07 July - Rath Yatra start of the grand procession 2024

 

In 2024, Rath Yatra starts on 07 July This day marks the beginning of the grand procession where the deities are taken from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, a journey that spans several days and attracts millions of devotees and tourists.

Rath Yatra, or the Chariot Festival, is one of the most significant festivals in Hinduism, celebrated primarily in Puri, Odisha. Here are more details about this grand event:

Historical and Religious Significance

• Deities Involved: The main deities involved in the Rath Yatra are Lord Jagannath (a form of Krishna), his elder brother Balabhadra (Balarama), and their sister Subhadra.
• Temple Origin: The deities are taken from the Jagannath Temple, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, to the Gundicha Temple.
• Legends: The festival symbolizes the journey of Lord Krishna from Gokul to Mathura.

The Procession

• Chariots: Each deity has a separate, enormous chariot:
  • Nandighosa: The chariot of Lord Jagannath.
  • Taladhwaja: The chariot of Balabhadra.
  • Darpadalana: The chariot of Subhadra.
• Construction: The chariots are newly constructed every year using wood from specific trees, and they are intricately decorated and painted.
• Pulling the Chariots: Devotees pull the chariots with ropes, which is considered an auspicious act believed to bring prosperity and spiritual merit.

Rituals and Customs

• Snana Purnima: Before the Rath Yatra, the deities are bathed with 108 pots of water in a ritual called Snana Purnima.
• Anavasara: Post the bathing ceremony, the deities are believed to fall ill and rest in isolation for 15 days, during which they are not visible to the public.
• Pahandi: The ritual of carrying the deities from the temple to the chariots is called Pahandi, a vibrant and musical event.
• Chhera Pahanra: On the day of the Yatra, the King of Puri performs Chhera Pahanra, a ritual where he sweeps the chariot platform with a golden broom, signifying that everyone is equal in the eyes of the Lord.

The Journey

• Distance: The journey from Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple is about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles).
• Duration: The festival spans several days, including the journey to Gundicha Temple, the stay there, and the return journey (Bahuda Yatra).
• Bahuda Yatra: After a stay of about seven days at the Gundicha Temple, the deities make their return journey to the Jagannath Temple, which is equally celebrated.

Participation

• Devotees: Millions of devotees from around the world participate in the Rath Yatra, making it one of the largest religious gatherings.
• Tourism: The event also attracts numerous tourists, contributing significantly to the local economy.

Cultural Impact

• Art and Music: The festival is marked by traditional music, dance, and art forms, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.
• Global Celebrations: While the main festival is in Puri, Rath Yatra is also celebrated in various parts of India and around the world, especially in communities with significant Odia populations.

The Rath Yatra is a blend of deep religious significance, vibrant culture, and immense community participation, making it a truly unique and grand celebration.

07 July - C. Kesavan death anniversary

 

C. Kesavan (23 May 1891 – 7 July 1969) was a politician, social reformer, statesman and the Chief Minister of Travancore-Cochin during 1950–1952. He led the Nivarthana agitation in Travancore to gain the democratic authority for the citizens to decide on the legislation and to attain opportunities regardless of caste or social and economical status.

07 July - Boris Becker became the youngest player ever to win Wimbledon 1985

 

On 7 July 1985, Boris Becker became the youngest player ever to win the Wimbledon Championships in men's singles. Born on 22 November 1967 in Leimen, West Germany (now Germany), Becker burst onto the tennis scene with his remarkable achievement at the age of 17.

During the tournament, Becker showcased his powerful serve and aggressive playing style, capturing the attention of tennis fans around the world. In the final, he faced Kevin Curren, an experienced South African player who had previously reached the semifinals of Wimbledon in 1983. Despite being the underdog, Becker displayed incredible skill and composure.

The match lasted four sets, with Becker winning 6-3, 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 6-4. With this victory, he became the youngest male player to win the Wimbledon title, breaking the previous record set by Bjorn Borg in 1976. Becker's triumph marked a significant milestone in tennis history, solidifying his status as a rising star in the sport.

