Aug 2 International
Friendship Day
Friendship Day was originally promoted
by Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark cards in 1930, intended to be
2 August and a day when people celebrated their friendships by
sending cards. The second of August was chosen as the centre of the
largest lull between holiday celebrations. Friendship Day was
promoted by the greeting card National Association during the 1920s
but met with consumer resistance - given that it was too obviously a
commercial gimmick to promote greetings cards.
The first World Friendship Day was
proposed for 30 July in 1958, by the World Friendship Crusade. On 27
April 2011 the General Assembly of the United Nations declared 30
July as official International Friendship Day. However, some
countries, including India, celebrate Friendship Day on the first
Sunday of August.
Aug 6 Hiroshima Day
In August 1945, during the final stage
of the Second World War, the United
States dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and
Nagasaki. The two bombings, which killed at least 129,000
people, remain the only use of nuclear weapons for warfare in
history.
A uranium gun-type atomic bomb (Little
Boy) was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, followed by a
plutonium implosion-type bomb (Fat Man) on the city of Nagasaki on
August 9.
Little Boy exploded 2,000 feet above Hiroshima in a blast equal to 12-15,000 tons of TNT, destroying five square miles of the city. Within the first two to four months of the bombings, the acute effects of the atomic bombings killed 90,000–166,000 people in Hiroshima and 39,000–80,000 in Nagasaki; roughly half of the deaths in each city occurred on the first day. During the following months, large numbers died from the effect of burns, radiation sickness, and other injuries, compounded by illness and malnutrition.
In both cities, most of the dead were civilians, although Hiroshima had a sizable military garrison.
On August 15, just days after the bombing of Nagasaki and the
Soviet Union's declaration of war, Japan announced its surrender to
the Allies. On September 2, it signed the instrument of surrender,
effectively ending World War II.
Little Boy exploded 2,000 feet above Hiroshima in a blast equal to 12-15,000 tons of TNT, destroying five square miles of the city. Within the first two to four months of the bombings, the acute effects of the atomic bombings killed 90,000–166,000 people in Hiroshima and 39,000–80,000 in Nagasaki; roughly half of the deaths in each city occurred on the first day. During the following months, large numbers died from the effect of burns, radiation sickness, and other injuries, compounded by illness and malnutrition.
In both cities, most of the dead were civilians, although Hiroshima had a sizable military garrison.
For detailed reading
:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_bombings_of_Hiroshima_and_Nagasaki
On August 7th, many organisations including handloom weavers, consumer groups, teachers, traders and handloom industry representatives along with environmental and civil society organisations can come together to celebrate. You can organise any event, within your resources – innovation would help.
Aug
7 Handloom Day
Every year 7th August will be
celebrated as National Handloom Day. It was announced by Union
Textiles Minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar in both the Houses of
Parliament. Observance of this day aims at development of handloom
weavers in the country. It also seeks to promote genuine, global
quality handloom in international market. August 7 was chosen to mark
launch day Swadeshi Movement which was officially proclaimed on 7
August, 1905. It was proclaimed after the passage of Boycott
Resolution in a massive meeting held in Calcutta Town hall. Swadeshi
movement was proclaimed to boycott British products and revive
domestic products and production processes.
Handloom production the world over did
and would make artisans self-respecting, self-reliant,
self-supporting and last but not least, humane. It would teach us how
to organise our capital, our resources, our labour, our energies, our
talents, for the greatest good of all human beings. Promotion of
handloom sector should be accompanied by the advocacy of the
environmental conservation and boycott of polluting textile
goods.
World Handloom Day is aimed at arousing sentiments of the people towards history, present and future. It would lead to reminiscing the past, analyzing the present and building a sustainable future. To celebrate such a Day has many implications. It can create economic pressure on textile competition, a weapon of political agitation against discrimination and a training in self-sufficiency for the attainment of growth in handloom sector.
Celebration of World Handloom Day will
contribute not only to an understanding of the rise of the handloom
industry, but to a more general appreciation of the factors that have
promoted decentralized production globally in a wide range of
industries.World Handloom Day is aimed at arousing sentiments of the people towards history, present and future. It would lead to reminiscing the past, analyzing the present and building a sustainable future. To celebrate such a Day has many implications. It can create economic pressure on textile competition, a weapon of political agitation against discrimination and a training in self-sufficiency for the attainment of growth in handloom sector.
On August 7th, many organisations including handloom weavers, consumer groups, teachers, traders and handloom industry representatives along with environmental and civil society organisations can come together to celebrate. You can organise any event, within your resources – innovation would help.
