31 March - Easter

 

Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the New Testament of the Bible. It is considered the most important event in the Christian faith and is observed by billions of Christians around the world.

Easter is typically celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox, which places it between March 22 and April 25 each year. The date varies from year to year based on the lunar calendar.

The holiday is preceded by the season of Lent, a period of 40 days of fasting, prayer, and penance, which represents the time Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry.

Easter Sunday itself is marked by church services, feasting, and the exchange of Easter greetings and gifts. Many Christians also participate in Easter egg hunts and decorate eggs as a symbol of new life and rebirth. Additionally, various cultures have their own unique traditions and customs associated with Easter, such as the Easter Bunny and Easter parades.

Overall, Easter holds deep religious significance for Christians and is a time of joy, hope, and renewal as they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of salvation.

 

31 march - Gateway of India construction started in 1913

 

The Gateway of India is an arch-monument built in the early twentieth century in the city of Mumbai, in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It was erected to commemorate the landing in December 1911 at Apollo Bunder, Mumbai (then Bombay) of King-Emperor George V and Queen-Empress Mary, the first British monarch to visit India. At the time of the royal visit, the gateway was not yet built, and a cardboard structure greeted the monarch. The Construction started on 31 March 1913 for a monument built in the Indo-Saracenic style, incorporating elements of 16th-century Marathi architecture. The final design of the monument by architect George Wittet was sanctioned only in 1914, and construction was completed in 1924. The structure is a triumphal arch made of basalt, which is 26 metres (85 feet) high.

31 March - International Transgender Day of Visibility

 

International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is indeed observed on March 31st each year. This day is dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness about the discrimination and challenges they face globally. It also aims to highlight the contributions of transgender individuals to society and to promote acceptance, understanding, and support for the transgender community.

International Transgender Day of Visibility was first celebrated in 2009 and has since grown into an important annual event for advocacy, education, and empowerment. On this day, various activities and events may take place, including marches, rallies, educational workshops, art exhibits, and social media campaigns, all focused on promoting transgender visibility and equality.

TDOV serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for transgender rights and recognition, as well as an opportunity to celebrate the diversity and resilience of transgender individuals around the world. It plays a crucial role in fostering greater inclusivity and acceptance within communities and promoting a society where transgender people can live authentically and free from discrimination.

31 March - Cesar Chavez Day

 

Cesar Chavez Day is a commemorative holiday in several U.S. states that honors the life and achievements of Cesar Chavez, a prominent labor leader and civil rights activist. The holiday is observed on March 31st each year. Cesar Chavez was a co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers (UFW) union. He dedicated his life to advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and rights for farmworkers, particularly those of Latino and Filipino descent, in the United States. Chavez's efforts helped bring attention to the plight of farmworkers and contributed to significant improvements in labor conditions and rights. Cesar Chavez Day serves as a tribute to his legacy and continues to inspire activism and social justice movements.

31 March - Eiffel Tower Day

 

Eiffel Tower Day is celebrated on March 31 to commemorate the inaugural anniversary of the Eiffel Tower. Unveiled to the world on this day 1889, this iconic monument has withstood the test of time and remains one of the most remarkable wonders of the world. Standing at 1,063 feet, the Eiffel Tower overlooks the city of Paris and symbolizes the triumph of modern engineering and western civilization.

Being one of the most recognizable monuments of the world, Eiffel Tower Day is a day of celebration for millions of people. From Calcutta to California, people come together to raise a toast to this architectural masterpiece.

31 March - commemorative postage stamp on Vallal Pachaiyappa in 2010

 

A commemorative postage stamp issued on (31.March.2010) the Death Anniversary of Pachaiyappa Mudaliar, the most munificent patron of learning and religion in modern south India, was born in 1754 in Periapalayam, a village about twenty five miles from Madras, where there is famous Sakthi temple.His father, Visvanatha Mudaliar, had passed away a few months before and he seemed born to destitution and misery.But by dint of unexampled commercial acumen, always regulated by honesty and fairness, he amassed a huge fortune in only forty years, when he passed away in 1794.It was with his money that the first Indian College in Madras was started and, along with it, a number of other educational institutions which keep his memory green.

31 March - René Descartes birth anniversary

 

René Descartes was born on 31 March , 1596, in La Haye en Touraine, Kingdom of France (now Descartes, Indre-et-Loire, France), and he passed away on February 11, 1650, in Stockholm, Sweden.

René Descartes was a French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist who is often regarded as the father of modern philosophy. His work had a profound influence on the development of Western philosophy and laid the groundwork for the scientific revolution of the 17th century. Descartes is best known for his contributions to both philosophy and mathematics.

