Tag: Celebration

Children’s Day

Children’s Day: Celebrating the Spirit of Childhood

Children’s Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring and celebrating the innocence, joy, and potential of children around the world. This day is marked by various events and activities aimed at promoting the well-being and rights of children, encouraging their growth, and fostering an environment that supports their dreams and aspirations. Celebrated in numerous countries on different dates, Children’s Day is an opportunity to recognize the importance of children in shaping the future of our societies.

In India, Children’s Day holds a special significance as it is celebrated on November 14th every year. This date was chosen to commemorate the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, who was known for his deep affection for children. His love and dedication to their education, welfare, and overall development earned him the affectionate nickname “Chacha Nehru” (Uncle Nehru). In this article, we will explore the history, significance, and ways in which Children’s Day is celebrated, especially in India.

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History and Origin of Children’s Day

The concept of dedicating a day to celebrate children can be traced back to the early 20th century. The idea was first proposed by Reverend Dr. Charles Leonard, a pastor in Chelsea, Massachusetts, in 1857. He held a special service dedicated to and for children, which he called “Children’s Day.” This initiative was followed by similar celebrations in other countries, eventually leading to the establishment of official Children’s Days around the world.

However, the celebration of Children’s Day as we know it today began in 1954, when the United Nations recommended that all countries institute a Universal Children’s Day to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children’s welfare. The United Nations selected November 20th as Universal Children’s Day, as it coincides with the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989).

Children’s Day in India: Why November 14th?

In India, the celebration of Children’s Day on November 14th is tied to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s enduring legacy. He was a strong advocate for children’s rights and education. His vision was to provide children with an environment that encourages creativity, learning, and growth. Pandit Nehru believed that children were the future of the nation, and he emphasized the need for education and equal opportunities for every child. His fondness for children was well-known, and he often emphasized that they should be nurtured with love and care to become responsible citizens.

After his death in 1964, it was decided to commemorate his birth anniversary as Children’s Day in India, shifting the focus from the international celebration on November 20th to November 14th, making it a day to remember his contributions and love for children.

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The Significance of Children’s Day

1. Promoting Awareness of Children’s Rights

Children’s Day is a platform to raise awareness about the rights of children. It is a day to reflect on the importance of creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children can thrive. It draws attention to critical issues such as child labor, child abuse, lack of education, and exploitation, urging society to take action to protect children’s rights.

2. Fostering Love, Care, and Affection

The day emphasizes the value of love, care, and understanding in a child’s upbringing. It reminds parents, teachers, and caregivers of their responsibility to provide children with the support they need to grow into healthy and happy individuals.

3. Encouraging Education and Development

Children’s Day is a reminder of the importance of education in shaping a child’s future. It highlights the need for quality education, which is essential for a child’s intellectual and emotional development. Schools and educational institutions often organize special events, competitions, and programs to encourage students to express their talents and creativity.

4. Inspiring Hope and Joy

This day is filled with joy and celebration as children are given the opportunity to enjoy themselves through various fun-filled activities. It serves as a break from the usual routine, allowing children to engage in games, performances, and recreational activities.

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How Children’s Day is Celebrated in India

Children’s Day in India is a vibrant and joyous occasion marked by numerous events, programs, and activities across the country. Here’s how the celebration typically unfolds:

1. School Events and Programs

Schools play a significant role in celebrating Children’s Day. Teachers and staff organize various events such as cultural performances, storytelling sessions, drawing and painting competitions, sports activities, and talent shows. It is a day where teachers often perform skits, dances, or songs to entertain the children, making the day special and memorable for them.

2. Gifts and Sweets Distribution

Children are often treated with sweets, chocolates, and small gifts on this day. Many schools distribute special treats to students, and parents may also give their children small presents to mark the occasion.

3. Special Initiatives and Campaigns

Children’s Day is also a time when organizations, NGOs, and government bodies launch special initiatives to promote the welfare of children. This may include awareness campaigns on child rights, health check-ups, educational workshops, and activities aimed at supporting underprivileged children.

4. Cultural and Recreational Activities

Many community centers, parks, and public spaces host cultural events, fairs, and exhibitions. These events are designed to engage children in various fun and educational activities, fostering a sense of community and togetherness.

5. Social Media and Digital Celebrations

In the digital age, Children’s Day is also celebrated online. Social media platforms are flooded with heartfelt messages, photos, and videos dedicated to children. Many educational and entertainment channels curate special content for kids, such as animated stories, educational games, and fun quizzes.