Kranti Diwas (Quit India Movement Day)
Kranti
Diwas is a day observed to remember the historic ‘Quit India
Movement’ initiated by Gandhi and Indian National
Congress. This day is celebrated by national integration speeches,
tributes to various freedom fighters, organisation of national level
programmes apart from various other events. The term ‘Kranti’
stands for ‘Revolution’
and ‘Divas’
stands for ‘Day’, a day for revolution. Quit
India movement date was decided to be on 9th August 1942.
Quit India Movement was a civil disobedience movement which was
declared as a passive resistance nicknamed ‘Do or Die’. The
movement was to be carried out through peaceful mass protests and
closing of business so as to force the British Government out of
India, once and for all.
For more reading :
https://targetstudy.com/knowledge/day/234/kranti-diwas-quit-india-movement-day.html
Independence Day, observed
annually on 15 August, is a National Holiday in India commemorating
the nation's independence from the British Empire on 15 August 1947.
India attained independence following an Independence Movement noted
for largely nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience led by the
Indian National Congress (INC). Independence coincided with the
partition of India, in which the British Indian Empire was divided
along religious lines into the Dominions of India and Pakistan; the
partition was accompanied by violent riots and mass casualties, and
the displacement of nearly 15 million people due to sectarian
violence.
On 15 August 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru, who had become the first
Prime Minister of India that day, raised the Indian national flag
above the Lahore Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi. On each subsequent
Independence Day, the prime minister has raised the flag and given a
speech.The holiday is observed throughout India with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades and cultural events. Indians celebrate the day by displaying the national flag on their attire, accessories, homes and vehicles; by listening to patriotic songs, watching patriotic movies; and bonding with family and friends. Books and films feature the independence and partition in their narrative. Separatist and militant organisations have often carried out terrorist attacks on and around 15 August, and others have declared strikes and used black flags to boycott the celebration.
On the eve of Independence Day, the President of India delivers the "Address to the Nation". On 15 August, the prime minister hoists the Indian flag on the ramparts of the historical site Red Fort in Delhi. Twenty-one gun shots are fired in honour of the solemn occasion. In his speech, the prime minister highlights the past year's achievements, raises important issues and calls for further development. He pays tribute to the leaders of the Indian independence movement. The Indian national anthem, "Jana Gana Mana" is sung. The speech is followed by march past of divisions of the Indian Armed Forces and paramilitary forces. Parades and pageants showcase scenes from the independence struggle and India's diverse cultural traditions. Similar events take place in state capitals where the Chief Ministers of individual states unfurl the national flag, followed by parades and pageants.
Flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural
programmes take place in governmental and non-governmental
institutions throughout the country. Schools and colleges conduct
flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural events. Major government
buildings are often adorned with strings of lights. In Delhi and some
other cities, kite flying adds to the occasion. National flags of
different sizes are used abundantly to symbolise allegiance to the
country. Citizens adorn their clothing, wristbands, cars, household
accessories with replicas of the tri-colour. Over a period of time,
the celebration has changed emphasis from nationalism to a broader
celebration of all things India.
The Indian diaspora celebrates Independence Day around the world
with parades and pageants, particularly in regions with higher
concentrations of Indian immigrants. In some locations, such as New
York and other US cities, 15 August has become "India Day"
among the diaspora and the local populace. Pageants celebrate "India
Day" either on 15 August or an adjoining weekend day.
For detailed reading :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_%28India%29
Aug 20 Sadbhavana Diwas
The
Sadbhavana (means having good feelings for others) Diwas or Harmony
Day is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of the earlier
Prime Minister of India , Rajiv Gandhi. Having good feelings for
others was the only the mission of the government of Rajiv Gandhi. It
is celebrated every year on 20th August by the Congress at
Monday by cutting a cake in order to encourage the national
integration, peace, national integrity, love, affection and communal
harmony among the Indian people of all religions.
At this
day, a variety of cultural festivals and competitions are held in
various states of the country. People celebrate this day by
conserving the greenery, preserving the natural beauty, planting the
tree, protecting the environment as well as conserving the natural
resources. This day is celebrated very happily in order to make aware
the people about the necessary environment topics.
People pay respect and honor to the memorial Veer Bhumi of the
Rajiv Gandhi. The Rajeev Gandhi National Awards is distributed at
this day by the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation in order to know the
distinction attain by the competitors in different fields.
Aug 20 World Mosquito
Day
World Mosquito Day, observed
annually on 20 August, is a commemoration of Indian doctor Sir
Ronald Ross's discovery in 1897 that female mosquitoes transmit
malaria between humans.Ross is responsible for the annual observance,
having declared shortly after his discovery that the day should be
known as World Mosquito Day in the future.
