The Congress-NCP government in Maharashtra and political parties have organised a plethora of programmes to celebrate Maharashtra Day on May 1 -- 50 years after the state was formed.

The main official function would be at the sprawling Shivaji Park in central Mumbai on May 1 morning. A 'Suvarna Maharashtra Darshan' exhibition has also been organised to mark the golden jubilee year of the formation of the state.

On the eve of Maharashtra Day, water would be brought from rivers in the state, freedom fighters bringing in urns containing river water from each district. The water would be sprinkled at the Hutatma Chowk.

Five decades ago, the struggle for Samyukta (united) Maharashtra spilled onto the city streets. A realist sculpture was later erected as a martyr's memorial at the Hutatma Chowk, marking the 105 people who died in protests against making Mumbai into a city state.

A scintillating laser show would be organised at Girgaum Chowpatty and Marine Drive here on May 1.

The Shiv Sena has roped in Lata Mangeshkar to sing the 'Maharashtra Geet' at Bandra-Kurla Complex on May 1. The Sena organised a blood donation drive where over 25,000 blood bags were collected on April 25, in an attempt to create a new world record for blood collection in a day. .

The Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the state's formation has launched a cooking competition.

In the event, conducted by the MNS women's wing, participants are expected to make a meal that is specific to one of the regional cuisines of the state ? Konkan, Khandesh, Vidarbha and Marathwada.

Mumbai Congress unit has sought permission to hold a grand night-long function that will go on till the afternoon of May 1 at Jamboree Maidan, Worli.

MRCC has asked the government to consider Maharashtra Day celebrations as a special case and grant permission for the function throughout the night for the programmes, which include cultural events.

Samajwadi Party has planned a mushaira and programmes in Hindi and Urdu for Maharashtra Day. The party is also organising programmes in Hindi and Urdu on May 1 in Malvani at suburban Malad.