31 March - The US bought the Virgin Islands for $25 million

 

The United States purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark, on 31 March 1917. The U.S. government acquired the Danish West Indies, which included the islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, for the sum of $25 million in gold. This agreement, known as the Treaty of the Danish West Indies, was signed on 04 August 1916, and ratified on 17 January 1917. The official transfer of the islands to the United States took place on 31 March 1917, and they were renamed the United States Virgin Islands.

31 March - Octavio Paz birth anniversary

 

 Octavio Paz (31 March 1914 – 19 April 1998) was a Mexican writer, poet, and diplomat.

Paz began his career as a poet, publishing his first collection of poems, “Luna Silvestre” (Wild Moon), in 1933. He went on to publish many more collections of poetry, including “Piedra de sol” (Sunstone), which is considered one of his greatest works.

In addition to his poetry, Paz was a prolific essayist, writing on a wide range of topics including politics, culture, and art. His essays are known for their insight and originality, and he was a leading intellectual in Mexico and the Spanish-speaking world.

Paz’s work was deeply influenced by his experiences as a diplomat. He served as Mexico’s ambassador to India from 1962 to 1968, and his time in India had a profound impact on his writing, inspiring many of his most famous works.

Octavio Paz died on 19 April 1998 in Mexico City, Mexico. Paz’s legacy as a poet, essayist, and intellectual continues to influence writers and thinkers around the world. His work explores themes of identity, culture, and the human condition, and his writing is celebrated for its beauty, complexity, and depth.

 

30 March - Alaska Purchase

 

As Russia completed its eastward expansion through Siberia, the country inevitably crossed the Bering Strait and established a presence in the northern Americas. This territory, first settled in the early 17th century, was known as Alaska, but very few Russians ever moved there.

Russia was damaged militarily by its defeat in the Crimean War, in which Britain and its ally France defeated the Empire. Russian Tsar Alexander II began looking for ways to sell Alaska to America, especially as the territory would be impossible to defend if Britain decided to attack it. (Britain held Canada as a colony at the time of the sale.)

After the American Civil War concluded, negotiations began on selling Alaska to America, though opinion in both countries was against the deal. Many Russians did not want to give away a territory where gold had been discovered, and Americans did not want an 'ice-box' where very few people lived.

On 30 March 1867, the two countries agreed on a purely symbolic sum of $7.2 million ($109 million in 2018), about 2 cents an acre. America had purchased 586,412 square miles (1,518,800 km2) of territory. Alaska would not be admitted as a state to the Union until 1959, and it remained sparsely populated until a gold rush in the late 19th century.

30 March - USA celebrates National Pencil Day

 

National Pencil Day is on March 30 and it is the perfect moment to explore these old writing tools. This simple instrument has meant so much to mankind. It allows people to express themselves, helps them find their creativity, and supports all kinds of scribbles and doodles.  Did you know that one pencil can write up to 45,000 words? Pencils have been used for ages, and have gone through many changes in terms of their design, but have you ever wondered who came up with the brilliant idea of attaching an eraser to a pencil? Well, Hymen Lipman was the man behind this great discovery and was responsible for making our lives easier. We celebrate this day to honor this superb creation.

30 March - Test Cricket debut of Garry Sobers in 1954

 

Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers, AO, OCC, NH (born 28 July 1936), also known as Sir Gary or Sir Garry Sobers, is a former cricketer who played for the West Indies between 1954 and 1974. A highly skilled bowler, an aggressive batsman and an excellent fielder, he is widely considered to be cricket's greatest ever all-rounder and one of the greatest cricketers of all time.

On 30 March 1954, Test Cricket debut of Garry Sobers v England at Kingston.

30 March - World Bipolar Day

 

World Bipolar Day is observed on 30th March every year, on the birthday of Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh — one of the most influential artists in the history of Western art.

His creativity was paralleled with his mental illness and he was posthumously diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder dramatically affects the mood and may result in episodes of depression and elation, which can affect one’s health, productivity, and relationships.

In 1999, the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF) was founded, and has since been researching bipolar disorders and helping people who are suffering from it. 

30 March - Akshaya Mohanty Postal stamp released 2023

 

Postal stamps released in names of 4 legends of Odisha on 30 March 2023

Postal stamps released in names of 4 Odisha legends. They are late music director Akshaya Mohanty, Odissi exponent Guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra, noted writer Laxmikanta Mahpatra and first woman Odia film director Parvati Ghosh.


Akshaya Mohanty, also known as Khoka Bhai, was an Indian singer, lyricist, composer, musician and writer in Odia. He has contributed Odia bhajans, Odissi songs, folk songs, film and non-film modern light songs in Odisha on contemporary themes and ballads based on popular legends in Odisha.

Mohanty was born to Bichitrananda Mohanty and Subarna Manjari Mohanty at Cuttack on 12 October 1936. Mohanty had no formal training in music. At the age of 22 in 1956, he joined Government services in his home city Cuttack, but quit after seven years in 1963. He became an approved lyricist in All India Radio, Cuttack in 1956. By 1959 he became an approved composer in All India Radio.