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine holds
Mosquito Day celebrations every year, including events such as
parties and exhibitions, a tradition dating back to as early as the
1930s.Sir Ronald Ross, (13 May 1857 – 16 September 1932), was an Indian-born British medical doctor who received the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1902 for his work on malaria, becoming the first British Nobel laureate, and the first born outside of Europe. His discovery of the malarial parasite in the gastrointestinal tract of mosquito led to the realisation that malaria was transmitted by mosquitoes, and laid the foundation for combating the disease. He was quite a polymath, writing a number of poems, published several novels, and composed songs. He was also an amateur artist and natural mathematician. He worked in the Indian Medical Service for 25 years. It was during his service that he made the groundbreaking medical discovery. After resigning from his service in India, he joined the faculty of Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, and continued as Professor and Chair of Tropical Medicine of the institute for 10 years. In 1926 he became Director-in-Chief of the Ross Institute and Hospital for Tropical Diseases, which was established in honour of his works. He remained there until his death.
Aug 28 Onam
Onam
Celebrations owe their existence to two most important significances
in context of the Malayalee culture.
Harvesting of Crops - As a Harvest Festival of the state, it reminds one of the golden age of prosperity when the entire month of Chingam Malyalee Calendar i.e. the Gregorian months of August-September, were celebrated as the Onam month. It was the time when the farms of the state produced excess of food grains and brought prosperity and riches to the state. Arriving after the rain-drenched month of Karkidakam (July-August), Chingam was welcomed with much enthusiasm by the people of Kerala.
Mahabali, the Demon King - Mahabali was the grandson of Prahlad (son of Hiranyakashipu who was slain by Vishnu in his Narasimha Avataram . He was a generous and kind hearted king of Kerala. He was powered by a Boon granted to him by Lord Brahma. As per the Boon he became invincible and gradually won over the entire earth. Soon, he also won the territory of heaven and became its king. He gradually rose up to become the undisputed ruler of all the three worlds.
Harvesting of Crops - As a Harvest Festival of the state, it reminds one of the golden age of prosperity when the entire month of Chingam Malyalee Calendar i.e. the Gregorian months of August-September, were celebrated as the Onam month. It was the time when the farms of the state produced excess of food grains and brought prosperity and riches to the state. Arriving after the rain-drenched month of Karkidakam (July-August), Chingam was welcomed with much enthusiasm by the people of Kerala.
Mahabali, the Demon King - Mahabali was the grandson of Prahlad (son of Hiranyakashipu who was slain by Vishnu in his Narasimha Avataram . He was a generous and kind hearted king of Kerala. He was powered by a Boon granted to him by Lord Brahma. As per the Boon he became invincible and gradually won over the entire earth. Soon, he also won the territory of heaven and became its king. He gradually rose up to become the undisputed ruler of all the three worlds.
Holy Denizens of heaven were subjected
to violence and as a result they approached Lord Vishnu and asked for
his help. Lord Vishnu then decided to overthrow Mahabali from his
powers.Mahabali was performing the sacrificial rite of the Viswajith
Yagam (ritual) or Aswamedha Yagam on the banks of Narmada River. He
also declared that he would give anything that anyone sought from him
during this Yagam. Taking advantage of the the Yagam and Mahabali's
declaration, Lord Vishnu turned himself into a young Vamana (young
brahmin).
Mahabali received him with all
traditional honours and enquired to Vamana of his wishes. Vamana
smiled and said if he could give him that extend of land which would
cover his three footsteps. Acccordingly Mahabali then proceeded to
fulfil Vamana's wish. He asked Vamana to measure the desired three
steps of land. Then Vamana grew in size until he towered above the
heavens. With one footstep, he measured all of the earth. With the
second, he claimed all of heaven. There was still one foot of
territory that Mahabali owed him. Mahabali requested Vamana to place
the final step on his head as the third step of land, for he had no
other left. Vamana did so and in doing so, pushed him down to Patala,
the underworld (the kingdom beneath the earth).
Lord Vishnu impressed by Mahabali
granted him rule over the underworld. As a last gift, Mahabali was
granted permission to visit his subjects once a year. Thus, Keralites
celebrate the Onam festival to commemorate the memory of the Great
King Mahabali who would keep his promise to visit them. Mahabali
fulfilled his name as the great martyr for the sake of Truth.
The
Ten Day before Onam are meant for observing certain rituals which the
traditional people of Kerala dutifully follow them. The first day is
Atham, the second Chithira, Chothi being the third and
Vishagam,Anizham, Triketta, Moolam, Poradam, Uthradam and finally the
tenth day- Thiruvonam- Onam the peak of the celebrations.