Boris Becker's success at Wimbledon in 1985 marked the beginning of an impressive career. He went on to win a total of six Grand Slam singles titles, including three Wimbledon Championships (1985, 1986, 1989). Becker's aggressive style of play and his ability to dominate on grass courts earned him a reputation as one of the greatest serve-and-volley players of his era.

07 July - Damodar Valley Corporation was established

 

The Damodar Valley Corporation was established on 7 July 1948 as a multipurpose river valley project in India. It was set up by an Act of Parliament to manage and develop the Damodar River basin, which spans the states of West Bengal and Jharkhand. The main objectives of the Damodar Valley Corporation were flood control, irrigation, power generation, and improving the socio-economic conditions of the region.

The Damodar Valley Corporation played a crucial role in harnessing the water resources of the Damodar River and constructing dams, reservoirs, and power plants in the area. It helped control the frequent floods that plagued the region, facilitated irrigation for agricultural purposes, and generated hydroelectric power. The DVC's initiatives also aimed to improve the lives of people residing in the Damodar Valley by providing employment opportunities and supporting industrial development.

 

07 July - Indian Cinema was Born

 

On 7 July 1896, Indian Cinema was Born.

On 7 July 1896, the Lumiere Brothers showcased six films at the Watson Hotel in Mumbai (then Bombay) and this marked the birth of Indian cinema as we know it today.

The Lumiere brothers were French Cinematographers who arrived in India after having proved their cinematic excellence in Paris. The screening of the films took place on 7 July 1896 at the Watson Hotel in Mumbai and the ticket was priced at Re.1. The Times of India referred to this event as the “miracle of the century”. The show received an overwhelming response and motion pictures were soon introduced to India, in Kolkata (Calcutta) and Chennai (Madras).

07 July - Captain Vikram Batra death anniversary

 

Captain Vikram Batra, an inspiring figure in Indian military history, was born on 09 September 1974, in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India. He joined the Indian Army and was commissioned into the 13th battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, renowned for his bravery and leadership during the Kargil War of 1999.

Captain Batra's courageous actions during the war, particularly during the capture of Point 4875, earned him the nickname "Sher Shah" (Lion King). His leadership and valor in the face of heavy enemy fire contributed significantly to India's success in the Kargil conflict.

Tragically, Captain Vikram Batra made the ultimate sacrifice for his country on 07 July 1999, during the Battle of Point 4875. His bravery and selflessness continue to inspire generations of Indians, and he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration, for his extraordinary courage and leadership in battle. Captain Vikram Batra's legacy remains etched in the annals of Indian military history, symbolizing the indomitable spirit and sacrifice of the nation's brave soldiers.

 

07 July - Joseph Marie Jacquard invented the Jacquard loom.

 

Joseph Marie Jacquard (1752-1834) was a French weaver and inventor who is best known for developing the Jacquard loom, a mechanical loom that used punched cards to control the weaving of complex patterns. His invention revolutionized the textile industry and had a significant impact on the development of computing.

Jacquard was born in Lyon, France, into a family of weavers on 7 July 1752. He grew up learning the trade and eventually became a master silk weaver himself. During his career, he observed the challenges faced by weavers in producing intricate patterns, which required manual manipulation of the loom's controls and limited the complexity and variety of designs that could be woven.

In 1801, Jacquard invented the Jacquard loom, which used a system of punched cards to control the weaving process. The punched cards contained the pattern instructions, and as they were fed into the loom, the corresponding hooks and needles would be activated, allowing the desired pattern to be woven automatically. This innovation allowed even complex patterns to be woven with great precision and significantly increased the speed and efficiency of production.

The Jacquard loom had a profound impact on the textile industry, enabling the mass production of intricate designs and reducing the reliance on highly skilled hand weavers. The punched card system used by Jacquard's loom is considered an important precursor to modern computer programming. The concept of using punched cards as a form of input for controlling machinery laid the foundation for early computing machines, including Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine, which is often considered the theoretical precursor to modern computers.

