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The concept of Sunday as a day of rest and holiday has its roots in religious beliefs, predominantly Christianity, where it is considered the Sabbath, a day of rest and worship. However, the formal recognition of Sunday as an official holiday in India is a product of British colonial rule. Let's delve into the historical context and the process that led to this establishment.

**The British Influence and the Establishment of Sunday as a Holiday**

The British East India Company, which began trading in India in the early 17th century, brought with it not only trade goods but also cultural practices and norms. As the British influence grew, so did the influence of Christian customs, including the observance of Sunday as a day of rest.

The Legal Recognition of Sunday

The formal recognition of Sunday as an official holiday in India is attributed to the British colonial administration. It was in 1843 that Sunday was officially declared a non-working day in India, mirroring the practice in Britain. This decision was not made overnight but was the result of a decade-long process by the British government to align the Indian workweek with that of Britain.

**The Christian Basis for Sunday as a Day of Rest**

The rationale behind designating Sunday as a holiday is deeply rooted in Christian doctrine. According to Christian belief, God created the world in six days and on the seventh day, he rested. This seventh day, Sunday, is thus considered sacred and a day for rest and worship in Christian tradition.

Resistance and Adaptation

It's important to note that the imposition of Sunday as a holiday met with various levels of resistance and adaptation among the Indian population. India, being a land of diverse religions and traditions, had its own established days of rest and worship. For instance, in Hinduism, no specific day is dedicated to rest as in the Christian tradition, and the concept of a weekly holiday was not a part of the traditional Indian work culture.

The Impact on Indian Society

The introduction of Sunday as a holiday had significant implications for Indian society. It influenced the work culture, social life, and even the economy. Over time, Sunday became a day for leisure and family time for many, especially in urban areas where the influence of the British was more pronounced.

Contemporary Observation

Today, while Sunday remains a holiday in India, the reasons for its observance have evolved. It is no longer solely a Christian day of rest but has taken on a more secular character. It is a day off for many, regardless of their religious affiliations, and is used for rest, recreation, and social activities.

In conclusion, the invention of Sunday as a holiday in India is a complex issue that intertwines religious beliefs, colonial influence, and the adaptation of local cultures. The British government played a pivotal role in formalizing Sunday as a day of rest, but the story is much richer when we consider the resistance, adaptation, and the eventual integration of this day into the fabric of Indian society.

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Sunday officially became an off day since 1843 . It took the British government a decade long on making Sunday an official holiday in India as was the case in Britain. The story behind it is - According to Christianity God created the world in 6 days and on the 7th day he took rest i.e. Sunday .read more >>