17 July - Ashadhi Ekadashi -2024

 

Ashadhi Ekadashi, also known as Devshayani Ekadashi or Maha Ekadashi, is one of the most significant Ekadashi observances in Hinduism. Celebrated on the 11th lunar day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June-July), it marks the beginning of the Chaturmas period, a four-month phase when Lord Vishnu is believed to go into a deep cosmic sleep. This period is considered highly auspicious for spiritual practices and devotion.

Significance and Rituals:

1. Fasting:

   • Devotees observe a fast from sunrise on Ashadhi Ekadashi until sunrise the next day. The fast can vary from a complete fast (nirjala) with no food or water to a partial fast (phalahar) where fruits, milk, and non-grain items are consumed.

2. Prayers and Worship:

   • Special prayers and rituals are performed in temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Devotees recite Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhagavad Gita, and other sacred texts.
   • Temples are decorated, and special offerings like flowers, fruits, and Tulsi leaves are made to Lord Vishnu.

3. Bhajans and Kirtans:

   • Devotional songs and hymns praising Lord Vishnu are sung. Many communities organize bhajan and kirtan sessions that last through the night.

4. Pandharpur Yatra:

   • In Maharashtra, Ashadhi Ekadashi is synonymous with the grand pilgrimage to the Vithoba temple in Pandharpur. Devotees, known as Warkaris, travel long distances on foot to reach the temple. They carry palkhis (palanquins) with the images of saints like Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar, singing devotional songs along the way.

5. Chaturmas Vow:

   • Many devotees take vows for the Chaturmas period, which starts from this day. These vows can include abstaining from certain foods, engaging in regular prayers, and other forms of penance.

Mythological Background:

According to Hindu mythology, Ashadhi Ekadashi marks the day when Lord Vishnu, after the event of churning the ocean of milk, goes into a deep sleep on Shesha Naga, the cosmic serpent. This sleep continues for four months until Prabodhini Ekadashi in the month of Kartik (October-November), when he wakes up. This period is known as Chaturmas and is considered a time for penance, austerity, and devotion.

Ashadhi Ekadashi 2024:

In 2024, Ashadhi Ekadashi will be observed on Monday, July 15th. Devotees will participate in various spiritual activities, fasting, and ceremonies to honor Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings for prosperity, happiness, and spiritual growth.

17 July - Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon

 

Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon was an Indian Air Force officer and a war hero, known for his bravery and valor during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. He was born on 17 July 1945, in Ludhiana, Punjab, India, and he sacrificed his life in service to the nation on 14 December 1971.

During the 1971 war between India and Pakistan, Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon was serving as a Flying Officer in the Indian Air Force. He was assigned to the No. 18 Squadron, which operated the Gnat fighter aircraft.

On 14 December  1971, Pakistan launched an air raid on the Indian Air Force base in Srinagar, Kashmir. In the face of overwhelming enemy aircraft and heavy ground fire, Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon displayed extraordinary bravery and determination.

He engaged the attacking enemy aircraft in a dogfight, shooting down two Pakistani Sabre jets. Despite being outnumbered and facing imminent danger, Sekhon continued to fight fiercely to protect the airfield.

Unfortunately, during the intense aerial combat, Sekhon's Gnat was hit, and he was mortally wounded. Despite his injuries, he continued to fight until the end, preventing further damage to the airfield and thwarting the enemy's attack.

For his exceptional courage, leadership, and gallantry, Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military award for bravery. He became the first and only Indian Air Force officer to receive this honor.

Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon's valor and selfless sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds have made him an inspirational figure and a symbol of courage for generations of Indians. He will forever be remembered as a true hero who gave his life to protect his country and its people.

17 July - King Letsie III birthday

 

King Letsie III, born on 17 July 1963, is the current monarch of Lesotho, a small landlocked country in Southern Africa. He ascended to the throne on 07 February 1996, following the abdication of his father, King Moshoeshoe II. King Letsie III had previously served as king from 1990 to 1995 during a period of political turmoil and was reinstated after his father's brief return to power.

Educated in Lesotho and the United Kingdom, King Letsie III attended Ampleforth College, a prestigious Roman Catholic boarding school, and later pursued higher education at the National University of Lesotho, where he earned a degree in Law. He furthered his studies in the UK, obtaining a Master of Arts in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge.