There
are a lot of activities that takes place all over the state on Onam.
Pulikali performers paint themselves in the guise of a tiger and
enact hunting scenes to entertain people. Kummattikali artists don an
attire of plaited grass and big wooden mask. They move from house to
house collecting small gifts and amusing children.
Women
perform their graceful traditional clap dance, Kaikotikalli on the
day and enthral the audience. Number of sports and games events are
also organised on the day. These are collectively called Onakalikal.
Some of them are rigorous sports like Talappanthukali, Kutukutu and
combats like Kayyankali and Attakalam. Archery is also a part of
Onakalikal. Senior members have their share of fun by playing indoor
games like cards and chess.
It
is a trend that all Malayalis who reside outside the state come over
to their homes in Kerala and celebrate the festival with
familymembers, relatives and friends.
Read
more at : https://targetstudy.com/knowledge/day/258/onam.html
Aug 29 Raksha
Bandhan
Raksha
Bandhan is an Indian Hindu Festival. The
Festival essentially celebrates the relationship between brothers and
sisters.
The Festival is all about affection, fraternity and sublime
sentiments which brothers and sisters all over country share with
each other. It is celebrated on the full moon of the month of
Shraavana (Shravan Poornima) which falls in the Gregorian month of
August. Raksha
Bandhan
means
the 'Bond
of Protection' or 'Knot of Protection',
which all brothers vow to their respective sisters.
This vow is
materialised every year on this auspicious day by tying of a Rakhi,
or Holy Thread by the sister on the wrist of her brother. The brother
in return offers a gift to his sister and vows to look after her as
she presents sweets to her brother. The brother and sister
traditionally feed one another sweets. Rakhi in this way commemorate
their loving memories, loyalty, closeness, trust and friendship that
is ever lasting and pure.
It is not necessary that a Rakhi can be
given only to a blood brother; any male can be adopted as a brother
by tying a Rakhi on the person. Though an Hindu Festival, it is
celebrated by most of the people belonging to other communities with
great enthusiasm.
Aug 29 National Sports Day of India
India celebrates its National Sports Day every year on the 29th August. The day is celebrated to honor the legendary hockey player, Major Dhyan Chand Singh. 29th August happens to be the birth anniversary of Dhyan Chand, who made India proud by his extraordinary sporting skills. He was the greatest hockey player India has ever seen.
Dhyan Chand had joined the army at the early age and learnt
the game of hockey from his coach Pankaj Gupta and soon became an
expert in ball dribbling and goal scoring. He quickly became the
Indian Hockey Team captain due to his excellent playing techniques
and was given the nickname 'Chand' which means 'Moon'. During his
sports career Dhyan Chand had won three Olympic medals and till date
remains the only hockey player who has received the Padma Bhushan
award. He had won the Olympic Gold medal six times in a row for India
in hockey. His lifetime awards and achievements in sports are
considered as the highest point in the history of Indian sports.
The National Sports Day is dedicated to the brilliant hockey player Dhyan Chand. This day is celebrated by organizing friendly matches between different Indian hockey teams at the Dhyan Chand National stadium in New Delhi which was constructed in the respect and honor of Major Dhyan Chand.
On this day, sports persons commemorate this day in a sportive way. The President of India Bestows prestigious awards such as the Arjuna and Dronacharya Award, Dhyan Chand Award, etc to the sports persons who have contributed to the growth of sports all through their sports career and also after retirement. A lot of schools throughout the country celebrate this day as their Annual Sports Day and young people are also encouraged and made aware of the possibilities in sports and what all advancement the country has obtained in sports.
Aug 29 Sanskrit Day (Samskrita Dinam)India celebrates its National Sports Day every year on the 29th August. The day is celebrated to honor the legendary hockey player, Major Dhyan Chand Singh. 29th August happens to be the birth anniversary of Dhyan Chand, who made India proud by his extraordinary sporting skills. He was the greatest hockey player India has ever seen.
The National Sports Day is dedicated to the brilliant hockey player Dhyan Chand. This day is celebrated by organizing friendly matches between different Indian hockey teams at the Dhyan Chand National stadium in New Delhi which was constructed in the respect and honor of Major Dhyan Chand.
On this day, sports persons commemorate this day in a sportive way. The President of India Bestows prestigious awards such as the Arjuna and Dronacharya Award, Dhyan Chand Award, etc to the sports persons who have contributed to the growth of sports all through their sports career and also after retirement. A lot of schools throughout the country celebrate this day as their Annual Sports Day and young people are also encouraged and made aware of the possibilities in sports and what all advancement the country has obtained in sports.