Jacquard's invention brought him recognition and honors, and he was awarded the Legion of Honor in 1806 by Napoleon Bonaparte. The Jacquard loom continued to be improved upon and became widely adopted in the textile industry, contributing to the Industrial Revolution. The principles underlying Jacquard's invention remain influential in the fields of computer science and automation to this day.

 

07 July - Rasbehari Bose handed over the command of 'Azad Hind Fauz' to Netaji Subhashchandra Bose

 

 

On 7 July 1943, Rasbehari Bose handed over the command of 'Azad Hind Fauz' to Netaji Subhashchandra Bose at Singapore.

Rash Behari Bose, was an Indian revolutionary leader against the British Raj. He was one of the key organisers of the Ghadar Mutiny and later the Indian National Army. Rash Behari Bose handed over Indian National Army to Subhas Chandra Bose.

07 July - William Mulready death anniversary

 

William Mulready (1786-1863) was an Irish-born artist who achieved recognition as a painter, particularly in the genre of genre painting and landscape art. Here are some key details about him:

• Early Life and Education: William Mulready was born on April 1, 1786, in Ennis, County Clare, Ireland. His family moved to London when he was a child, and he began his artistic education at the Royal Academy of Arts in 1799.

• Artistic Style and Contributions: Mulready was known for his ability to capture intricate details and convey narratives in his paintings. He excelled in genre painting, depicting scenes from everyday life with a focus on domestic subjects, often showcasing family interactions and sentimental moments. His works often displayed a keen sense of observation, humor, and meticulous attention to light and color.

• Royal Academy and Success: Mulready became a member of the Royal Academy in 1816, and he continued to exhibit his paintings there throughout his career. He gained significant recognition and success for his genre paintings, which were highly regarded for their technical skill, narrative quality, and charm.

• Influence on Illustration: Mulready's work had a significant impact on the field of illustration. His attention to detail, storytelling ability, and use of light and shadow made his paintings well-suited for reproduction as prints. Many of his works were later reproduced as book illustrations, including his designs for the postage stamps known as the "Mulready envelopes."

• Teaching and Legacy: Mulready taught at the Royal Academy Schools and became a respected art instructor. He influenced a generation of artists through his teaching and served as a mentor to several prominent painters. His work continued to be celebrated even after his death, and he is remembered as an important figure in British art history.

• Death: William Mulready passed away on July 7, 1863, in London, England, at the age of 77.

William Mulready's paintings, with their attention to detail, narrative quality, and emotional resonance, made him a celebrated artist in the genre painting tradition. His contributions to the art world and his influence on subsequent generations of artists continue to be appreciated today.

 

07 July - International Peace & Love Day

 

"International Peace & Love Day" is not a widely recognized or established observance or holiday. However, the concepts of peace and love are universally valued and celebrated by people around the world. Many countries and organizations have their own initiatives and events dedicated to promoting peace and spreading love.

The International Day of Peace, also known as World Peace Day, is a United Nations observance held annually on 07 July . It is a day dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace within and among nations. The day encourages people to engage in activities that promote peace, such as ceasefires, non-violence, and dialogue.

Similarly, Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14th, is a day dedicated to love and affection. Although it primarily focuses on romantic love, it has expanded to include expressions of love for friends, family, and humanity as a whole.

While there may not be an officially recognized "International Peace & Love Day," the concepts of peace and love are worth celebrating and promoting every day. Many individuals and organizations work towards fostering peace, understanding, and love in their communities and the world at large.

 

07 July - USA celebrates National Dora Day

 

National Dora Day is celebrated every July 7. ‘Dora’ is a conventionally feminine name of Greek origin. It’s the shortened form of Dorothea, which means ‘gift’ or “God’s gift.” Doron, the name’s earliest form, was the Mycenaean Greek ‘do-ra’ (‘gifts’). Dora may also be a nickname for Isadora, Theodora, Amphidora, and more. When people hear the name, however, they often think about the animated character from the kid-favorite cartoon “Dora the Explorer.” This National Dora Day, you should definitely celebrate every Dora you know!