13 March - Battle of Badr

 

The Battle of Badr is a significant event in Islamic history and occurred during the early years of Islam. It was fought on the 17th day of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar, in the year 2 AH (After Hijra), which corresponds to March 13, 624 CE, in the Gregorian calendar. The battle took place near the wells of Badr, located in present-day Saudi Arabia.

Key points about the Battle of Badr:

1. Background: The battle was a result of escalating tensions between the early Muslim community in Medina and the Quraysh tribe of Mecca, which opposed the rise of Islam.

2. Cause: A trade caravan led by the Quraysh was returning from Syria to Mecca, and the Muslims sought to intercept it at Badr. The Quraysh, upon learning about the Muslim forces, sent a larger army to protect their caravan.

3. Forces: The Muslim army, led by Prophet Muhammad, numbered around 313 to 317 fighters, while the Quraysh army, commanded by Abu Jahl, had about 900 to 1,000 soldiers.

4. Outcome: Despite being outnumbered, the Muslims achieved a decisive victory. The battle is considered a turning point in the early history of Islam, demonstrating the strength of the Muslim community and the support they believed they received from God.

5. Significance: The Battle of Badr is highly significant in Islam and is mentioned in the Quran. It is seen as a symbol of faith, trust in God, and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. The Muslims' victory at Badr is believed by followers of Islam to be a divine intervention.

6. Ramadan Connection: The Battle of Badr is often noted for occurring during the month of Ramadan, highlighting the historical significance of events during this sacred month.

The Battle of Badr holds a central place in Islamic history, and its anniversary is remembered and commemorated by Muslims around the world, particularly during the month of Ramadan.

 

13 March - Kasuga Matsuri festival

 

Kasuga Matsuri is a traditional Japanese festival held at Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara, Japan. Kasuga Taisha is a Shinto shrine that dates back to the Nara period (710-794). The festival is one of Nara's most important and is celebrated annually on March 13 and 14.

Key features of the Kasuga Matsuri include:

1. Chōnai Mikoshi Gyōretsu (町内神輿行列): This is a grand procession of portable mikoshi shrines carried by local residents through the streets of Nara. The mikoshi are ornate portable Shinto shrines that are believed to house the deity during the procession.

2. Mantō Nagashi (万灯流し): Thousands of lanterns are lit and released into the air or floated down the river, creating a breathtaking display of light.

3. Bugaku (舞楽): Bugaku is a form of traditional Japanese court dance that is often performed during religious ceremonies. It is a graceful and intricate dance accompanied by traditional music.

4. Yabusame (流し矢): Yabusame is a traditional Japanese archery event where archers on horseback shoot at targets while riding at high speed. This event adds a dynamic and skillful element to the festival.

5. Tea ceremonies and cultural events: Visitors to Kasuga Matsuri can also participate in tea ceremonies and various cultural events that showcase traditional Japanese arts and crafts.

The festival has deep roots in Shinto traditions and is dedicated to the Kasuga Shrine's deity. It attracts both locals and tourists, offering a vibrant and cultural experience with its colorful processions, performances, and ceremonies. Keep in mind that specific details and events may vary slightly from year to year.

 

13 March - The Seikan Tunnel the longest and deepest tunnel in the world,opened

 

The Seikan Tunnel, also known as the Seikan Undersea Tunnel, is a railway tunnel in Japan that passes beneath the seabed of the Tsugaru Strait, connecting the islands of Honshu and Hokkaido. It is a crucial transportation link, facilitating rail travel between the two major islands of Japan. The Seikan Tunnel was officially opened on  13 March 1988. Here are some key points about the Seikan Tunnel:

1. Location: The Seikan Tunnel is located beneath the Tsugaru Strait, which separates the northern part of Honshu (Aomori Prefecture) from the southern part of Hokkaido.

2. Purpose: The primary purpose of the tunnel is to provide a direct and efficient railway connection between Honshu and Hokkaido. Before the tunnel's construction, transportation between the two islands often involved a combination of trains and ferries.

3. Construction: The Seikan Tunnel was constructed in the 1970s and completed in 1988. It involved the creation of both an undersea tunnel and an undersea railway tunnel. The construction was a challenging engineering feat due to the depth of the strait and the need to ensure the safety and stability of the tunnel.

4. Length: The Seikan Tunnel is one of the longest tunnels in the world, with a total length of approximately 53.85 kilometers (33.5 miles). This includes both the undersea and on-land portions.

5. Rail Services: The tunnel accommodates both passenger and freight trains, providing a vital link for transportation services between the two islands. The railway line that passes through the Seikan Tunnel is part of the Japan Railways network.