30 March - Parbati Ghose Postal stamps released 2023

 

Postal stamps released in names of 4 legends of Odisha on 30 March 2023

Postal stamps released in names of 4 Odisha legends. They are late music director Akshaya Mohanty, Odissi exponent Guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra, noted writer Laxmikanta Mahpatra and first woman Odia film director Parbati Ghose.


Parbati Ghose (born Chapala Nayak; 28 March 1942 – 12 February 2018)was an Indian actress, film director and film producer.Ghose was the first female filmmaker from the state of Odisha.

Ghose died on 12 February 2018, at the age of 84 in Bhubaneswar. The state government of Odisha held a state funeral in her honor. In early days of Odia cinema, she single-handedly uplifted it to a new level. She is considered as a symbol of women's empowerment when an idea like empowerment was unheard of. Her departure is a great loss to our industry and the world of silver screen. She will always be remembered for her contribution to Odia cinema.
 

30 March - KeluCharan Mohapatra Postal stamp released 2023

 

 

30 March - KeluCharan Mohapatra Postal stamps released 2023

Postal stamps released in names of 4 legends of Odisha on 30 March 2023

Postal stamps released in names of 4 Odisha legends. They are late music director Akshaya Mohanty, Odissi exponent Guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra, noted writer Laxmikanta Mahpatra and first woman Odia film director Parbati Ghose.


Kelucharan Mohapatra (8 January 1926 – 7 April 2004) was a legendary Indian classical dancer, guru, and exponent of Odissi dance, who is credited with the revival and popularizing of this classical dance form in the 20th century.He is the first person to receive the Padma Vibhushan from Odisha.

A noted Sanskrit poet of India writes on this Guru: Saango-paanga-subhangi-laasya-madhuram samteerna-nrutyaarnavam, which translates as - "Each fraction of his dancing body leads to paramount sweetness, through miraculous poses and postures. In fact, Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra crossed the ocean of styles

30 March - Laxmikanta Mohapatra Postal stamp released 2023

 

30 March - Laxmikanta Mohapatra Postal stamps released 2023

Postal stamps released in names of 4 legends of Odisha on 30 March 2023

Postal stamps released in names of 4 Odisha legends. They are late music director Akshaya Mohanty, Odissi exponent Guru Kelu Charan Mohapatra, noted writer Laxmikanta Mohapatra and first woman Odia film director Parbati Ghose.


Laxmikanta Mohapatra (18 December 1888 - 24 February 1953) was an Indian Odia poet, writer, performance artist and freedom fighter. More than ten of his books have been published. He was a leading campaigner of the Odisha State unification movement and an eminent member of Utkala Sammilani.

30 March - Island of Sicily When The Bells Rang Out For Freedom

 

 

When The Bells Rang Out For Freedom

Throughout history various groups of people have been downtrodden, victimised and abused. On 30 March 1282 one such group decided that they had enough and in a brutal uprising known as the War of the Vespers turned on their oppressors.

The result was a conflict lasting 20 years and a balance of power shift that went on for 400 years.

French King Charles I invaded the Italian island of Sicily in 1266 and through conquest became the King of Sicily. The French imposed a rule of iron with high taxes and the Sicilian population were constantly insulted and treated harshly by French soldiers.

On Easter Monday in 1282, citizens of the capital city, Palermo, were flocking to vespers in the church of Santo Spirito (Church of the Holy Spirit), when, the story goes, a Sicilian woman was dragged from the crowd by a French soldier allegedly to be searched for weapons.

According to Italian scholar, historian and statesman Leonardo Bruni (1370 – 1444) the French used the pretext of searching for weapons to fondle the breasts of Sicilian women. This, Bruni reported, began a riot.

The French were attacked, first with rocks, then weapons, and all were killed. The news spread to other towns leading to revolt throughout Sicily.

Bruni added: ”By the time the furious anger at their insolence had drunk its fill of blood, the French had given up to the Sicilians not only their ill-gotten riches but their lives as well."

A more detailed and slightly different account came from the respected 20th Century historian and author Steven Runciman.

He wrote that the Sicilians at the church were engaged in holiday festivities and a group of French officials came by to join in and began to drink. A sergeant named Drouet dragged a young married woman from the crowd, pestering her with his advances. Her husband then attacked Drouet with a knife, killing him.

When the other Frenchmen tried to avenge their comrade, the Sicilian crowd fell upon them, killing them all. At that moment all the church bells in Palermo began to ring for vespers. Runciman described the mood of the night:

“To the sound of the bells messengers ran through the city calling on the men of Palermo to rise against the oppressor. At once the streets were filled with angry armed men, crying 'Death to the French.'