As the constitutional monarch of Lesotho, King Letsie III's role is largely ceremonial. However, he plays a significant part in the cultural and social spheres of the country, promoting various initiatives related to education, health, and sustainable development. He is particularly noted for his efforts in advocating for food security and nutrition, serving as a Special Ambassador for Nutrition for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

King Letsie III's leadership and commitment to his nation's well-being have made him a respected figure both within Lesotho and internationally. His birthday, 17 July is a day to reflect on his contributions and the role of the monarchy in the nation's ongoing development.

17 July - Mimar Sinan one of the greatest architects in history died

 

Mimar Sinan, one of the most celebrated architects in history, was born in 1489 and passed away on 17 July 1588. He served as the chief architect and civil engineer for three Ottoman sultans—Suleiman the Magnificent, Selim II, and Murad III. Over his long and illustrious career, Sinan designed and oversaw the construction of numerous iconic structures, including mosques, bridges, palaces, and schools, leaving an indelible mark on the architectural heritage of the Ottoman Empire.

Sinan's most famous works include the Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul and the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne, both of which are celebrated for their architectural brilliance and intricate design. His contributions to architecture extended beyond mere aesthetics; he was also innovative in engineering, developing techniques that improved the stability and durability of his structures.

Mimar Sinan's legacy is not only visible in the numerous masterpieces he left behind but also in the influence he had on subsequent generations of architects. His work remains a testament to the sophistication and grandeur of Ottoman architecture and continues to inspire awe and admiration to this day.

17 July - Battle of Castillon

 

The Battle of Castillon, fought on 17 July 1453, was a decisive conflict that effectively ended the Hundred Years' War between England and France. The battle took place near the town of Castillon in the Aquitaine region of France and marked a significant victory for the French forces under the command of Jean Bureau and his brother Gaspard Bureau.

The context of the battle lies in the broader conflict of the Hundred Years' War, which began in 1337 and was primarily fought over territorial disputes and claims to the French throne. By the mid-15th century, the tide of the war had turned in favor of the French, partly due to the inspired leadership of figures like Joan of Arc and the revitalized French monarchy under King Charles VII.

The Battle of Castillon began with the English, led by John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, attempting to relieve the besieged town of Castillon. The French, well-prepared and entrenched in fortified positions with artillery, anticipated the English attack. Despite being outnumbered and facing a well-defended enemy, Talbot decided to launch an assault, underestimating the effectiveness of the French artillery.

The French artillery, commanded by the Bureau brothers, played a crucial role in the battle. The heavy bombardment decimated the advancing English troops, causing significant casualties. Talbot himself was killed during the fighting, which further demoralized the English forces and led to their eventual rout.

The Battle of Castillon is considered the last major engagement of the Hundred Years' War. The French victory solidified their control over the remaining English territories in France, leading to the recapture of Bordeaux and the end of English claims to French lands, except for Calais. The battle's outcome marked the decline of English influence in France and the rise of a more unified and powerful French state.

The significance of the Battle of Castillon lies not only in its military outcome but also in its role in shaping the future of both nations. It heralded the end of medieval warfare dominated by knights and the rise of artillery and more modern forms of combat. The battle also underscored the importance of strategic planning and the effective use of technology in warfare.

17 July - U. Tirot Sing death anniversary

 

U. Tirot Sing, born in 1802 and passing away on July 17, 1835, was a legendary freedom fighter and chieftain of the Khasi people in present-day Meghalaya, India. As the Syiem (chief) of Nongkhlaw, Tirot Sing is best remembered for his courageous resistance against British colonial expansion in the early 19th century.

His defiance began when the British, under the guise of constructing a road to connect the Brahmaputra Valley with Sylhet, encroached on Khasi territory without proper negotiation or respect for local autonomy. Realizing the threat to his people's sovereignty, Tirot Sing led a fierce rebellion in 1829, mobilizing the Khasi warriors in a series of guerrilla attacks against the better-equipped British forces.

Despite his efforts, Tirot Sing was eventually captured in 1833 after a protracted struggle and was imprisoned in Dhaka, where he died on July 17, 1835. His bravery and unwavering commitment to the protection of his homeland have made him a revered figure in Indian history, symbolizing the spirit of resistance and the fight for independence. His legacy continues to inspire the Khasi people and all those who value freedom and justice.