11 April - Matsya Jayanti 2024

 

Matsya Jayanti, also known as Matsya Avatar Jayanti, is a Hindu festival that commemorates the appearance of Lord Vishnu in his Matsya (fish) incarnation. According to Hindu mythology, Matsya Avatar is the first of the ten incarnations (avatars) of Lord Vishnu. Matsya Jayanti is observed on the day of Chaitra Purnima, which falls in the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra, usually in March or April.

During Matsya Avatar, Lord Vishnu is believed to have appeared as a giant fish to save the sage Manu and the seven sages (Saptarishi) from a great flood that engulfed the world. Lord Vishnu guided a boat carrying Manu and the sages, rescuing them from the deluge. This event symbolizes the protection of life and the preservation of righteousness.

On Matsya Jayanti, devotees observe rituals and prayers dedicated to Lord Vishnu, seeking his blessings for protection, prosperity, and spiritual well-being. They may visit Vishnu temples, perform puja (worship), recite prayers, and listen to religious discourses that recount the story of Matsya Avatar. The festival holds significance for followers of Hinduism, particularly those who worship Lord Vishnu as the preserver of the universe.

11 April - Phanishwar Nath 'Renu’ death anniversary

 

Phanishwar Nath 'Renu' was a prominent Hindi writer, best known for his novel "Maila Anchal" (The Soiled Border), which is considered a classic of Hindi literature. Renu was born on 04 March 1921, in the village of Aurahi Hingna in Bihar, India, and he passed away on 11 April 1977.

"Maila Anchal" depicts the socio-economic and cultural life of rural Bihar, particularly focusing on the struggles and aspirations of the marginalized and oppressed communities. Renu's writing style was characterized by its vivid portrayal of rural life, its dialects, and its deep understanding of human emotions.

Apart from "Maila Anchal," Renu wrote several other notable works, including "Panchlight" and "Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rehti Thi." He made significant contributions to Hindi literature and remains celebrated for his realistic portrayal of rural India and its people.

11 April - Jamini Roy an Indian painter birth anniversary

 

Jamini Roy was an eminent Indian artist known for his distinctive style that combined traditional Indian folk art techniques with modernist influences. He was born on 11 April 1887, in Beliatore, Bengal Presidency, British India (now in West Bengal, India), and he passed away on 24 April 1972.

Roy initially trained in academic art at the Government College of Art, Kolkata, but later he turned towards indigenous art forms for inspiration. He drew inspiration from traditional Indian art, particularly the Kalighat Pat painting style, which was known for its bold lines, flat colors, and simplicity of form.

Roy's style evolved into a unique blend of folk art and modernism, characterized by vibrant colors, bold outlines, and simplified forms. He often depicted mythological and religious themes, as well as scenes from everyday life. His artworks became widely acclaimed for their cultural authenticity and aesthetic appeal.

Jamini Roy's contributions to Indian art have earned him a revered place in the history of modern Indian painting. His artworks continue to be celebrated and collected both in India and internationally.

11 April - International Labour Organization was established

 

The International Labour Organization (ILO) was established on April 11, 1919. As part of the Treaty of Versailles, which marked the end of World War I, the ILO was created with the purpose of promoting social justice and improving working conditions worldwide. Since its inception, the ILO has been working to set labor standards, develop policies to enhance workplace conditions, and provide assistance to member states in addressing labor-related issues. It continues to play a vital role in advocating for the rights of workers globally.

11 April - Eid Festival

 

Eid Festival, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is one of the most important religious holidays celebrated by Muslims worldwide. Its timing and date is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, which is based on the phases of the moon.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. It is a joyous occasion that celebrates the achievements and spiritual growth attained during Ramadan. Muslims gather with family and friends to perform special prayers, exchange gifts, share festive meals, and engage in charitable activities.

The exact date of Eid al-Fitr is determined by the sighting of the new moon, which varies from one location to another. As a result, Eid may occur on different dates in different parts of the world.It is essential to consult local Islamic authorities or lunar calendars for the accurate date of the festival each year.

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11 April - Juan Santamaría Day

 

Juan Santamaría Day is celebrated in Costa Rica on April 11th each year. It commemorates the heroism and sacrifice of Juan Santamaría, a national hero of Costa Rica.

Juan Santamaría is remembered for his bravery during the Battle of Rivas on April 11, 1856, which was part of the Filibuster War (also known as the Campaign of 1856-1857). During this battle, Costa Rican forces, along with other Central American allies, were fighting against William Walker, an American filibuster who aimed to conquer several Central American countries.

Juan Santamaría, a humble drummer boy in the Costa Rican army, is said to have volunteered to set fire to the enemy stronghold, despite facing great danger. He bravely advanced towards the enemy's stronghold, using a torch to ignite it. However, he was fatally wounded in the process. His sacrifice helped turn the tide of the battle in favor of the Costa Rican forces.