"Every Frenchman they met was struck down. They poured into the inns frequented by the French and the houses where they dwelt, sparing neither man, woman nor child. Sicilian girls who had married Frenchmen perished with their husbands.

“The rioters broke into convents and all the foreign friars were dragged out and told to pronounce the word "ciciri", whose sound the French tongue could never accurately reproduce. Anyone who failed the test was slain.

“By the next morning some two thousand French men and women lay dead and the rebels were in complete control of the city.”

King Charles was furious. War was declared and the Sicilians, not having an army of their own, eventually turned for help to the Spanish king known as Peter the Great, or more formally as Peter III, King of Aragon.

He agreed to take Sicily into his kingdom and launched a war against the French that lasted 20 years. And so started 400 years of Spanish domination in Sicily.

30 March - Satyajit Ray was awarded the Honorary Oscar Award

 

 

Very few Indians have been honoured by what is commonly considered the highest honour in cinema around the globe – the Oscar awards. One of the most proclaimed Indian filmmakers Satyajit Ray was honoured by the Academy at the 64th Academy Awards in 1992 with the Honorary Award but Ray could not be there in person to collect his award in person owing to his ill health.

At the time, Ray was hospitalised in Kolkata and could not fly to Los Angeles but a video message from the auteur was shown at the ceremony in Dolby Theatre. Ray’s award was announced by actor Audrey Hepburn who described his work as a “rare mastery of the art of motion pictures and his profound humanism which has had an indelible influence on filmmakers and audiences throughout the world.”

The ceremony in 1992 was held on March 30 and less than a month later, on April 23, Ray passed away at the age of 70 in Kolkata.

Satyajit Ray (2 May 1921 – 23 April 1992) was an Indian director, screenwriter, documentary filmmaker, author, essayist, lyricist, magazine editor, illustrator, calligrapher, and music composer. Considered one of the greatest auteurs of film-making, Ray is celebrated for works including The Apu Trilogy (1955–1959), The Music Room (1958), The Big City (1963) and Charulata (1964) and the Goopy–Bagha trilogy. 

30 March - School Day of Non-violence and Peace (Spain)

 

The School Day of Non-violence and Peace (Día Escolar de la No-violencia y la Paz, DENIP) is an observance celebrated in Spain and other countries on January 30th each year. It was founded in 1964 by Spanish poet and educator Llorenç Vidal Vidal in commemoration of the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who was a pioneer of non-violent resistance and an advocate for peace.

The aim of the School Day of Non-violence and Peace is to promote education in and for harmony, tolerance, solidarity, respect for human rights, non-violence, and peace. Schools and educational institutions across Spain organize various activities and events to raise awareness about these values and to encourage students to become active agents of positive change in their communities and the world.

DENIP serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering a culture of peace and non-violence, both within educational settings and society at large. It encourages reflection on the consequences of violence and conflict, as well as the potential of non-violent approaches to resolving conflicts and building a more just and peaceful world.

30 March - Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother birth anniversary

 

March 30 marks the anniversary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Born Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon on March 30, 1900, she was the wife of King George VI and the mother of Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother was one of the most beloved members of the British royal family, known for her warmth, grace, and tireless dedication to her duties.

During World War II, she and King George VI provided invaluable support to the British people, remaining in London during the Blitz and boosting morale through public appearances and radio broadcasts. After her husband's death in 1952, she continued to serve as a prominent member of the royal family, undertaking numerous charitable endeavors and representing the monarchy at home and abroad.

Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother remained active well into her later years, maintaining a busy schedule of public engagements and patronages. She passed away on March 30, 2002, at the age of 101, leaving behind a lasting legacy of service and devotion to the British people. Her memory is honored annually, particularly on her birthday, as a reminder of her enduring impact on the nation.

30 March - Vincent van Gogh birth anniversary

 

 
Vincent van Gogh (30 March 1853 – 29 July 1890) was a Dutch post-impressionist painter who is considered one of the greatest and most influential artists of all time. He produced approximately 2,100 artworks in just over a decade, which included over 860 oil paintings and more than 1,300 watercolors, drawings, sketches, and prints.

He was born on 29 March 1853 in Groot-Zundert. Van Gogh’s early life was marked by personal struggles and disappointments. He was born in the Netherlands and showed a talent for drawing from a young age but struggled to find direction in his life. He worked as an art dealer and teacher before deciding to become a full-time artist in 1880 at the age of 27. However, his initial efforts were met with little success, and he struggled financially and emotionally.

Van Gogh’s style evolved dramatically throughout his career. He experimented with a range of techniques and styles, incorporating influences from other artists, cultures, and movements. His works are characterized by bold, vibrant colors, strong brushstrokes, and expressive emotions.

