Mumbai:
On Maharashtra's 50th Foundation Day, Governor K Sankaranarayanan and Chief Minister Ashok Chavan led the state in paying tributes to the 105 martyrs of the movement that led to the creation of the state.
The Governor and Chief Minister paid floral tributes to the martyrs of Samyukta Maharashtra movement at the Hutatma Chowk (martyrs' memorial) in South Mumbai. The Governor later unfurled the tricolour and took salute at a ceremonial parade at the Shivaji Park here. He also inaugurated an exhibition organised by the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations on `Maharashtra's Progress during the last 50 years' at Shivaji Park.
A series of functions have been planned to commemorate the golden jubilee of Maharashtra, formed on May 1, 1960. They include a light and sound show followed by fireworks along the Marine Drive this evening.
At a function organised by the Shiv Sena in suburban Bandra this evening, melody queen Lata Mangeshkar would render patriotic songs. Sena chief Bal Thackeray would be present at
the event.
A cultural programme, `Swarna Maharashtra' (Golden Maharashtra), is being organised at Girgaum Chowpatty and is based on historical, cultural and social heritage of Maharashtra.