Why was the salt march symbolic?

Answer 1

In India, the Salt March led by Gandhi in March to April of 1930 was symbolic of the independence of Indians to live and to work (and to produce salt) as they, not the ruling British power, determined. Although many more years would pass before India achieved actual independence (in 1947), the Salt March was a powerful step forward for self-rule in India.

Answer 2

The Salt March was a nonviolent protest against the salt monopoly. It was also a direct campaign of the tax resistance and started the Civil Disobedience Movement.