Despite his struggles, van Gogh’s reputation as an artist began to grow during his lifetime. However, he suffered from mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and episodes of psychosis. In 1888, he famously cut off his own ear in a fit of madness.

Van Gogh died on 29 July 1890 at the age of 37, by suicide. His art, however, has endured and continues to inspire and influence artists around the world to this day. Some of his most famous works include “The Starry Night,” “Sunflowers,” and “Irises.”

 

Image Source: from Google Doodle
 

30 March - Establishment of National Bank of Greece 1841

 

 

The National Bank of Greece is a global banking and financial services company with its headquarters in Athens, Greece. It is the largest Greek bank by total assets.NBG was founded in 1841 in Athens, by the decree "On the establishment of (a) National Bank" (Official Gazette, no. 6 of March 30, 1841, p.59), according to which the National Bank is a private limited company based in Athens with a capital of 5,000,000 drachmas, divided into 5,000 shares of 1,000 drachmas.It was the first bank in the Modern Greek state’s history.

The bank has over 500 branches in Greece and some in Australia, Egypt and United Kingdom. It owns bank subsidiaries in Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, North Macedonia, Malta, Romania, Serbia and South Africa. 

30 March - Johann Carl Friedrich Gauss discovered a construction of the heptadecagon in 1976

 

Johann Carl Friedrich Gauss (30 April 1777 – 23 February 1855) was a German mathematician and physicist who made significant contributions to many fields in mathematics and science.Sometimes referred to as the Princeps mathematicorum (Latin for 'the foremost of mathematicians')and "the greatest mathematician since antiquity", Gauss had an exceptional influence in many fields of mathematics and science; he is ranked among history's most influential mathematicians.

On 30 March 1796 he discovered a construction of the heptadecagon, advanced modular arithmetic, found the first proof of the quadratic reciprocity law, and dealt with the prime number theorem.
 

29 March - Edwin Lutyens born in 1869

 

 

Edwin Lutyens, born on 29 March 1869, was an English architect known for imaginatively adapting traditional architectural styles to the requirements of his era. He designed many English country houses, war memorials and public buildings.

Lutyens played an instrumental role in designing and building New Delhi, which would later on serve as the seat of the Government of India. In recognition of his contribution, New Delhi is also known as "Lutyens' Delhi". In collaboration with Sir Herbert Baker, he was also the main architect of several monuments in New Delhi such as the India Gate, he also designed Viceroy's House, which is now known as the *Rashtrapati Bhavan. * Many of his works were inspired by Indian architecture. He was elected Master of the Art Workers' Guild in 1933.

 

 

29 March - The Battle of Cape Matapan ended in 1941

 

The Battle of Cape Matapan  was a naval battle during the Second World War between the Allies, represented by the navies of the United Kingdom and Australia, and the Royal Italian navy, from 27 to 29 March 1941. Cape Matapan is on the south-western coast of the Peloponnesian Peninsula of Greece.

After the interception and decryption of Italian signals by the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS) at Bletchley Park (the decrypted intelligence codenamed Ultra),[1] ships of the Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy, under the command of Royal Navy Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham, intercepted and sank or severely damaged several ships of the Italian Regia Marina under Squadron-Vice-Admiral Angelo Iachino. The opening actions of the battle are also known in Italy as the Battle of Gaudo.

29 March - World Marbles Day

 

World Marbles Day is observed every year on Good Friday and this year (2024) it will be held on 29 March

29th March has been designated as World Marbles Day, it sounds like a delightful occasion to celebrate the joy and nostalgia associated with the game of marbles. Marbles have been enjoyed by people of all ages for generations, and dedicating a day to celebrate this timeless game is a wonderful idea.

On World Marbles Day, people can come together to participate in marble games, organize tournaments, share stories and memories about playing marbles, and perhaps introduce the game to new generations. It's a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the simple pleasures of childhood and the enduring appeal of a game that has brought joy to so many people around the world.

Whether it's through friendly competitions, community events, or simply spending time playing marbles with friends and family, World Marbles Day offers a chance to reconnect with this classic game and appreciate its timeless charm.

 

29 March - Good Friday

 

Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday, which varies each year depending on the lunar calendar. Good Friday is part of the Holy Week, which includes other significant events in Christianity such as Maundy Thursday (the Last Supper) and Easter Sunday (the resurrection of Jesus).

For Christians, Good Friday is a solemn and reflective day, marked by fasting, prayer, and attending church services. It is a time to remember and contemplate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian belief, died on the cross to atone for the sins of humanity and to offer salvation to all who believe in him.

Traditionally, Good Friday services may include readings from the Bible recounting the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, prayers of repentance and gratitude, hymns, and the veneration of the cross. Many churches also hold processions or reenactments of the Stations of the Cross, which depict Jesus' journey to the cross.