Juan Santamaría's act of courage and selflessness is celebrated as a symbol of Costa Rican patriotism and unity. On Juan Santamaría Day, Costa Ricans honor his memory through various activities, including parades, concerts, historical reenactments, and visits to monuments dedicated to him. It's a day to reflect on the values of bravery, sacrifice, and national pride that Juan Santamaría represents in Costa Rican history and culture.

11 April - World Parkinson's Day

 

World Parkinson's Day is observed annually on April 11th. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and can cause tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Parkinson's disease is caused by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain.

On World Parkinson's Day, various organizations, advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, and individuals affected by Parkinson's come together to raise awareness about the disease, its symptoms, treatments, and the need for continued research to find a cure or more effective treatments.

Activities on World Parkinson's Day may include educational events, fundraisers for research, support group meetings, social media campaigns, and initiatives to improve access to care and support for people living with Parkinson's and their families.

The day also serves as an opportunity to honor those living with Parkinson's disease, caregivers, and healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to support and improve the lives of individuals affected by this condition.

 

11 April - Spain cedes Puerto Rico to the United States in 1899

 

On 11 April 1899  Spain formally ceded Puerto Rico to the United States as part of the Treaty of Paris, which marked the end of the Spanish-American War. This treaty followed Spain's defeat in the war, during which the United States emerged as a major imperial power in the Western Hemisphere.

Under the terms of the treaty, Spain ceded control of several of its overseas territories to the United States, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. While Puerto Rico became a territory of the United States, it did not gain full statehood, and its residents were not granted American citizenship until 1917.

The transfer of Puerto Rico to the United States marked a significant shift in the island's political and economic landscape, as it transitioned from Spanish colonial rule to becoming a territory of the United States. This event has had long-lasting implications for the relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States, shaping the island's governance, culture, and identity in the years to come.

 

11 April - National Safe Motherhood Day

 

National Safe Motherhood Day is observed in India on April 11th each year. This day aims to raise awareness about the importance of proper healthcare and maternity services for pregnant and lactating women. It highlights the need for ensuring safe pregnancies and childbirths, as well as promoting the overall well-being of mothers and their newborns.

The observance of National Safe Motherhood Day also emphasizes the significance of accessible healthcare facilities, skilled healthcare providers, prenatal care, postnatal care, nutrition, family planning, and education for mothers. Additionally, it serves as a reminder to address issues such as maternal mortality, maternal health complications, and the need for improving healthcare infrastructure and services for women.

Various initiatives, campaigns, and educational programs are organized on this day by government agencies, healthcare organizations, non-profit organizations, and communities across India to promote safe motherhood practices and support maternal health.

 

11 April - Apollo 13 was launched to Moon in 1970

 

Apollo 13, the third crewed mission planned to land on the Moon, was launched on 11 April 1970, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United States. The mission's primary objective was to explore the Fra Mauro formation, a region on the Moon's surface. The crew consisted of Commander James A. Lovell Jr., Command Module Pilot John L. Swigert Jr., and Lunar Module Pilot Fred W. Haise Jr.

However, two days into the mission, on 13 April an oxygen tank in the service module exploded, causing critical damage to the spacecraft. The explosion forced the crew to abort their lunar landing and instead focus on safely returning to Earth. The mission became famous for the phrase "Houston, we've had a problem," spoken by Commander Lovell to mission control to alert them of the emergency.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including limited power, loss of cabin heat, and the need to jury-rig solutions to conserve resources, the crew, along with the support team on the ground, managed to safely navigate the spacecraft back to Earth. Apollo 13 splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on 17 April 1970, and all three astronauts returned home unharmed. The mission was considered a "successful failure" because even though the lunar landing was aborted, the safe return of the crew demonstrated the resilience and capabilities of NASA's Apollo program.

 

11 April - Lakshman Jhula was open to the public in 1930

 

On 11 April 1930, the Lakshman Jhula, a suspension bridge across the Ganges River near the town of Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, India, was opened to the public. The bridge spans the river and connects the two banks, providing a pedestrian crossing between the villages of Tapovan and Jonk. The Lakshman Jhula holds significant religious and cultural importance, as it is believed to be the location where Lord Rama's brother, Lakshmana, crossed the river using jute ropes (a jhula) at this spot. Today, the bridge is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of spirituality in the region, attracting visitors from around the world.

11 April - Jyotirao Govindrao Phule birth anniversary

 

Jyotirao Govindrao Phule, born on 11 April 1827, was an Indian social activist, thinker, anti-caste social reformer and writer from Maharashtra. His work extended to many fields including eradication of untouchability and the caste system, and women's emancipation.

11 April - K. L. Saigal birth anniversary

 

K. L. Saigal, born on 11 April 1904, was an Indian singer and actor who is considered the first superstar of the Hindi film industry, which was centred in Kolkata during Saigal's time, but is currently centred in Mumbai. Saigal's unique voice quality which was a mixture of baritone and soft tenor was the benchmark for most of the singers who followed him. In fact it remains the gold standard even today shining through very early and practically primitive recording technology.