Vasant Panchami As the famous quote goes, “If winter comes, can spring be far behind?” Vasant Panchami is the time when spring is heralded and winter is bid adieu. In the glorious season of Vasant or spring, the Goddess Saraswati, who is the Goddess of learning, knowledge, music, art and culture, is invoked on the day of Vasant Panchami. Earlier, during the ancient times the Vasant Panchami was celebrated in the palace of the Kamadeva, where dancing girls and numerous others celebrated the day with new clothes, dances and by singing ballads of love. However, during the passage of time, the day has come mainly to be celebrated for Saraswati Puja, however, Kamadeva too is offered a feast in many places. When is Vasant Panchami celebrated? Vasant Panchami is celebrated in the fifth day of the month of Magha according to Hindu calendar and February according to the Gregorian calendar. What are the dates of Vasant Panchami in the next five years as per modern calendar? In 2014, the Vasant Panchami date is Tuesday, February 4. In 2015, the Vasant Panchami date is Saturday, January 24. In 2016, the Vasant Panchami date is Friday, February 12. In 2017, the Vasant Panchami date is Wednesday, February 1. In 2018, the Vasant Panchami date is Monday, January 22. In 2019, the Vasant Panchami date is Sunday, February 10. Why the color yellow is associated with Vasant Panchami? Since this is the time when winter is bid adieu and spring is welcomes, the mustard fields are abloom with the bright yellow flowers. Thus the color yellow is associated with Vasant Panchami and Saraswati Puja. Therefore people on this day wear yellow colored clothes and offer sweets of yellow color to the Goddess Saraswati. Devout devotees also give alms on this day and feed Brahmins as it is believed that this way the ancestors accept the same food. How was the Goddess Saraswati born? When Lord Brahma created the universe, he gradually became sad as the universe was absolutely noiseless and everything was still like dead. There was no noise, no music. Thus he sought Lord Vishnu’s suggestion to solve this problem. Lord Vishnu suggested him to invoke Goddess Saraswati. When the Goddess emerged, she in Brahma’s request gave life to his creations by her Veena or the Lute. When she started playing her melodious Veena the first note coming out of it was SA, which is also the fist note of the seven notes of musical swara. As she holds the Veena in hand, she is also called Veenapani, as she gave swar to the creations; Brahma gave her the name Vageswari. A popular legend regarding the Goddess is that Kalidasa, the post before becoming famous had married a beautiful princess who left Kalidasa; the moment she realized that he was illiterate. In despair, Kalidasa was on the verge of committing suicide when Saraawati emerged from the water and asked him to take a holy dip in the river. The sacred water then gave him the wisdom and the knowledge to become an epic poet. What is the procedure of Saraswati Puja? Saraswati, as mentioned earlier is the benevolent Goddess of learning and knowledge. Vasant Panchami is believed to be the birthday of Goddess Saraswati, who is the energy of Brahma, the creator of this universe. People invoke her to seek knowledge, be enlightened and to rid themselves of lethargy and ignorance. Apart from invoking the goddess at every home, Saraswati Puja is celebrated and organized in schools and colleges to seek the blessing of the Goddess. The day of Vasant Panchami is also called Abujh Muhurat, that is, it is the most auspicious muhurat. The ritual of initiating a child to alphabets, in essence education is also started on this day because the day is very favorable. This is done in front of the Goddess and is called Akshar Abhyasam or Vidya Arambham or Hath e Khori as is the language prevalent in different parts of the country. Vidyarambh on this day is believed to increase the perception and wisdom of a child. Since it is the day the Goddess of wisdom and knowledge is worshipped, it is an auspicious day to inaugurate a training institution or an academy of learning. The renowned educationist Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya had founded the now famous Banaras Hindu University on this day of Vasant Panchami. How is the Puja celebrated? The rituals should be done dill the Panchami tithi is there on this day. A kalash after being enshrined is settled. No rituals can start without invoking Lord Ganesha. After that Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are worshipped. Goddess Saraswati is bathed and adorned in white flowers, garland and white saree. The goddess Saraswati is accompanied by her Vahana, a white swan. Seasonal fruits and sweets are offered as prasadam. Books, various instruments used for studies and pens are offered at her feet in the hope that she will bless the same. Mantras or chanting offered towards the goddess are as follows – Om Saraswati Mahabhagey, Vidye Kamala Lochaney | Viswarupey Vishalakshmi, Vidyam Dehi Namohastutey || Jaya Jaya Devi, Charachara Sharey, Kuchayuga Shobhita, Mukta Haarey | Vina Ranjita, Pustaka Hastey, Bhagavati Bharati Devi Namohastutey These prayers along with many more reverberate in all the homes and all the institutions paying homage to the Goddess of knowledge, learning and wisdom. Do people get married on Vasant Panchami? As during the ancient times, this festival was predominantly celebrated in the palace of Kamadeva, getting married on this day, that is on Abujh Muhurat is the most auspicious date to get married. Every minute of the day is so auspicious that one does not need to match birth stars also to solemnize the marriage. People also conduct Griha Pravesh or house warming while entering a new house on this auspicious day. Is Kite Flying associated with Vasant Panchami? As we bid farewell to winter and welcome the spring during this time, a new energy and synergy is noticed in nature. To express the happiness and zeal, people organize kite flying festivals in lot of parts of India. Punjab and Haryana sees the maximum number of kite flying festivals as it is the tradition in those parts of the country. Thus Vasant Panchami is a beautiful religious festival which also echoes social and seasonal relevance and is celebrated with much fanfare in all parts of the country by everyone, individually and also by institutions of learning and knowledge. Holidays Around The World Bank Holidays 2019 Holi Easter Maha Shivaratri Good Friday Vasant Panchami Rama Navami Akshaya Tritiya Shivaji Jayanti Ratha Yatra Kartik Poornima Anant Chaturdashi Raksha Bandhan Ramzan Id/Eid-ul-Fitar Onam Janmashtami Independence Day In India Friendship Day in India Father’s Day in India Buddha Purnima Nag Panchami Gandhi Jayanti Ganesh Chaturthi Gudi Padwa Labor Day 2019 Calendar Buddhist Calendar Sikh Calendar Hindu Calendar Muslim Calendar Christian Calendar Jewish Calendar Bahai Calendar Rastafari Calendar Zoroastrian Calendar Pagan Calendar Jain Calendar Shinto Calendar