In addition to its religious significance, Good Friday is observed in various cultural and secular ways around the world. In some places, it is a public holiday with businesses and schools closed. Others may observe it with acts of charity, community service, or participating in cultural traditions and rituals associated with the day.

29 March - Royal Albert Hall opened by Queen Victoria in London 1871

 

On 29 March 1871, Royal Albert Hall opened by Queen Victoria in London.

The Royal Albert Hall is a concert hall on the northern edge of South Kensington, London. One of the UK's most treasured and distinctive buildings, it is held in trust for the nation and managed by a registered charity which receives no government funding.It has a seating capacity of 5,272 people.

29 March - Boganda Day (Central African Republic)

 

Boganda Day is a national holiday observed in the Central African Republic to honor the legacy of Barthélemy Boganda, a prominent political figure in the country's history. Barthélemy Boganda played a crucial role in advocating for the independence and development of the Central African Republic.

Barthélemy Boganda was a Catholic priest, politician, and leader of the anti-colonial movement in the Central African Republic during the mid-20th century. He was instrumental in mobilizing support for independence from French colonial rule and advocating for social and economic reforms to improve the lives of the Central African people.

Boganda founded the Movement for the Social Evolution of Black Africa (Mouvement pour l'Évolution Sociale de l'Afrique Noire, or MESAN), which became the leading political party in the Central African Republic. He also served as the country's first Prime Minister after it gained autonomy from France in 1958.

Tragically, Barthélemy Boganda died in a plane crash in 1959 under mysterious circumstances. Despite his untimely death, Boganda's legacy continues to inspire generations of Central Africans, and he is revered as a national hero.

Boganda Day, celebrated on March 29th each year, is a time for the people of the Central African Republic to honor Barthélemy Boganda's contributions to the country's independence struggle and to reflect on his vision for a united, prosperous, and independent nation. On this day, various events and activities are organized across the country, including memorial services, cultural performances, and educational programs, to commemorate his life and legacy.

29 March - Commemoration of the 1947 Rebellion (Madagascar)

 

March 29th holds significant importance in Madagascar as it marks the commemoration of the 1947 Rebellion, also known as the Malagasy Uprising or the Malagasy Revolt. This rebellion was a pivotal event in Madagascar's history, representing a widespread resistance against French colonial rule.

The 1947 Rebellion was sparked by various grievances, including social injustices, economic disparities, and the oppressive policies of the French colonial administration. It began in eastern Madagascar and quickly spread across the island, with thousands of Malagasy people participating in the uprising.

The French authorities responded with brutal repression, deploying military forces to suppress the rebellion. The conflict resulted in widespread violence, loss of life, and significant suffering among the Malagasy population.

The commemoration of the 1947 Rebellion on March 29th serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for independence and freedom. It is a day of reflection, remembrance, and tribute to the resilience and courage of the Malagasy people who rose up against colonial oppression.

During this commemoration, various events and activities take place across Madagascar, including memorial services, cultural performances, exhibitions, and educational programs. It provides an opportunity for the nation to honor the memory of those who lost their lives during the rebellion and to reflect on the enduring significance of this historic struggle in shaping Madagascar's identity and path toward independence.

29 March - National Vietnam War Veterans Day in United States

 

National Vietnam War Veterans Day is observed annually on March 29th in the United States. This day honors the men and women who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War, which lasted from 1955 to 1975.

The Vietnam War was a significant conflict in American history, and it deeply affected the nation and its citizens. Many veterans faced challenges during and after the war, including physical injuries, mental health issues, and difficulties reintegrating into civilian life.

National Vietnam War Veterans Day provides an opportunity to recognize and thank Vietnam veterans for their service and bravery. It is also a time to remember those who were killed or missing in action during the war.

Various events and activities are organized across the country on this day to honor Vietnam veterans, including ceremonies, parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, and educational programs. Additionally, people may show their appreciation by visiting memorials, volunteering at veterans' organizations, or simply expressing gratitude to veterans they know.

In 2017, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution designating March 29th as National Vietnam War Veterans Day, and since then, it has been observed annually with the aim of ensuring that the sacrifices and contributions of Vietnam veterans are never forgotten.

 

29 March - Discovered Terracotta Army near Xi'an

 

On 29 March 1974, Chinese farmers discovered the Terracotta Army near Xi'an, 8,000 clay warrior statues buried to guard the tomb of China's 1st emperor, Qin Shi Huang

29 March - John Tyler birth anniversary

 

John Tyler, born on 29 March 1790, in Charles City County, Virginia, was an American politician and the tenth President of the United States. He served as president from 1841 to 1845, succeeding William Henry Harrison. Tyler's presidency was marked by his unexpected accession to the presidency following Harrison's death, making him the first vice president to assume the presidency due to the death of the incumbent.

