The Origins of May Day
The Haymarket affair happened as early as 1886, when a peaceful protest turned into a violent incident. This led to a movement across the globe for workers’ rights. Workers began shouting the slogan “United we stand,” marking the beginning of what we now observe as May Day. They demanded better working conditions and the right to an 8-hour work shift—even though working 16-hour days was considered normal at the time.
Today, May 1st stands as a global symbol of unity and brotherhood among workers. It is also a symbol of the ongoing struggle for fair treatment, the removal of all kinds of bias, better working conditions, decent pay, and equal opportunities.
Today’s Struggles: The Invisible Labor of the Online Marketing and AI Age
Though the tools we use for work have changed significantly, the struggle continues in new forms:
- Freelancers work round the clock without benefits or job security.
- Gig workers answer to algorithms these days, not supervisors like in days of yore.
- Remote workers are stuck in a blur between work and personal life.
- Millions are paralyzed by procrastination, despite abundant online work opportunities.
The problem in today’s digital age isn’t just about exploitation—it’s also stagnation. With the internet jam-packed with a variety of tools, apps, knowledge, and distractions, many digital workers remain stuck consuming content instead of creating. That needs to change.
May Day in India 2025: What’s Closed, What’s Not?
India celebrates May Day today, along with Maharashtra Day. This double celebration will lead to holidays across various sectors.
Stock Markets Will Stay Shut
According to the National Stock Exchange’s 2025 calendar, it will be a holiday for both the NSE and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). This is one of the 14 listed holidays for the year. Trading activities will be canceled.
Due to Maharashtra Day, the Multi Commodity Exchange will also remain closed from 9 AM to 5 PM and resume from 5 PM to 11:30 PM.
Banks Closed Across Multiple States
According to the RBI’s holiday list, banks will remain closed in the following states:
- Maharashtra
- Tamil Nadu
- Goa
- Assam
- Manipur
- Kerala
- Telangana
- Karnataka
- Andhra Pradesh
- Bihar
- West Bengal
However, digital banking, online transactions, and UPI services will function as usual.
Schools and Government Offices
In Maharashtra, schools and government offices will be closed in observance of both May Day and Maharashtra Diwas (commemorating the state’s formation in 1960).
Other states may observe closures based on local government decisions.
A Personal Wake-Up Call: May Day or Lazy Day?
Here’s the hard truth:
You have two options today—take action or stay stuck.
So, instead of hitting snooze, get up and do something:
- Tidy your room, your laptop, and your mind.
- Take that online course you’ve been putting off.
- Register for the degree you thought was “too late.”
- Start your blog, YouTube channel, or side business.
- Build your website, update your portfolio, or finish that project.
May Day isn’t just about honoring the struggles of past workers.
It’s a reminder to ask yourself:
“Am I honoring the spirit of May Day by taking action—or am I wasting my day scrolling in bed?”
Yes, May Day is about fair pay, rest, and workers’ dignity.
But it’s also about taking responsibility—to build your career, deliver value to your clients, grow professionally, and contribute meaningfully.
So, work hard. Sleep tight. Wake up early. Repeat.
You weren’t born to be a lazy bum—you were born to create and hum.
Happy May Day 2025! Let’s make it count, guys!
Photo Credit: Muhamad Suhkry Abbas from Pixabay