Trinity Sunday Trinity Sunday is the observance that upholds the Christian belief of the triune and eternal natures of God and establishes the Trinity that e=includes the three persons who constitute God: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. According to the beliefs of the Western Church that adheres to the Western Christian liturgical calendar, this day is observed on the first Sunday that comes after the Sunday of Pentecost. However, according to the beliefs of Eastern Christianity, this day is observed on the Pentecost Sunday itself. Background: Trinity Sunday was instituted by the Pope Gregory IX in the year 828 CE. This day was considered especially significant ever since the inception because of the fact that this is one Christian Feast that commemorates the Doctrines of Christianity and not a life event of Jesus Christ or some other related event of the sacred history of Christianity. The day upholds the belief that one God can be found in three elements that are distinctive in the Christian faith: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Although the Church had to face the wrath of many contradicting views, by the time of the 14th century the event of Trinity Sunday was a pretty established phenomenon. Public Life and Observance in the United States: In the United States, this is not considered to be a federal holiday, as such businesses and organizations operate according to their regular schedule. However, the day being a Sunday, it is a non working day for many Americans. The same is applicable in case of public transportation that runs as per schedule on this day. On this day, many Christians in the United States commemorate and honor the belief of the eternity of God that encompasses the Trinity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. In honor of this communion, many churches hold special prayer services on this day. In some Churches it is a custom to recite the Athanasian Creed. The Athanasian Creed, named after the Archbishop of Alexandria, St. Athanasius, conforms strongly to this principle of the triune nature of God that forms the basis of the Trinity. Apart from that, Churches and Choirs also plan some special activities and events that center around Trinity Sunday. Special Church services focus on the Holy Trinity and special awards are given for such Church Services. Choral vespers concerts and evensong services are also organized. Meals are organized for the parishioners in the Churches, and also some after church services are arranged. The ordinances revolving Trinity Sunday focus typically on the doctrines of Christianity and aim to nurture the same. The difference of this with some other Christian festivals is that this does not focus on the life events of Jesus but uphold the Christian teachings and basic principles. According to the Western Church: According to the doctrines of the Western liturgical churches that fall within the category of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Trinity Sunday is celebrated on the Sunday that follows the Pentecost. The following Sundays till the time of the Advent are numbered starting from this day. Date of Trinity Sunday in the next few years as per the Western Church: 2014: 15 June 2015: 31 May 2016: 22 May 2017: 11 June 2018: 27 May 2019: 16 June 2020: 7 June According to the Catholic Church: In the Catholic Churches the day is officially termed as the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. Before the reforms were made by the Second Vatican Council this marked the three week period during which Church Weddings were not allowed. This day was established by Pope John XXII as a Double of the Second Class, and was raised to the honor of a Double of the First Class on the 24th day of July in the year 1911 by Pope Pius X. The event was also immensely popular in the Middle Ages, especially during the Carolingian times. According to the Anglicanism: Trinity Sunday in these Churches is one of the Principal Feasts, and during the celebrations the 1979 Book of Common Prayer is often recited, especially the section that deals with Historical Documents. According to the Eastern Church: According to the beliefs of the Eastern Churches, the Pentecost Sunday itself is observed as the Trinity Sunday while the Sunday after the Pentecost is observed as the All Saints’ Day. Holidays Around The World Bank Holidays 2015 Holi Easter Maha Shivaratri Good Friday Vasant Panchami Rama Navami Akshaya Tritiya Shivaji Jayanti Ratha Yatra Kartik Poornima Anant Chaturdashi Raksha Bandhan Ramzan Id/Eid-ul-Fitar Onam Janmashtami Independence Day In India Friendship Day in India Father’s Day in India Buddha Purnima Nag Panchami Gandhi Jayanti Ganesh Chaturthi Gudi Padwa Labor Day New Year 2015 January 1st – History Chinese New Year Hindu New Year Hmong New Year Islamic New Year Japanese New Year Jewish New Year Korean New Year Thai New Year Persian New Year Tibetan New Year Vietnamese New Year
Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday is a national legal observance in the United States of America celebrated each year on the 13th of April, Jefferson being the third President of the country, and also the mastermind behind penning the Declaration of Independence of the country. Jefferson always voiced out in favor of rights of men. He also is the founding father of the University of Virginia. As such he is much revered and it is no wonder that his birthday is observed in a grand manner. Observances on Jefferson’s Birthday: Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday celebrations are mostly organized by different communities or groups. The date was recognized to be a part of the Presidential Proclamation 2276 on the 21st of March in the year 1938. The venues of the celebrations are mostly the organizations and other sites that the dedicated to the President or the Presidents in general of the country. Special celebrations are hosted at the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center located at Monticello, a place