6. Tunnel Sections: The Seikan Tunnel consists of two main sections: the Seikan Submarine Tunnel (underwater portion) and the Tappi-Kaitei Line (on-land portion). The undersea tunnel is about 23.3 kilometers long.

7. Emergency Facilities: Given the length and nature of the tunnel, there are emergency facilities, including escape routes and safety features, to ensure passenger safety in the event of an emergency.

The Seikan Tunnel significantly improved transportation efficiency between Honshu and Hokkaido, eliminating the need for time-consuming ferry journeys. It remains an important part of Japan's railway infrastructure.

 

13 March - Thai National Elephant Day or Chang Thai Day

 

In Thailand, National Elephant Day (Chang Thai Day) is typically observed on March 13th. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the conservation and welfare of elephants, which hold significant cultural and historical importance in Thailand. Elephants have played a crucial role in Thai history, culture, and even in religious traditions.

On National Elephant Day, various events and activities take place across the country to educate people about the importance of preserving and protecting elephants. These activities may include parades, educational programs, elephant care initiatives, and efforts to promote responsible and ethical tourism practices related to elephants.

13 March - Famous Cricketers of India Cricket Sport 1996

 

India post issued Famous Cricketers of India Cricket Sport on 13 march 1996


Vijay Merchant (1911-1987) was an outstanding Test batsman. His comparatively small physique did not handicap him, for what he lacked in reach was compensated by perfect footwork and quick reflexes. Right-handed, his cutting, both square and late, was brilliant, and he hooked, drove (especially the fast bowlers) and played the ball off his legs with mastery. He was a careful builder of an inning and there was something softly feline about him at the wicket. He played 150 matches and 10 Tests with 13, 470 runs (average 71.64) and a highest score of 359 not out; 65 wickets; 115 catches.

Prof. D.B. Deodhar (1892 - 1993) was popularly known as the grand old man of Indian Cricket. he was the oldest first class cricketer at the time of his death and was th last of the cricketers who made their first class debut before the first World War, in the year 1911-12. He was a solid right-handed middle-order batsman. He was Vice President of the BCCI and was also a national selector. He was President of the Maharashtra Cricket Association since its inception. Deodhar Trophy, a limited over inter-zonal competition played in Inda since 1973, is named after him. He played 81 matches with a run of 4522 (average 39.32) and a higest score of 246; 11 wickets; 70 catches.

Col. C.K. Nayudu (1895 - 1967) was India's first captain in Text Cricket and the best all-rounder of the time. A right handed batsman, he was a hard-hitting foot player, driving on both sides of the wicket and also a more than useful slow-medium change bowler, with a controlled spin. With a game career from 1916 to 1964, he became the elder statesman of Indian Cricket, playing in a first class match in his sixty ninth (BCCI). He Played 207 matches and 7 tests with a run total of 11,852 (average 33.94) and his highest score was 200, 411 wickets, 171 catches and 1 stumping. he was the first Indian cricketer to be honoured with "Padma Bhushan" by the Government of India in 1955 in recognition to his contribution to the development of sports. The Board of Control for Cricket in in India has instituted "Col. C.K. Nayudu Trophy" for cricketers under 22 years of age in 1974-75 as a tribute to him.

Mulvantrai Himmatlal "Vinoo" Mankad (12 April 1917 – 21 August 1978) was an Indian cricketer who appeared in 44 Test matches for India between 1946 and 1959. He was best known for his world record setting opening partnership of 413 runs with Pankaj Roy in 1956, a record that stood for 52 years, and for running out a batsman "backing up" at the non-striker's end. Mankadding in cricket is named after him. In June 2021, he was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India.

13 March - Burgula Ramakrishna Rao was born in 1899

 

Burgula Ramakrishna Rao (13 March 1899 – 15 September 1967) was the second and last Chief Minister of the erstwhile Hyderabad State. Prior to the independence of India and the political integration of the princely states into the Union, he was among the Telugu-speaking leaders to resist the Nizam in the princely state of Hyderabad.He was a multi lingual academic, known for his scholarship in Sanskrit and Telugu. He was also a poet and translator

13th March : Stamp issued on K.K.Birla

 

    Issue Date:13th March 2009
    Designed by:Bharti Mirchandani
    Printed by:India Security Press, Nasik
    Print Process: Photogravure
    Perforations:13.0 x 13.0

Krishna Kumar Birla (12 October 1918 – 30 August 2008) was an Indian industrialist of the Birla family. Birla was one of the industrialists who supported economic reforms in India in 1991.