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Famous Quotes About Children

To honor the spirit of Children’s Day, here are some timeless quotes that celebrate the essence of childhood:

“The best way to make children good is to make them happy.” — Oscar Wilde

“Children are like wet cement; whatever falls on them makes an impression.” — Haim Ginott

“Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow.” — A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” — Pablo Picasso

“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.” — John F. Kennedy

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Conclusion

Children’s Day is a reminder of the pivotal role children play in our lives and the importance of nurturing their potential. It is a celebration of childhood, a time to honor their innocence, dreams, and limitless possibilities. As we celebrate Children’s Day, let us renew our commitment to creating a world where every child is valued, loved, and given the opportunity to grow and flourish.

By investing in the education, health, and well-being of our children, we are investing in the future of our societies. Let us ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has the chance to live a life filled with love, happiness, and endless opportunities.

Happy Children’s Day!

Republic Day

India celebrates Republic Day on January 26 annually with a lot of pride and fervor. It is a day that is important to every Indian citizen. It marks the day when India became truly independent and embraced democracy. In other words, it celebrates the day on which our constitution came into effect. On 26 January 1950, almost 3 years post-independence, we became a sovereign, secular, socialist, democratic republic.

History of Republic Day

While we got independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, our country was still lacking a concrete constitution. Moreover, India also did not have any experts and political powers which would help in the functioning of the state affairs smoothly.  Up until then, the 1935 Government of India Act was basically modified in order to govern, however, that act was more bent towards the colonial rule. Therefore, there was a dire need to form an exclusive constitution that would reflect all that India stands for.

Thus, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar led a constitutional drafting committee on August 28, 1947.  After drafting, it was presented to the Constituent Assembly by the same committee on November 4, 1947. This whole procedure was very elaborate and took up to 166 days to complete. Moreover, the committee organized sessions were kept open to the public.

No matter the challenges and hardships, our constitutional committee left no stone unturned to include rights for all. It aimed to create the perfect balance so all citizens of the country could enjoy equal rights pertaining to their religions, culture, caste, sex, creed and more. At last, they presented the official Indian constitution to the country on January 26, 1950.

Moreover, the first session of the India Parliament was also conducted on this day. In addition to that, 26th January also witnessed the swearing-in of India’s first president, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Thus, this day is very important as it marks the end of the British rule and birth of India as a Republic State.

Photo by Alok Uniyal on Pexels.com

Republic Day CelebrationsIndians celebrate January 26 each year with lots of enthusiasm and zeal. On this day, people forget their religion, caste, creed, sex, and more. It brings together the country as a whole. It truly shows the diversity of our country. The capital city of India, New Delhi, celebrates it with a Republic Day Parade that showcases the might of the Indian Military and the cultural diversity of our country.These parades take place in other cities as well, where a lot of schools participate in.

It is a delight to watch the children and professionals put in so much effort. The way they grace the parade makes one proud of their country. We also do National Flag Hoisting on this day. In New Delhi, after the President of India hoists our National Flag, 21 guns salute follow it with the national anthem played by the military band.Further, in schools, March Past takes place and it is mandatory for every student to attend the celebrations. In many schools, they distribute sweets on this day as well.

While it is a very joyous day, we must not forget the struggle of freedom that our forefathers took part in. Moreover, it is a day to celebrate the spirit of freedom and make sure to help India reach greater heights in the future.

Anniversaries (as of 2020)

•75th anniversary of end of World War 2 (1st September 1939 – 2nd September 1945 )

It involved vast majority of the world’s countries forming two different military forces – the Allies and the Axis. The Allied won causing the fall of Nazi Germany and also death of Hitler. It was the deadliest war in world history.

•100th birth anniversary of Isaac Asimov

Isaac Asimov was an American author and a professor of biochemistry at Boston University. Born on 2nd January, 1920 in Petrovichi, Russia. He was well known globally for his science fiction works including ‘I, Robot’, ‘Caves of steel’, ‘End of eternity’ etc. Some of his stories have been made into movies.

• 200th birth anniversary of Anne Bronte

Anne Bronte was an English novelist and poet and the youngest of the famous Bronte sisters. She was born on 17th January, 1820 in Thornton, UK. Some of her works include ‘The tenant of Wildfell hall’ and ‘Agnes Grey’.

•500th death anniversary of Italian artist Raphael

One of the Renaissance period painters, Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino was born on 6th April, 1483 and died on 6th April, 1520. St. Peter’s Basilica is one of his works. His notable artworks include ‘The school of Athens’, ‘The Sistine Madonna’ , ‘The marriage of the virgin’ etc.

•250th birth William Wordsworth

The very famous poem, ‘I wandered lonely as a cloud’ poet William Wordsworth was born on 7th April, 1770 in Cockermouth, UK. He was an English Romantic poet.