near the city of Charlottesville in the State of Virginia. Observances include public ceremonies, awards for leaderships, academics and performances, educational programs for kids etc. On 11th of April 2007, the then President of the United States George W. Bush issued a proclamation stating that Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday should be commemorated to honor the history of the Nation since Jefferson is one of the most monumental figures of the country. Brief life sketch of Jefferson: Thomas Jefferson is considered to be a man with various interests and also a bundle of contradictions. But no one can deny that he was an incredible man. He is known to the world as the third President of the United States of America and also the one to have written the Declaration of Independence for his country. But the ones who have seen him up close and personal know him to be an avid gardener, loving husband, skilled horseman, doting father, music lover and a great thinker. Jefferson was born on the 13th of April in the year 1743 at Shadwell, central Virginia. Shadwell was a slave plantation where his father Peter Jefferson was a planter and surveyor. His mother, Jane Randolph Jefferson too belonged to one of the well known families of Virginia. After finishing his schooling in his native place Jefferson joined the College of William and Mary in 1760. He studied law and also practiced the same for many years. Jefferson lost his father at a tender age of fourteen and inherited from him a huge plot of land along with many slaves. At the age of twenty six Jefferson started to build his dream home on that land where hundreds of skilled workers as well as slaves toiled to give life to his dreams. He called the house Monticello, which is an Italian term for “little mountain. Jefferson had a habit of writing daily anecdotes in a diary and this gives historians valuable insight about his life at Monticello. On January 1, 1772 Jefferson married Martha Wayles Skelton, a widow. The marriage was celebrated at a grand scale. The ten years of married life are in Jefferson’s own words the best phase of his life. The ten years of wedlock bore the couple six children, among whom only two daughters, Martha and Mary, lived to adulthood. Jefferson was elected to the Continental Congress in the year 1775 and was chosen to pen the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson served as the Governor of Virginia from the year 1779 to the year 1781. During that time America was involved in the Revolutionary War. As a Governor of Virginia Jefferson could return to Virginia to live in his home Monticello so that he could tend to his plantation. It is there that he lost his wife in the year 1782. He made a promise to his wife that he shall never remarry and he stuck to it till the last day. In 1785 Jefferson left for France representing the Government of United States. The life and people of France reinstated his faith in the ideal “freedom for all”. In 1789 Jefferson came back again to the United States where he was selected to be the first Secretary of the State by the then President George Washington. Jefferson first ran for President in 1796 but he lost to John Adams, but with the second highest number of votes he chaired as the Vice President. However after four years Jefferson became the President of US on the basis of his campaign that all men were equal. Under his tenure USA purchased the territory of Louisiana from France. After his tenure as a President, Jefferson again returned to his most loved Monticello where his daughter Martha joined him with her family. There he had the luxury to pursue his hobbies and it is then that he founded the University of Virginia. He even designed the buildings of the University and chaired as the University’s first President. On 4th of July 1826, on the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson left for the heavenly abode aged eighty three. Holidays Around The World Bank Holidays 2015 Holi Easter Maha Shivaratri Good Friday Vasant Panchami Rama Navami Akshaya Tritiya Shivaji Jayanti Ratha Yatra Kartik Poornima Anant Chaturdashi Raksha Bandhan Ramzan Id/Eid-ul-Fitar Onam Janmashtami Independence Day In India Friendship Day in India Father’s Day in India Buddha Purnima Nag Panchami Gandhi Jayanti Ganesh Chaturthi Gudi Padwa Labor Day New Year 2015 January 1st – History Chinese New Year Hindu New Year Hmong New Year Islamic New Year Japanese New Year Jewish New Year Korean New Year Thai New Year Persian New Year Tibetan New Year Vietnamese New Year
Shrove Tuesday Shrove Tuesday is the day that precedes Ash Wednesday and is the last day before the beginning of the fasting period of Lent. It is also widely known as Pancake Day or Fat Tuesday or the Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is the French term for “Fat Tuesday”. The latter names have evolved from the custom of eating rich and nourishing food on this day before one gives them up for a period of forty days to observe the Lent period. Pancakes are typically consumed for the occasion since they are made up of ingredients like milk, eggs and sugar – some of which are prohibited for consumption during the period of Lent. The liturgical fasting emphasizes on consuming plain food and abstaining from the richer kind. Many communities as such refrain from consuming meat, dairy products and eggs. Shrove Tuesday however is also connected to being shriven – a day of self examination to consider the wrongdoings or sins of the past, make confessions, repent and thereby move towards flourishing spiritual growth. Coinage: The word Shrove has been derives from the English word Shrive which means “to confess”. It signifies obtaining absolution by means of Confession and following it up with penance. Shrove Tuesday as such gets its name from the Christian custom of being “Shriven” before the period of Lent begins. Date of Shrove Tuesday in the next few years: 2014: March 04. 2015: February 17. 2016: February 09. 2017: February 28. 2018: February 13. 2019: March 05. 