Sanskrit day is observed throughout the nation on Shravana Poornima. Sanskrit Diwas(day) was first observed in the year 1969. The day is celebrated to spread awareness about the mother of all Indian languages and the first of the ancient languages spoken in India. It is annually observed on the Shravana Purnima day (fullmoon day in the month of Shravana as per Hindu calendar). The main objective of the observance of Sanskrit day is to promote Sanskrit and to educate the general public about the importance of Sanskrit. Sanskrit is a beautiful language.
It has enriched our society from time immemorial. Sanskrit embodies the rich Indian cultural heritage. It is the real key to our past and helps unravel the myriad mysteries in our ancient texts and of our religious-cultural traditions.Some of the most valuable and instructive materials in the history of humans are treasured up in the classical dialect of India, Sanskrit. Study of Sanskrit, particularly vedic Sanskrit is able to enlighten us and illuminate the darkest passages in the history of human mind.
In recent studies, it has been found that Sanskrit is the best option for our computer programming. We cannot ignore the contributions of foreigners in introducing the wealth of informations contained in Sanskrit literature into the world. Sir William Jones arrived in India, in September 1783, as a judge of the British Supreme Court of Judicature, in Calcutta. He was an English philologist, scholar in Sanskrit and founder of Asian Society. He translated ”Abhijnana Shakuntala” and ”Ritu Samhara” ( dramas written by Sanskrit poet Kalidasa ) and ”Gita Govinda” (written by poet Jayadeva) into English. He also translated ”Manusmriti”(laws of Manu) into English.
Another scholar Sir Charles Wilkins translated Bhagavadgita into English in 1785. Max Muller, a German philologist and Orientalist, translated Hitopadesha, a collection of Indian fables into German. He translated his name into Sanskrit as ”Moksha (liberation) Muller Bhat(surname). It was to express his veneration for Sanskrit and did not mean change of real name or religion. He translated ”Meghaduta”(Kalidasa’s drama, in Sanskrit) into German under the title of ”The Fatal Ring.”
”The Sacred Books of the East” is a monumental 50 volume set of Asian religious writings, translated by various oriental scholars, edited by Max Muller and published by the Oxford University Press between 1879 and 1884.
Source
courtesy : https://vanihegde.wordpress.com/2011/08/24/sanskrit-diwas/
Aug
31 Aranmula Vallamkali
Marked
by fervent devotion, the boat race held in Aranmula is more a ritual
than a competition. The boat race takes place on the Uthrittathi
asterism
(as per the Malayalam calendar) during the Onam festival in Kerala.
The boat race is noted for its grandeur and long tradition.
Legend has it that a devout Brahmin vowed to offer all the
requirements for the Thiruvona Ssadya (the
traditional feast on the day of Thiruvonam) at the Aranmula
Parthasarathy Temple. Once, the boat known as Thiruvona
Thoni carrying these offerings was attacked by enemies. In order
to protect the Thiruvona Thoni people from neighbouring
areas decided to accompany the Thiruvona Thoni in their
snake boats. Later on, this practice evolved into an offering to Lord
Parthasarathy in the form of a snake boat race, held on the
Uthrittathi day, which eventually became popular as the
Aranmula Boat Race.Aranmula Snake Boat Race or Aranmula Vallamkali is an annual boat race held in Aranmula district, Kerala during the Onam festival in the month of August-September. The snake boats assemble near the Parthasarathy Temple before the race begins as its origin is attached with this temple. Festivities take over the whole town as well as the waters. The boat race is famous worldwide and has become an icon of Kerala, attracting thousands of tourists every year during the festival of Onam.
As an important celebration, the grand snake boats of Aranmula, described as 'Palliyodams' shape an age-old temple ritual. The participants who take part in this race compete not just for winning, but to celebrate the anniversary of the Sri Krishna Idol installation which is the most important deity at the Parthasarathy temple. The race is carried out on the River Pamba in-front of the temple to celebrate and remember the voyage of Lord Krishna on the river.
Around 40 boats participate in this annual event and each boat accommodates about 120 people including helmsmen, oarsmen and singers. Colorful and vivid flags are set on the boat's head and colorful parasol in the center offers a beautiful spectacle. The race begins in the afternoon after the morning prayers and rituals. Songs called Vanchipattu'' are sung during the races. Groups of men and singers who sing stridently in a rhythmic manner gather along the banks of the rivers and in snake boats. The speed and the graceful rhythmic movements of the boat offer an amazing show.
'
Source courtesy : http://www.mapsofindia.com/events/kerala/aranmula-snake-boat-race.html
https://www.keralatourism.org/event/aranmula-vallamkali/34
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