•200th birth Florence nightingale

The English social reformer, statistician and the founder of modern nursing was born on 12th May, 1820 in Florence, Italy. She worked hard and determined as a nurse and earned the title ‘Lady with the Lamp’.

•150th death anniversary Charles Dickens

•250th birth anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven

He was a German composer and pianist whose music ranks amongst the most performed classical music. Till date he remains the most admired composers in the history of western music. He was born in December 1770, Bonn, Germany.

•Breakfast club is 35 now.

1985 The 1985 comedy and drama movie that has been a teenagers must watch since it’s release in 1985.

Thank you for reading. Have a nice day!🌼

Inconic Festivals Around the World

Festivals happen all over the world and exploring them can be an extraordinary experience for anyone who enjoys culture and art. The following list includes some of the most colourful, amazing festivals which are celebrated in different places around the world.

THE YI PENG LANTERN FESTIVAL, THAILAND

The Yi Peng lantern festival is a very unique kind of festival celebrated in Northern Thailand during a full moon light. It was traditionally celebrated as a festival to mark the end of the monsoon season. It is a spectacular sight to see thousands of sky lanterns floating in the sky and beautiful flowers floating on the Ping river.

HOLI, INDIA

Holi, also known as the festival of colours, is mostly celebrated by Indians during Spring. During the festival people play with colours and engage in dance, music and festivities. It also represents the arrival of ‘Basanta’ or Spring. The traditional festival includes fun filled games and water gun fights.

WINTER LIGHTS FESTIVAL, JAPAN

This is one of the illumination festivals which one must attend. The incredible Winter Light festival takes place in a park in Kuwana City of Japan during November to March. Attracting thousands of tourists, the festival is one of Japan’s finest illuminations. The park also has a variety of restaurants.

GOLDEN RETRIEVER FESTIVAL, SCOTLAND

Known as one of the happiest places on Earth, the Golden Retriever Festival is organized by the Golden Retriever Club of Scotland. It is a mass gathering of Golden Retrievers along with dog lovers in the ancestral home of the breed in a Scottish Village. In 2018, the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the breed was done with the gathering of about 360 Retrievers.

ALBUQUERQUE BALLOON FIESTA, USA

The biggest hot air balloon festival in the world, Albuquerque balloon fiesta is  a nine day long event held in New Mexico during early October. Guests have the rare opportunity of seeing the inflation and take off of around 600 colourful hot air balloons. It is the most photographed event in the world.

LA TOMATINA FESTIVAL, SPAIN

The La Tomatina Festival is held on the last wednesday of August on the streets of Bunol town in Spain. It is a fun event where participants from all around the world throw squashed tomatoes at each other. The week long festival is also famous for its parades, fireworks, music and dance. The tomatoes are provided to the participants before the start of the event. In order to maintain safety participants are encouraged to wear goggles and water trucks are placed across streets.

FLORIDA KEYS UNDERWATER MUSIC FESTIVAL, USA

The festival is usually celebrated to draw attention to the conservation of the coral reef. It is a wonderful festival for divers and music lovers. The festival takes place in a sand area near the coral reef. Hundreds of divers and underwater musicians play songs on the theme of Ocean. It is being celebrated every year for the last 25 years.

ICE AND SNOW SCULPTURE FESTIVAL, CHINA

The Harbin ice and snow festival takes place during the month of January in Harbin of Heilongjiang province of China. Attracting thousands of tourists it features an international competition of ice sculptures and illuminated snow block buildings. Multicoloured lights illuminate the ice and snow formations creating a spectacular sight at night. Artists who construct the ice sculptures use ice from the frozen Songhua river.

OKTOBERFEST, GERMANY

The largest funfair in the world, Oktoberfest takes place from the end of September to beginning of October in Munich City of Germany. The festival attracting around 6 million people around the world includes amusement rides and traditional food. 6 breweries around Munich serve around 7 million litres of beer every year.

Janmashtami

The Hindus celebrate Janmashtami for the birth of Sri Krishna. The festival usually occurs in August. Moreover, the Hindus celebrate this festival in the Ashtami of Krishna Paksha. Moreover, Lord Krishna is the most powerful incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is a joyful festival for the Hindus. Furthermore, the Hindus perform different rituals to please Lord Krishna. This is one of the most joyous celebrations for the Hindus

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Lord Krishna

Lord Krishna was born on the 8th day of Dark Fortnight in the month of Bhadon. Bhadon is a month in the Hindu calendar. Moreover, he was born around 5,200 years ago approximately. Because he was one of the most powerful Gods. He was born for a special purpose on Earth. Lord Krishna was born to free the world from evil. As a result, he played an important role in the book of Mahabharata. Also, Lord Krishna preached about good karma and the theory of Bhakti. Lord Krishna was born in a prison. He was in the clutches if Kansa. But his father Vasudev gave him to his friend Nand to save him. Because he knew that Kansa was evil-minded. Furthermore after getting saved the upbringing of Sri Krishna was in a Gokul family. Sri Krishna after some time became strong. As a result, he was able to kill Kansa.