John Tyler faced challenges during his term, including tensions with Congress and his own political party. Notably, he annexed Texas during his presidency. Tyler's adherence to his interpretation of constitutional principles led to conflicts with both Whigs and Democrats.

After leaving the presidency, Tyler retired to his plantation, Sherwood Forest, in Virginia. He remained active in state politics and supported Southern causes. John Tyler passed away on 18 January 1862, in Richmond, Virginia. His presidency and post-presidential activities are often viewed through the lens of the turbulent political and sectional conflicts leading up to the Civil War.

 

29 March - Youth Day in Taiwan

 

Youth Day in Taiwan (officially the Republic of China) has been celebrated on March 29 since 1954. It commemorates the Huanghuagang Uprising of 1911, during which 72 young revolutionaries sacrificed their lives to overthrow the Qing Dynasty. The Uprising took place on April 27 (the 29th day of the 3rd month in Chinese Calendar), 1911 and is subsequently known as 3.29 Guangzhou Uprising. This event also marked the last unsuccessful attempt to overthrow the Qing before the Wuchang Uprising overturned millennia of dynastic rule in China to establish the Republic of China. 

29 March - King Edward IV became king in 1461

 

On 29 March 1461, Battle of Towton: Edward of York defeated Queen Margaret to became King Edward IV of England, brought a temporary stop to the Wars of the Roses.

29 March - The Assam Rifles stamp released by DOP in 1985

 

 

Department of post released a commemorative stamp on occasion of 150 anniversary of the Assam Rifles on 29 March 1985

The Assam Rifles (AR) is a central paramilitary force responsible for border security, counter-insurgency, and maintaining law and order in Northeast India. It guards the Indo-Myanmar border. The AR is one among the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and comes under the administration of the Ministry of Home Affairs, while its operational control is maintained by the Indian Army. Being a police force, its recruitment, perks, promotions, and retirement policies are governed by CAPF rules.Around 80 percent of its officers are deputed from the Indian Army and remaining from AR cadre.The AR is commanded by the Director General of the Assam Rifles (DG AR) who is appointed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The AR is also dubbed as "Sentinels of the North East" and "Friends of the Hill People". It is the oldest paramilitary force in India, originally raised in 1835 as Cachar Levy, a militia to protect tea gardens and fertile plains of Assam against unruly tribes. Its scope increased with the expansion of British Raj in Northeast India, and were used against insurgency in the region. The force was redesigned as Assam Frontier Police in 1883, Assam Military Police in 1891, and East Bengal and Assam Military Police in 1913. It got its present name in 1917.After independence, the AR functioned under the Ministry of External Affairs. Its operational control was transferred to the Indian Army post Sino-Indian War of 1962.It came under the administration of Ministry of Home Affairs in 1965, with Army retaining operational control.


 

28 March - Aristide Pierre Henri Briand was born in 1862

 

Aristide Pierre Henri Briand (28 March 1862 – 7 March 1932) was a French statesman who served eleven terms as Prime Minister of France during the French Third Republic. He is mainly remembered for his focus on international issues and reconciliation politics during the interwar period (1918–1939).

In 1926, he received the Nobel Peace Prize along with German Foreign Minister Gustav Stresemann for the realization of the Locarno Treaties, which aimed at reconciliation between France and Germany after the First World War.To avoid another worldwide conflict, he was instrumental in the agreement known as the Kellogg–Briand Pact of 1928, as well to establish a "European Union" in 1929.However, all his efforts were compromised by the rise of nationalistic and revanchist ideas like Nazism and fascism following the Great Depression. 

28 March - The Bolshoi Theater founded in 1776

 

The Bolshoi Theater is one of the most famous theaters in the world, located in Moscow, Russia. The theater was founded on 28 March 1776 by Empress Catherine II and was initially known as the Bolshoi Petrovsky Theater.

Over the years, the Bolshoi Theater has become a symbol of Russian culture and is renowned for its ballet and opera performances. The theater has hosted some of the most famous ballet dancers and opera singers in history, including Anna Pavlova, Galina Ulanova, and Maria Callas.

The Bolshoi Theater has undergone several renovations and reconstructions throughout its history, with the most recent one taking place between 2005 and 2011. During this time, the theater was closed for several years while it underwent extensive restoration and modernization efforts. The renovation included significant improvements to the stage technology, acoustics, and other infrastructure.

Today, the Bolshoi Theater continues to be one of the most important cultural institutions in Russia and the world, attracting visitors from all over who come to experience its world-class ballet and opera performances in its historic and beautiful setting.