2020: February 25. History of celebration in the United States: The day is first believed to have been celebrated in the United States in the year 1703 in the Mobile County in the State of Alabama by the French colony of soldiers. In the same place, the event took the shape of a parade in 1840 under the leadership of by the Cowbellion de Rakin Society. Later this custom was taken to New Orleans by the same group in the year 1857, where the first Carnival Society named the Mistick Kreweof Comus joined hands to organize the event. The event was widely accepted and met with huge success. However, it got suspended during the American Civil War. But the rituals were promptly restored after the war was over. After its revival in 1866 the celebrations have continued to flourish till date. Public Life in the United States: The day is a State Holiday in Louisiana. In the State of Alabama, only two counties observe the day as public holiday, namely, Baldwin and Mobile. In the State of Mississippi, governing authorities of a county or a municipality have the right to declare this event as a public holiday – however, in that case this day would replace any one of the other public holidays excepting for the Birthday of Martin Luther King which is celebrated in the State in conjunction with the Birthday of Robert E. Lee. Observances: Shrove Tuesday is the last day before the Fasting period of Lent that is observed with much reverence in the Christendom. As such, this day is associated with merrymaking and eating rich nourishing food. Parades and Street Processions are held in some parts of the country. New Orleans in Louisiana and the counties of Mobile and Baldwin in the State of Alabama are especially known for the flamboyance and grandeur of their celebrations. A typical parade for the occasion is characterized by masquerades and dancing in the streets. The main characters that are focused upon are the King of the Carnival, Monarch of Merriment and Comus (The God of Revelry). People deck up in colorful attires to take part in the merrymaking. Often there is a custom of throwing trinkets to crowds, a custom that is known as Parade Throw. Parade watchers are enthralled by the colorful floats that are often accompanied by marching bands. There is also the tradition of organizing a Ball. This is of great excitement for debutantes for it is here that they are formally introduced in the society. In Galveston, Texas, such parades also feature masked balls, Cajun dances and also jazz performances. Apart from pancakes, feasting also includes the King Cake. There is a custom to hide a pecan or a charm in this King Cake. The person who gets the piece of cake with the charm is attributed the status of the King for the year’s celebrations. Holidays Around The World Bank Holidays 2015 Holi Easter Maha Shivaratri Good Friday Vasant Panchami Rama Navami Akshaya Tritiya Shivaji Jayanti Ratha Yatra Kartik Poornima Anant Chaturdashi Raksha Bandhan Ramzan Id/Eid-ul-Fitar Onam Janmashtami Independence Day In India Friendship Day in India Father’s Day in India Buddha Purnima Nag Panchami Gandhi Jayanti Ganesh Chaturthi Gudi Padwa Labor Day New Year 2015 January 1st – History Chinese New Year Hindu New Year Hmong New Year Islamic New Year Japanese New Year Jewish New Year Korean New Year Thai New Year Persian New Year Tibetan New Year Vietnamese New Year
Shivaji Jayanti Seldom does a human being reach the stature that this Maratha warrior, Shivaji Bhonsle reached in his lifetime and beyond. Shivaji Jayanti is the birthday celebration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the nineteenth of February. Some say it is on the sixth of April. He created the powerful Maratha nation and united the various rulers under an aegis to form a formidable Maratha army. His military and civil administration prowess is till date considered being visionary. Life of Shivaji Maharaj Shivaji was born on the 19th of February or 6th of April, in the year of 1627 to Shahaji Bhosle, the chief of the Bijapur kingdom, and his wife Jijabai in the fort of Shivneri, near Pune. He was named Shivaji after the local Goddess Shivai, to whom Jijabai had prayed for a healthy baby boy. Shivaji, from childhood, was extremely dedicated to his mother and took religious training in Ramayana and Mahabharata, which was in the latter half of his life instrumental in shaping up his religious beliefs. Shivaji’s father Shayaji Bhonsle remarried Tuka Bai and moved to Karnataka, to fight for Adil Shah. Shivaji was left in the care of mother, and a trusted administrator called Dadoji Konddeo. Dadoji, taught Shivaji the basic fighting techniques. He learnt horse riding, archery, marksmanship everything under Dadoji Konddeo. His earliest trusted comrades were from the Maval region with whom he learnt the nuances of the Sahyadri range and the region. At the age of twelve, he went to Bangalore, where he was trained in militia further and married Saibai. He became a fearless military leader under the tutelage of commanders like Gomati naik and Baji Pasalkar. By the age of seventeen he had successfully captured the Totna Fort of Bijapur and by the year of 1647 had taken complete control of the Kondana and Raigad Forts. Alarmed at his growing power and sensing a local revolt, Adilshah deceitfully imprisoned his father Shahaji and sent armies against Shivaji and his elder brother Shambha ji. Afzal Khan, Adilshah’s great commander was also sent to handle Shivaji. However meeting at the foot of Pratapgad forts, in a hut, Shivaji killed Afzal Khan and signaled his hidden troops to launch an all-out attack on the Bijapuri army. In the famous battle of Pratapgarh in in 1659, the Bijapuris were defeated and Shivaji became the hero of the Marathas, having decisively ousted the Mughals from the Marathwada districts. Shivaji also defeated another army led by Rustamzaman of nearly 5000 people army. Shivaji kept a more or less cordial relationship with Aurangzeb in order to have recognition of his rights of the Bijapur forts and all the area under his domain. But their relationship soured and Aurangzed sent a huge force including artillery in order to defeat Shivaji in association with the Bijapuri force. This joint forces captured the city of Pune and seized Shivaji’s own palace Lal Mahal. In the April of1663, Shivaji launched an assault on Shaista Khan in Pune and managed to break ranks, enter the palace and overcome the opposition. Shaista Khan fled from the spot. After numerous other skirmishes and battles, Shivaji and Jai Singh, the Mughal commander entered into the Treaty of Purnader. However, peace did not last long, when Shivaji was insulted in the court of Aurangzeb and upon protesting was placed under house arrest. With immense cunning, Shivaji sent back his troops and feigned illness. Under this pretext he used to send out fruits and sweets every day, along with which dressed as a fruit vendor, Shivaji escaped the Mughal army with a lot of daring. Upon reaching