to the suffering of workers

Behind this is a long struggle, the suffering of the workers and the history of the colonial period. Working conditions in India were very difficult during the British rule. Especially for the workers working in the textile mills of Mumbai. They had to work continuously seven days a week and did not get any kind of leave. Due to continuous hard work and lack of rest, the physical and mental health of the workers was getting affected. In such difficult times, social reformer and labor leader Narayan Meghaji Lokhande came forward for the rights of workers.

Lokhande took the problems of the workers seriously and demanded weekly leave for them. He organized several protests between 1881 and 1884 and repeatedly submitted memorandums to the British administration. A large number of workers participated in this movement and gradually it became a strong mass movement. This struggle was not easy and lasted for many years. Ultimately the unity and continuous efforts of the workers bore fruit. The British government accepted their demand and declared Sunday as an official weekly holiday on 10 June 1890.

Why did the British ruler choose Sunday?

There were both religious and practical reasons behind choosing Sunday as the holiday. The British rulers followed Christianity and for them Sunday was the day of church going and prayer. Therefore, it was convenient for the administration to give holiday on this day. Besides, Sunday also has importance in Indian tradition, because it is considered auspicious for the worship of Sun God. In this way this day proved to be suitable for both the communities.

The tradition of making Sunday a day of rest was not limited to India. Its history is very old. In 321 AD, Roman Emperor Constantine the Great declared Sunday an 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.

In this way, today’s Sunday is not just a holiday, but a symbol of the workers’ long struggle, victory of rights and historical change.