16 August - Parsi new year /Navroz

 

Navroz- translated to 'a new day' - is the time to welcome the new year for Parsi community. Also known as Nowruz or Persian New Year, the first day of Zoroastrian calendar Farvardin is observed all over the world on March 21around the time of vernal equinox as the triumph of spring over darkness. Rooted in Zoroastrianism, the festival is celebrated in many countries which have Persian cultural influence like India, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and parts of Central Asia. On this day, Parsis in India clean their homes, decorate it, wear new clothes, pray to God for happiness and prosperity and invite friends over for a good time and hearty meal. 

16 august - Bennington Battle Day

 

Bennington Battle Day is a holiday that commemorates the Battle of Bennington, a significant engagement during the American Revolutionary War. The battle took place on August 16, 1777, near Bennington, Vermont, which was then a part of the New Hampshire Grants. The battle was fought between American colonial forces, primarily composed of New Hampshire and Vermont militiamen, and British and Hessian troops under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Friedrich Baum.

The American forces, led by General John Stark, decisively defeated the British and Hessian troops, inflicting heavy casualties and capturing a substantial amount of supplies and equipment. This victory was important for the American cause as it boosted morale, hindered British plans, and contributed to the turning point in the Revolutionary War.

Bennington Battle Day is primarily celebrated in Vermont on August 16th each year, although the exact observance might vary from place to place. It's an opportunity for people to remember and honor the sacrifices of those who fought in the battle and to reflect on the significance of the event in American history. Various activities, parades, reenactments, and educational events might take place on this day to commemorate the Battle of Bennington and its role in the larger struggle for American independence.

16 August - Ramakrishna Paramahamsa death anniversary

 

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836–1886) was a renowned Indian mystic, saint, and spiritual teacher whose teachings and insights have left an indelible mark on Hindu spirituality. Born on February 18, 1836, in Kamarpukur, West Bengal, India, Ramakrishna was a deeply spiritual soul from a young age.

Ramakrishna's life was characterized by his intense devotion to God and his unwavering pursuit of spiritual truth. He practiced and explored various religious paths and traditions, including Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, under the guidance of several spiritual mentors.

One of Ramakrishna's most significant contributions was his emphasis on the universality of religious experience. He famously declared that all religions are valid paths to the same ultimate reality and that different spiritual practices are like different paths up the same mountain.

Ramakrishna's teachings and insights attracted a diverse group of followers, including the notable disciple Swami Vivekananda. His teachings laid the foundation for the Ramakrishna Mission, a spiritual and philanthropic organization dedicated to the service of humanity.

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa's life and teachings continue to inspire millions of people around the world. He passed away on August 16, 1886, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual wisdom, tolerance, and the belief in the unity of all religions. His teachings have had a profound impact on modern Hindu thought and have contributed to the broader understanding of spirituality and the human experience.