his homeland once again Shivaji started expanding his territory to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The next battle that occurred between the Mughals and the Marathas are known as the Maratha War of Independence. He was formally with lot of love and regards crowned the Chhatrapati in the year of 1674 in the Raigad Fort. Shivaji, however soon after breathed his last in the year 1680 after a fever. Shivaji remains admired still for his immense courage and extreme military acumen. He was probably the first to use what in modern day warfare is called the guerrilla attacks and ambush and remains remembered for all these innovative military acumen and warfare techniques. Shivaji also adopted a policy of religious tolerance and promoted the languages of Marathi and Sanskrit during his regime. How is Shivaji Jayanti celebrated? Shivaji has gained the status of a national hero. He is a demi-god in the state of Maharashtra, where most of the important landmarks are named after him. On his birthday, processions are taken out to showcase tableau featuring his life and military prowess. Various small skits are performed and his life dramatized. Lots of celebrations are held where all prominent politicians garland his statue. He will always be known as an inspiration for many and the pride he instilled in the national honor amongst people went on to make him one of the biggest national heroes of all time. Holidays Around The World Bank Holidays 2019 Holi Easter Maha Shivaratri Good Friday Vasant Panchami Rama Navami Akshaya Tritiya Shivaji Jayanti Ratha Yatra Kartik Poornima Anant Chaturdashi Raksha Bandhan Ramzan Id/Eid-ul-Fitar Onam Janmashtami Independence Day In India Friendship Day in India Father’s Day in India Buddha Purnima Nag Panchami Gandhi Jayanti Ganesh Chaturthi Gudi Padwa Labor Day New Year 2016 January 1st – History Chinese New Year Hindu New Year Hmong New Year Islamic New Year Japanese New Year Jewish New Year Korean New Year Thai New Year Persian New Year Tibetan New Year Vietnamese New Year
Saint Patrick’s Day This festival is a worldwide celebration of the Irish culture and commemorates one of Ireland’s foremost patron saints, Saint Patrick who had introduced Christianity in Ireland during the fifth century. It is observed on the 17th of March every year which is the death anniversary of St. Patrick and the day is also known as the ‘Feast of St. Patrick Day’. This day is a bank holiday in Northern Ireland (UK), the British overseas territory of Montserrat, the Canadian provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Republic of Ireland and is also celebrated as a cultural Irish festival in many parts of the world including the United States, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand in spite of it not being a public holiday there. St. Patrick’s Day is the most celebrated national festival around the world. This day celebrates the arrival of Christianity in Ireland and the heritage, culture and traditions of the Irish communities all over the world and was made an official feasting day for the Christians back in the 17th century. Churches like the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Church of Ireland and the Lutheran Church observes this day each year with great splendor. History St. Patrick was said to be born in a wealthy Romano-British family in 387 CE and grew up near the border between Scotland and England. His grandfather was a priest in the church and at the age of 16, he was brought to Gaelic Ireland as a slave, kidnapped by Irish raiders. It is believed that he worked as a shepherd in Ireland for six years after which he fled back home and went on to become a Christian Missionary. Later on in life, he returned back to Ireland and converted thousands of pagans or druids into Christianity. It is said that he died on the 17th of March in the year 461 CE and was buried under Down Cathedral at Downpatrick. Traditions And Celebrations Celebrations are carried on with great pomp and splendor on this day. They include public parades and traditional Irish music sessions known as ‘ceilithe’. The largest parade is held in Dublin. Formal gatherings like banquets and dances are also common. The participants of the parade include the military, youth groups, fire brigades, charitable organizations and marching bands. It is customary to wear the color green on this day as it’s believed that St. Patrick had used the green three-leaved Shamrock while explaining the Holy Trinity to the Irish Pagans. Famous landmarks are also lit up in the color green on this special occasion. The week of St. Patrick’s Day is also called the “Irish Language Week” and people try to use speak more in Irish during this time. Christians are seen to attend special church services on this day and the usual restrictions on eating and intake of alcohol due to Lent are removed for the day. The custom of ‘drowning the Shamrock’ is popular since decades and is treated as a closing ceremony of the day’s festivities. Cups are filled with whiskey, cider or beer and a Shamrock is put into the bottom of the cups. The drink is then raised as a toast to St. Patrick’s Day or Ireland in general. The Shamrock is then either swallowed along with the drink or it’s thrown over the shoulder to bring in good luck. The parties and celebrations of this day are incomplete without green color dyed Irish food and drinks. The traditional Irish dishes eaten on this day include corned beef with cabbage, Irish stew, Irish brown bread, Irish cream chocolate mousse cake, Irish potato soup and Guiness pie. St. Patrick’s Purgatory is a popular pilgrimage destination on this day which people visit for penance and spiritual healing. Located on Station Island, Lough Derg in County Donegal, this place had been visited by St. Patrick and he had declared that whoever comes to this place in search of penance with full faith and repentance would be pardoned for his sins. St. Patrick’s Day also hosts the Saint Patrick’s Day Test which is an international rugby league tournament competed between the US and Ireland. Holidays Around The World Bank Holidays 2017 Holi Easter Maha Shivaratri Good Friday Vasant Panchami Rama Navami Akshaya Tritiya Shivaji Jayanti Ratha Yatra Kartik Poornima Anant Chaturdashi Raksha Bandhan Ramzan Id/Eid-ul-Fitar Onam Janmashtami Independence Day In India Friendship Day in India Father’s Day in India Buddha Purnima Nag Panchami Gandhi Jayanti Ganesh Chaturthi Gudi Padwa Labor Day New Year 2017 January 1st – History Chinese New Year Hindu New Year Hmong New Year Islamic New Year Japanese New Year Jewish New Year Korean New Year Thai New Year Persian New Year Tibetan New Year Vietnamese New Year