Birla was a Hindi Prabhakar (Honours in Hindi) and in 1997 was conferred the degree of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) by Pondicherry University. In 1991, Birla established the K.K. Birla Foundation to promote Hindi literature.

He was the chairman of one of the Hindustan Times. He was on the central board of the State Bank of India and ICICI. He headed the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FICCI), the Indian Sugar Mills Association and many Sports Federations. Birla was the group chairman of the Zuari-Chambal group of companies. He was also the Chairman of Zuari-Chambal-Paradeep.

13 March - Vilayat Khan passed away in 2004

 

Vilayat Khan, passed away on 13 March 2004, was an Indian classical sitar player. Along with Imdad Khan, Enayat Khan, and Imrat Khan, he is credited with the creation and development of gayaki ang (an attempt to mimic vocal music) on the sitar.

He recorded his first 78-RPM disc at the age of 6,and gave his last concert in 2004 at the age of 75.He has composed the music for several films, including Jalsaghar (1958), The Guru (1969), and Kadambari (1976). He had given a chance to newcomer Kavita Krishnamurthy in Kadambari which was the first song in her career.

13 March - No Smoking Day

 

No Smoking Day is an annual event observed on the second Wednesday of March in the United Kingdom. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about the health risks associated with smoking and encouraging smokers to quit. It provides a platform for various organizations, health professionals, and individuals to share information, resources, and support for those who want to quit smoking.

On No Smoking Day, campaigns often focus on highlighting the immediate and long-term benefits of quitting smoking, such as improvements in health, increased life expectancy, and financial savings. Smoking is a leading cause of preventable diseases and premature death, so the day serves as a reminder of the importance of breaking free from this addictive habit.

Activities on No Smoking Day may include educational programs, outreach events, social media campaigns, and promotions to encourage smokers to take the first step towards a smoke-free life. Support services, such as quitlines and smoking cessation programs, may also be promoted to assist individuals in their journey to quit smoking.

It's worth noting that while No Smoking Day is specific to the United Kingdom, similar awareness days and campaigns are held worldwide to address the global issue of tobacco use and its impact on public health.

 

13 March - Keoladeo Ghana National Park /Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary was officially declared a protected area.

 

Keoladeo Ghana National Park, formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, started its journey as a protected area in the early 20th century. The initial steps toward conservation and protection were taken by the Maharaja of Bharatpur who, recognizing the ecological importance of the region, declared it a duck-hunting reserve.

The process of establishing the sanctuary and subsequently upgrading it to a national park unfolded over several years:

1. Early 1900s: The area was developed into a waterfowl hunting ground by the rulers of Bharatpur. The creation of artificial lakes and marshes attracted a large number of migratory birds.

2. 1956: The need to protect the rich avifauna of the region became apparent, and on 13 March 1956, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary was officially declared a protected area.

3. 1982: The sanctuary was later upgraded to the status of a national park in 1982, and it was renamed Keoladeo Ghana National Park. This change reflected the park's broader focus on conservation beyond being solely a bird sanctuary.

The park was established to safeguard the diverse bird species, particularly migratory birds, that visit the region. The efforts to establish and maintain the park involved balancing the needs of conservation with the historical and cultural context of the area.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park has since become a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Ramsar Wetland site, underscoring its international significance for biodiversity and wetland conservation. It remains a popular destination for birdwatchers, naturalists, and tourists interested in experiencing the beauty of its diverse avian population and the surrounding ecosystems.

 

13 March - Ritu rang minature Painting stamp released 1996

Ritu Rang’ is the tribute of India Post to this rich tradition of colour, poetry and art. Four miniature paintings have been selected for this special set of postage stamps depicting below:

The first stamp in the set is titled Ritu Rang "Vasant: Ragini Basanti" and is of the denomination of 500 Paise (or Rs.5/-). The painting shows two women by a river-front plucking flowers

The second stamp in the set is titled  Ritu Rang "Greeshm: Jyeshta" and is of the denomination of 500 Paise or Rs.5/-. The painting shows a domestic scene of a noble standing on his terrace while his horse, elephant and dog sit in the compound

he third stamp in the set is titled Ritu-Rang " Varsha: Raag Megh Malhar" and is of the denomination of 500 Paise (or Rs.5/-). The painting shows Krishna with the "Gopis" dancing and singing in the rain

The fourth stamp in the set is titled Ritu Rang "Hemant: Pausa" and is of the denomination of 500 Paise (or Rs.5/- ). The painting shows a couple in an amorous embrace.