When I was a child I used to watch many shows on Sri Krishna. As a result, I know many things about him. First of all, Sri Krishna was very fond of eating Makhan. Because of that he always used to steal it from his mothers’ kitchen. Therefore his name was ‘Natkahat Nand Lal’. Sri Krishna was dark-colored. So he was always worried about his color. Moreover, Sri Krishna had a friend named Radha. Radha was of great importance to Krishna. So he always spent time with her. Radha was very beautiful and fair so Lord Krishna always feels color complex.

How is Janmashtami Celebrated?

People celebrate Janmashtami in mid-night. Because Lord Krishna was born in the dark. Moreover, people have a special way of celebrating the festival. Since Sri Krishna was fond of eating Makhan people play this sport. The sport is, they tie an earthen pot(matki). The judge of the game ties the matki really high from the ground. Furthermore, a person fills Makhan in the matki. Also, what people do is they build a human pyramid to break the matki. Since the matki is too high they have to build a tall pyramid. As a result, many people have to take part in sport. Moreover, there are other teams too who stop them from breaking the matki. Equal chances are there for both the teams. Each team gets a chance for a particular time period. If the team is not able to do it in time then the other team tries it. This is an interesting sport many people gather to watch this sport. Furthermore, the celebration is also done in houses. People decorate their houses from outside with lights. Moreover, the temples are full of people. They perform various rituals inside the temple. As a result, we hear the sound of bells and mantras the whole day.

Moreover, people perform a dance on different religious songs. Finally, it is one of the most enjoyable festivals in the Hindu religion.

A new version of Durga Puja

If anyone manages to come to Kolkata during the upcoming festive months of Durga Puja, one would definitely feel very lucky to watch tall brightly coloured idols with crowds dressed in their best attire and swarming through the streets. But it is all gone now, at least for this year.

Usually for each year, all the orders for idols used to come during Rath-yatra and the days following that. And there existed a countdown for the final day. And not to forget about the markets, which always remained overcrowded for at least three months before the actual occasion. There was a feeling of joy and celebration in the air with people in extremely good mood. But this year is going to markedly very different from all the previous years. As per the sources, orders to Kumartuli have slashed by a great percentage this year. At the same time, the delay in the orders is quite noticeable. This year, even the big budget Durga Puja clubs have not yet placed the orders and even if some of them did, the height of the idols have reduced drastically. Previously, the normal height used to range from 12 to 15 feet and that too added with expensive clothes and ornaments. But this year, sources verify that the height ranges somewhere between 8 and 10 feet, with none exceeding 10 feet. Many clubs who usually hosted such big budget idols are very much sceptical whether they should go for it considering the financial stress and social isolation issue. Some are outright enough to cancel the celebrations and others who are hopeful that the situation will subside eventually have gone for placing the orders.

But this is not just all. The Forum of Dugotsab which is a committee of 350 Durga Puja Committees have passed certain rules to make this a safe festive season. Some recommendations which are passed include thermal screening of visitors, wearing of masks is mandatory, regular sanitisation of structures and finally there should be only 25 people inside a marquee at any point of time. But just to ensure that every devotee gets to enjoy the festival, the authorities have also ensured to place screens outside or podiums so that the devotees can at least view the idols. As per the Puja committees, they have specified that they will strictly adhere to the safety guidelines and that that they will celebrate keeping in mind the safety and livelihood of thousands of individuals.

But recent concern is that due to such economic constraints, the Kumartuli artisans have asked for the advance payment of 50% of the total idol making cost at the time of booking the idol. They are fearing that they will incur heavy losses owing to the lockdown and the destruction caused due to the Amphan Cyclone. Kumartuli artisans are sceptical because they have made the idols for Basanti Puja, but because of the onset of lockdown they could not sell those and thus had to suffer huge losses. So according to them they want to be sure for this time.

Durga Puja which is the most quintessential celebration of the Bengalis, will be celebrated in a completely different way. But whatever it is, we just wish for our Ma Durga to abode on this earth with her children and demolish the COVID-19 Rakshash with her Trishul.

Till then, stay safe.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/kolkata/kumartuli-artisans-for-50-advance-for-durga-idols/story-R4wztUk5q1UQMAvkCXr7VJ.html