Saint George’s Day Saint George’s Day or the Feast Day of Saint George is commemorated in honor of the Patron Saint of England who is remembered for his bravery for standing up against the tortures committed on Christians. He even was martyred in the process. This day is celebrated in various forms in various nations, and in England this day is officially the National Day. This day is celebrated on the 23rd of April each year for it is believed that Saint George was martyred on that day in the year 303 A.D. For the Churches that follow the Orthodox method and still celebrates occasions as per the traditional Roman Julian calendar, the day is commemorated on the 6th of May as per the modern day Gregorian calendar. When Easter falls in too close proximity to Saint George’s Day, the celebration of the Feast is sometimes moved according to the dictates of the Church. For example – In 2011, England’s Anglican and Catholic Churches celebrated the feast on May 2, while in 2014 the calendar declares celebration on April 28, in both the cases the day is being commemorated on the first Monday after Easter Week. As per the mandates of the Eastern Orthodox Church, the celebration of the feats is often moved to the Monday of the Bright Week (also known as renewal Week) which is the period of seven days counted from the day of Easter. When Saint George’s Day comes in between Palm Sunday and the Second Sunday of Easter, the day of the feast is then moved to the Monday that comes after the Second Sunday of Easter. Background: Saint George is the patron Saint of England. He was a brave Roman soldier who was taken aback by the torture of Christians by the Romans and he vehemently protested against it. He became popular in England from the time of the early Crusades. It is believed that the Normans saw St. George in a vision and after that they were victorious. St. George is depicted as a knight who carries a shield with a red cross or a banner that has a red cross on it, generally positioned upon a horse. Saint George is represented by the emblem of a red cross on a white background which also forms the basis of the flag of England. This emblem was adopted in the 12th century by Richard the Lion Heart who then brought it to England. The King’s soldiers wore it on their uniform for easy identification. Even today the Order of the Garter that was founded in 1334 under the patronage of Edward III has the banner of Saint George on it, and till this date this Order is considered to be the most respected order of knighthood in England. In honor of St George and the Order of Garter, the St. George’s Chapel was built at the Windsor Castle by Edward IV and Henry VII. The Cross of St. George has been considered to bring victory and as such used by voyagers like John Cabot who discovered Newfoundland, Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh. In 1620, the Flag of St. George was flown by the Mayflower to announce the arrival of the Pilgrim Fathers in Plymouth, Massachusetts. At present many people have put forward a debate in the House of Commons to make St. George’s Day a public holiday. Observance: St. George’s Day enjoyed a status of a major feast and was also declared a national holiday in England since the early part of 15th Century. Celebrations were as grand as that of Christmas fervor. However, this trend got diluted a little since the 18th century especially after England and Scotland were united. Since 2009 however the then Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, started to promote this day and encourage people to celebrate all things English. St. George’s Day is celebrated in many countries in the world especially where there is a large settlement of European population. There exists a traditional custom on this day to wear a red rose in the lapel, although not too widely practiced in the recent times. Some places are adorned with the St. George’s Cross flag. Some pubs fly the flag as well. Festoons of garlands of St. George’s Crosses can also be seen. As per tradition, Choirs at cathedrals, churches and chapels sing the hymn ‘Jerusalem’. Traditional English food and beverages are consumed on this day. In response to the growing indifference towards the Feast of Saint George in the recent times, organizations like English Heritage and the Royal Society of Saint George have been actively encouraging celebrations to mark the occasion. 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Republic Day in India The Republic Day is the most important National event after the celebration of the Independence Day celebration on the 15th of August. Republic Day is the day which is commemorated as the day when the constitution of independent India came into being replacing the Government of India act of 1935 as the document which would govern India going forward. India became independent in the year 1947 and subsequently on 26th of January, 1950 the Indian Constitution came into being after being adopted on the 26 th of November 1949. It completed India’s transition towards becoming a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic. History of Republic Day After a 200 year of colonial rule under the British Government, India attained freedom on the 15th of August, 1947 with the help of millions of patriots and some prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru to name a few. The Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom partitioned India into two countries – India and Pakistan. India became free in 1947 with George vi as the Head of the state and the Earl of Mountbatten as the Governor General. The country though then lacked a permanent constitution. However with Dr B R Ambedkar as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, the country was poised to get a new Constitution. A draft of the constitution was submitted to the Assembly on the 4th of November, 1947 for reviews. The Assembly then met for 2 years, 11 months and 18 days in sessions which were open to public before being finally adopted. After numerous debates, deliberations and certain modifications, the 308 members signed a copy of two documents, one in Hindi and the other one in English on the 24th of January 1950. Two days later on the 26th of January, 1950 the constitution came to be adopted. Republic Day in India Celebration of the