24 February - Dakshin Gangotri Post Office established in 1984

 

Dakshin Gangotri Post Office was established on February 24, 1984. Dakshin Gangotri was India's first scientific base station in Antarctica, and the post office was set up to facilitate communication and postal services for the researchers and personnel stationed there. This post office played a role in maintaining contact with the rest of the world and handling mail for the individuals involved in scientific expeditions and activities in Antarctica.

24 February - Rukmini Devi Arundale born

 

Rukmini Devi Arundale (née Shastri; 29 February 1904 – 24 February 1986)was an Indian theosophist, dancer and choreographer of the Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam, and an activist for animal welfare.

She was the first woman in Indian history to be nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament of India. The most important revivalist of Bharatanatyam from its original 'sadhir' style prevalent amongst the temple dancers, the Devadasis, she also worked for the re-establishment of traditional Indian arts and crafts.

She espoused the cause of Bharata Natyam which was considered a vulgar art. She 'sanitised' and removed the inherent eroticism of Sadhir to make it palatable to Indian upper-caste elites and the British morality of the era.

Rukmini Devi features in India Today's list of '100 People Who Shaped India'.She was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1956, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 1967.

24 February - Makha Bucha Day

 

Makha Bucha, also spelled Magha Puja, is a Buddhist festival that commemorates a special event in the life of Lord Buddha. It is observed on the full moon day of the third lunar month, usually falling in February. The term "Makha" is derived from the Pali language, and "Bucha" means to honor or venerate.

The festival is significant because it marks the occasion when 1,250 arahants, or enlightened disciples of the Buddha, spontaneously gathered to listen to a sermon delivered by the Buddha. The event is known as the "Ovada Patimokkha," where the Buddha laid down the principles of ethical conduct for his disciples.

Key aspects of Makha Bucha Day include:

1. Visiting Temples: Devotees visit Buddhist temples to participate in religious activities. They may engage in prayer, meditation, and rituals to honor the Triple Gem: the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (monastic community).

2. Candle Processions: Candlelit processions are a common feature of Makha Bucha celebrations. Participants walk around the main hall of the temple three times, holding candles, incense, and flowers. This symbolizes the Triple Gem.

3. Merit-Making Activities: Makha Bucha is a time for Buddhists to engage in merit-making activities. This includes acts of generosity, making offerings to monks, and practicing moral virtues.

4. Observance of Precepts: Buddhists may also observe the Five Precepts, which are ethical guidelines for moral conduct. These precepts include refraining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and intoxication.

5. Listening to Dhamma Talks: Devotees often listen to Dhamma talks or discourses that focus on the teachings of the Buddha. The goal is to deepen understanding and practice mindfulness.

Makha Bucha Day is observed in various Theravada Buddhist countries, including Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. The specific customs and traditions associated with the festival may vary among these countries, but the central theme remains the commemoration of the significant event in the Buddha's life and the practice of Buddhist principles.

24 February - Maghi Purnima

 

Maghi Purnima, also known as Magha/Magh Purnima, is a significant Hindu festival that falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Magha. This usually corresponds to the months of January or February in the Gregorian calendar. The festival holds cultural and religious importance in various regions of India.

Key aspects of Maghi Purnima include:

1. Religious Significance: Maghi Purnima is associated with various religious and cultural observances. Many Hindus take ritual baths in holy rivers on this day, believing that it cleanses them of sins. The sacred rivers, particularly the Ganges, are thronged by devotees during this time.

2. Maghi Snan (Bathing): One of the significant rituals on Maghi Purnima is the Maghi Snan, where devotees take a dip in sacred rivers before sunrise. It is believed that bathing in the holy waters on this day helps in purifying the soul.

3. Charitable Activities: Devotees often engage in charitable activities on Maghi Purnima, including giving donations, feeding the poor, and performing other acts of kindness. It is considered auspicious to engage in virtuous deeds during this time.

4. Pilgrimages and Fairs: Many people undertake pilgrimages to sacred sites, particularly to places associated with rivers. Fairs and festivals are organized in various regions, featuring cultural events, processions, and religious ceremonies.

5. Religious Observances: People offer prayers, visit temples, and participate in spiritual gatherings. Devotees also read or listen to religious texts and scriptures.

6. Kumbh Mela Connection: Maghi Purnima is especially significant during the Kumbh Mela, a major pilgrimage and festival in Hinduism. The Maghi Snan is an essential event during the Kumbh Mela, drawing millions of pilgrims.

 

24 February - The first Swaminarayan temple, in Ahmedabad India was inaugurated.

 

On 24th February 1822, Bhagwan Swaminarayan inaugurated the first Swaminarayan temple, the Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir, in Kalupur, Ahmedabad, India. This event is considered a significant moment in the history of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya.During the inauguration, it is said that Swaminarayan consecrated the idols in the temple and performed various rituals. The presence of a large gathering of 50,000 people made the event even more memorable. The temple in Ahmedabad is an important spiritual and cultural center for followers of the Swaminarayan faith.

24 February - ST. BEDE'S COLLEGE,Shimla postage stamp issued in 2006

 

St. Bede's College is a women's college in Navbahar, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. The college was originally established as a teacher's training institute in 1904 by the Religious of Jesus and Mary.

Today, it offers courses in Commerce, Arts, Sciences, Economics, English, Geography, Microbiology, etc. and is the only college in Himachal Pradesh to receive an 'A+' re-accreditation by UGC-NAAC. Students are commonly known as Bedians.