28 March - Kavasji Jamshedji Petigara

 

Kavasji Jamshedji Petigara (24 November 1877 – 28 March 1941) was the first Indian to become the Deputy Commissioner of Police of the Mumbai Police in 1928. He was in charge of the Crime Branch division and was noted for his intelligence network. A decorated officer, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), Companion of the Indian Empire (CIE) and awarded the King's Police Medal (KPM). Petigara was also awarded the Imperial Service Order (ISO) and used the honorific title "Khan Bahadur". He joined the police force as a sub-inspector at the CID (Criminal Investigations Department), and gradually rose through the ranks. In 1928, he was promoted to the Indian Police Service rank, one that very few Indians achieved in those days.

Petigara was born on 24 November 1877 to Jamshedji Nusserwanji Petigara and Dhunbhaiji Bastavalla. He did his schooling in Surat in Gujarat, and later Bombay (now Mumbai). He was married to Avambai, the daughter of Jehangirshaw Ardeshir Taleyarkhan. They had one son. He was also the estate manager of Prince Aly Khan at Aga Khan building in Dalal Street in Mumbai. He died on 28 March 1941 after undergoing an operation.

28 March - Corneille Heymans birth anniversary

 

Corneille Jean François Heymans (28 March 1892 – 18 July 1968) was a Belgian physiologist. He studied at the Jesuit College of Saint Barbara and then at Ghent University, where he obtained a doctor's degree in 1920.

Heymans won the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1938 for showing how blood pressure and the oxygen content of the blood are measured by the body and transmitted to the brain.

28 March - S. Satyamurti death anniversary

 

Sundara Sastri Satyamurti (19 August 1887 – 28 March 1943) was an Indian independence activist and politician. He was acclaimed for his rhetoric and was one of the leading politicians of the Indian National Congress from the Madras Presidency, alongside S. Srinivasa Iyengar, C. Rajagopalachari and T. Prakasam. Satyamurti is regarded as the mentor of K. Kamaraj, Chief Minister of Madras State from 1954 to 1962.

Born in 1887 in Thirumayam in the princely state of Pudukkottai, Satyamurti studied at the Maharajah's College, Madras Christian College and the Madras Law College. After practising as a lawyer for some time, Satyamurti entered politics at the suggestion of S. Srinivasa Iyengar, a leading lawyer and politician, who would later become his mentor.

Satyamurti participated in protests against the Partition of Bengal, Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Simon Commission. Satyamurti was jailed in 1942 for his activities during the Quit India Movement. He was later released, but died on 28 March 1943, due to heart failure.

28 March - "Polly" Umrigar

 

Pahlan Ratanji "Polly" Umrigar (28 March 1926 – 07 November 2006) was an Indian cricketer. He played in Indian cricket team (1948- 1962) and played first-class cricket for Bombay and Gujarat. Umrigar played mainly as a middle-order batsman but also bowling occasional medium pace and off spin. He captained India in eight Test matches from 1955 to 1958. When he retired in 1962, he had played in most Tests (59), scored most Test runs (3,631), and recorded most Test centuries (12), than any other Indian player. He scored the first double century by an Indian in Test cricket against New Zealand in Hyderabad.

28 June - Queen Victoria coronation in 1838

 

Victoria (Alexandrina Victoria; 24 May 1819 – 22 January 1901) was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death in 1901. Her reign of 63 years and 216 days was longer than that of any previous British monarch and is known as the Victorian era. It was a period of industrial, political, scientific, and military change within the United Kingdom, and was marked by a great expansion of the British Empire. In 1876, the British Parliament voted to grant her the additional title of Empress of India.

Her coronation took place on 28 June 1838 at Westminster Abbey. Over 400,000 visitors came to London for the celebrations.She became the first sovereign to take up residence at Buckingham Palace.

27 March - Nalanda College stamp issued in 1970

 

Nalanda College, Biharsharif is a college in Bihar Sharif, the district headquarters of Nalanda District in Bihar state in India. It is a constituent unit of Patliputra University.It was established in 1870 and is one of the oldest colleges of north India. Its catchment area includes nearby villages and small towns in Bihar Sharif. The Government of India issued stamps with its picture in 1970 on 27 March to mark its centenary. This college offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in science, commerce and arts.

27 March - United States Navy founded 1794

 

On March 27, 1794, the United States Navy was founded. This establishment came about as a result of the Naval Act of 1794, which was signed into law by President George Washington. This act authorized the construction of the first six ships of the U.S. Navy, marking the formal creation of the naval force of the United States.

 

27 March - Explorer Juan Ponce de Leon sights North America 1513

 

Juan Ponce de León, the Spanish explorer, indeed sighted North America on March 27, 1513. He is known for exploring and naming Florida while searching for the legendary Fountain of Youth. Ponce de León's expedition marked one of the earliest European explorations of what is now the continental United States.

27 March - Rajyogini Dadi Janki death anniversary

 

Rajyogini Dadi Janki, passed away on 27 March 2020, was an Indian spiritual leader. She headed the Brahma Kumaris movement, the world's largest spiritual organisation run by women.