Republic day Republic Day celebrations are observed all over India with respect and solemnity. To mark the importance of this momentous occasion, every year a grand parade is held in all the capital cities of all the Indian states. The most prominent one is held in the capital of India, New Delhi. It starts from the Raisina Hills, Rashtrapati Bhavan, goes along Rajpath past the India Gate.. the Prime Minister of India lays wreath on the memorial of the unknown soldiers at Amar Jawan Jyoti . two minutes silence is followed in respect to all those who had laid down their lives sacrificing for the freedom of India. Since 1950 on this joyous and prestigious day, India has played hosts to a number of Head of State or Government of a foreign country. The President then unfurls the Tri-color, the Indian National flag and a 21 gun salute is given. Prestigious awards like the Asoke Chakra and the Kirti Chakra are awarded on this day. Children receiving the National Bravery Award are also marched past by the President. Apart from the Navy and the Air force, different regiments of the Indian army march past by the President in their best regalia. An unique sight is the Border Security forces, on camel backs giving a salute to the President who is by default the commander-in-chief of the Indian Armed Forces. The NCC cadets on this joyous occasion participate in this celebration as does various school children from all over India. Numerous floats or tableaus exhibit the cultures of the various states along with the beat of music. Cultural programs comprising of dance and music is presented by hundreds of school children on this prestigious occasion. This celebration generally ends with a daring act by the Motor Cycle squad and the Indian jets and helicopters carrying the national flag and the flags of the three services. The Beating Retreat journey ends the Republic Day celebration on the 29th of January. Similarly in all the capitals of each state a parade is held along the main road of the city where the Governor and Chief Minister of the state address the parade and accept the salutes. The National Flag is unfurled on this occasion. This day is celebrated with due respect in all the schools and colleges all over India, where the National Flag is hoisted and various cultural programs are conducted on this day. It is a day which is commemorated to underline the basic values of the Indian Constitution and to celebrate the same by being respectful. This is a National Holiday and as such is remembered with pride and prudence all over India. 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Ratha Yatra Every year, Lord Jagannath travels with his elder brother Balaram (Balabhadra) and sister Subhadra on grand chariots. The festival begins early in the morning with the invocation ceremony and continues all day. Pulling the chariots to make them roll is considered to be the most auspicious part of the festival. Some people attribute the origin of Rath Yatra custom to the Buddhist ritual of the similar nature that has been documented in the manuscripts of the Chinese traveler and historian Fa Hien in the 5th century AD. Apart from religious significance, this festival has social significance too – it gives employment to many people who work tirelessly to bring the festival to its full glory, the fairs associated with the festival makes cottage industries flourish and brings together many people from different walks of life and imbibe in them festive spirit. Dates of Ratha Yatra in the next five years according to the modern day calendar: In 2014, the Ratha Yatra date is on Sunday, June 29. In 2015, the Ratha Yatra date is on Saturday, July 18. In 2016, the Ratha Yatra date is on Wednesday, July 6. In 2017, the Ratha Yatra date is on Sunday, June 25. In 2018, the Ratha Yatra date is on Saturday, July 14. In 2019, the Ratha Yatra date is on Thursday, July 4. Traditional “tithi” to mark the occasion: According to the Hindu Lunar calendar system, Ratha Yatra is celebrated on the second day (Dwitiya) of the Indian month of Ashada during the bright phase of the moon (Shukla Paksha). Type of Holiday in India: Ratha Yatra is not a gazetted or national holiday in India. However, people all across the various cities of the country who observe the occurrence have the option of taking a Restricted Holiday on this day to mark the occasion. Government and private offices remain open on this day though in places where this occasion is not hugely celebrated. Also, local businesses, banks and transportation systems in the cities operate in full swing. However, certain institutions may opt to remain closed on this day. Observances to mark the occasion at some places famous for the occasion: Puri: The Ratha Yatra of Puri is renowned all over the world and it attracts people from all across the globe. Millions of tourists flock to the city in Odisha for pilgrimage or just to witness the event. Puri is the abode of Lords Jagannath, Balaram and Goddess Subhadra. Many artisans are engaged to construct the three chariots, while touches of artists bring them style and grandeur. It is considered to be extremely auspicious to catch a glimpse of the deities in the chariot. It is also considered very pious to be able to touch any part of the chariot, the rope or even the wheels. The sojourn continues for nine days and for the purpose the chariots are constructed afresh each year with individual specifications – Jagannath’s chariot has 18 wheels and is 23 cubits high, and is called Nandighosa; Balaram’s one has 16 wheels and is 22 cubits high, and is called Taladhvajahas; while Subhadra’s rath has 14 wheels and is 21 cubits high, and is known as Devadalana. Even the wooden deities get a new life once in every twelve years. Maahesh: Maahesh is a small suburban town located in the Hooghly district of West Bengal. Here is celebrated the oldest Rath Yatra of Bengal in regal style and grandeur and it brings together a huge mass of people. The event at Maahesh has been witness to many historical anecdotes and has brought together many eminent people of Bengal to join hands in the festivity. Ahmadabad: Rath Yatra is celebrated with much grandeur in Ahmadabad where thousands of people join hands to celebrate the event. Although Ahmadabad Rath Yatra faced troubles during the communal riots in 1992, it has not been able to suppress the spirits of the people or of the festivity. Narayanpur, Subarnapur, Orissa: Rath Yatra is dear to people of all communities for it has the ability to unite people from all walks of life. This is especially evident in the place called Narayanpur which is located in the Subarnapur district of Odisha. From rich to poor, to Brahmins to Sudras, from Hindus to Muslims – everyone join hands to participate in the fair that is organized for the purpose. People also participate together in all the rituals associated with the festival, right from building the chariots to pulling them. Dhamrai, Bangladesh: In Bangladesh, the temple of Jagannath at Dhamrai celebrates Rath Yatra every year with devotion and attracts thousands of Hindus. The Hindu community of Bangladesh considers this festival to be one of the most significant events of the year. The ancient chariot belonging to the temple was burnt down in 1971 during the Bangladesh Liberation War by the army of Pakistan. However, it has been reconstructed with Indian aid and the lost glory restored. ISKON makes Rath Yatra go international: ISKON Hare Krishna Movement has made Rath Yatra a known festival in the international scenario. Thousands of cities across the globe where ISKON has a center celebrate the festival with much fanfare since Jagannath is considered to be an avatar of Lord Vishnu (as is Lord Krishna). 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Rama Navami Rama Navami is a major festival amongst the Hindus, particularly the Vaishnava sect. It is the birthday of Lord Rama, who along with Lord Krishna can be claimed to be the only two Gods whose existence can be proved. Lord Rama is said to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and in the Rama avatar had demolished the demonic Ravana. His birthday falls on the shukla paksha on the Navami, in the month of Chaitra according to the Hindu traditional calendar or on the 15th or 16th of April according to the Gregorian calendar approximately in the afternoon. The observance of his birthday is the celebration of standing up for righteousness and for battling with the demons. Dates of Rama Navami in the next five years according to the modern day calendar: In 2014, the Rama Navami date is Tuesday, April 8. In 2015, the Rama Navami date is on Friday, March 27. In 2016, the Rama Navami date is on Friday, April 15. In 2017, the Rama Navami date is on Wednesday, April 5. In 2018, the Rama Navami date is on Monday, March 26. In 2019, the Rama Navami date is on Sunday, April 14. Who was Lord Rama? Lord Rama was born in the Ikshwaku dynasty to the King Dasaratha and his wife Kaushalya according to the epic Ramayana. Rama in literary terms means one who is divine and blissful and one who is rejoiced by the others. It is said that Lord Vishnu, in the form of Lord Rama was born on the Treata yug by his own free will to eliminate adharma. He freed the world from the clutches of Ravana, a Brahmin king and a Shiva devotee who rules over an island kingdom called Lanka. While performing a banabas, or exile in the forest to protect his father’s integrity Lord Rama, his consort Sita, and his brother Lakshmana came across the treachery of Ravana. Ravana in the guise of a sage kidnapped Sita and held her hostage in the island of Lanka. Lord Rama, with the help of the Banar sena, or army of monkeys managed to bridge the vast ocean infested with fearsome sharks and fierce water animals to reach the island and free Sita mata from the clutches of the demonic Ravana, who had 100 heads. It is firmly believed that Lord Rama and Lord Krishna are the only two Gods according to Vedic Hinduism who really existed. Rama Navami Lord Rama is said to be the Maryada Purushottam. He was the one person who possessed all the goodness in him. He was respectful to elders, calm collected, brave, brilliant, dedicated, l;oving and ever caring. He was an ideal son, an ideal brother, a glorious king, a protective husband and an ideal friend. He upheld righteousness throughout his life lessons and never compromised it for anything. The Ram Navami Celebrations In the southern part of India, devotees perform Kalyanotsavam or perform an auspicious wedding ceremony between Lord Rama and Sita Mata in the form of small idols. In the evening they take out these processions with the idols through the streets. In the course of this procession, they also play with water and color. Another important aspect of this celebration is the consumption of a drink called Panakam, which is prepared by mixing jiggery and pepper together. Some people also put a small idol of Lord Rama in a cradle signifying joy on his birth. The kalyanam, or the marriage ceremony observed in the Bhadrachalam temple in the district if Telengana is very famous and people come to attend the ceremony from far flung areas. Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, sees huge celebrations on this day. It marks the end of a nine daylong celebration culminating on his birthday. Bhajan programs are organized, the complete reading of the Ramayana is organized, performing the Akhanda Ramayana path, reading out the entire Ramcharitmanas by Tulisadas, the great poet are some of the things which are done on the occasion of the Ram Navami. People clean their houses for this auspicious occasion, and decorate the deities of Rama, Sita and Hanuman with garlands. Prasad and flowers are offered to the deities. In a plate, puja ingredients are all kept, these include rice, water, flowers, conch, aipun etc. The youngest member applies red bindi on all the male members’ forehead and commences with the puja. Every member participates in the puja by sprinkling rice and flowers on the deities and then aarti is done. Then everyone sings bhajans, extolling the glories of Lord Rama. Finally all the members of the family partake the Prasad from the Puja. Significance of Rama Navami The story of Ramayana is one, which extols the virtues of Dharma over Adharma and that of a responsible son, husband, brother and a King. The Lord Rama teaches us that a child must obey his parent’s t keep their respect, it teaches that despite someone behaving abominable with you, you must not behave ill with them. As a husband, Lord Rama teaches that one must at all costs, stand up for the protection of your wife and as a king or a ruler, Lord Rama’s life teaches us that one must at all cost sacrifice everything for the people on whom one rules, one must never consider their own comfort and convenience. Lord Rama and his life is one which extols all virtues and it is believed that his life is one which should be emulated by all. 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