11 September - Mahatma Gandhi's first non-violent satyagraha campaign was organized in September 1906

 

Mahatma Gandhi's first non-violent Satyagraha campaign was organized on September 11, 1906, in South Africa. This event marked the beginning of his philosophy of Satyagraha, which emphasized the power of truth and non-violence in resisting injustice.

Background of the 1906 Satyagraha Campaign:

• Location: Johannesburg, South Africa.
• Context: The Transvaal government in South Africa introduced a new law requiring all Indian citizens to register and carry passes, which included fingerprints and other personal details. This discriminatory law, known as the Asiatic Registration Act (also called the Black Act), was aimed at controlling and restricting the Indian population, which faced severe racial discrimination.
• Gandhi’s Leadership: In response to the law, Gandhi, who was already an established leader among the Indian community in South Africa, called for a mass meeting on September 11, 1906, at the Empire Theatre in Johannesburg. Here, he introduced the concept of Satyagraha, meaning "truth-force" or "soul-force," as a means of non-violent resistance.
• Oath of Satyagraha: During the meeting, those present, including prominent members of the Indian community, took a solemn oath to oppose the new law through peaceful non-cooperation and non-violent civil disobedience, refusing to register or carry the passes.

Impact of the 1906 Campaign:

• The campaign marked the first large-scale application of Satyagraha as a tool for political and social activism.
• It sparked years of peaceful resistance against unjust laws in South Africa and led to Gandhi being arrested multiple times.
• The success and influence of the South African Satyagraha laid the foundation for Gandhi’s future non-violent campaigns in India during the struggle for independence.

This 1906 movement was a turning point in Gandhi’s life and helped him refine the principles of non-violent resistance that would later become central to the Indian independence movement.

11 September - Swami Vivekananda, first speech in the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago.

 

 

 

 

Swami Vivekananda, a renowned Hindu monk and a key figure in the introduction of Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world, delivered his first speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago on September 11, 1893. This historic event marked his introduction to the global stage and provided him with an opportunity to share the spiritual and philosophical insights of India with a diverse international audience. His opening words, "Sisters and brothers of America," were met with a standing ovation and received widespread acclaim for their message of universal tolerance, acceptance, and the importance of religious harmony. Swami Vivekananda's participation in the Parliament of the World's Religions played a significant role in promoting a deeper understanding of Hinduism and Indian spirituality in the West.

11 September - Radha ashtami 2024

 

Radha Ashtami is a highly revered festival in the Hindu calendar, celebrating the birth of Radha, who holds a central role in the love stories and spiritual narratives associated with Lord Krishna. Here's a more detailed look at its significance, rituals, and observances:

Significance of Radha Ashtami

1. Divine Love: Radha represents the soul's longing and devotion for the divine, symbolized by Lord Krishna. Their relationship is seen not just as a romantic tale but as an allegory for the love between the human soul and God.
2. Radha’s Birth: According to Hindu scriptures, Radha was born in Barsana, a village near Vrindavan. It is believed that she is an incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi. Unlike Krishna’s celebrated birth in a prison, Radha’s birth was peaceful and serene.
3. Spiritual Importance: Radha is considered the greatest devotee of Lord Krishna. Her love is viewed as the purest form of bhakti (devotion), devoid of selfish motives.

Rituals and Observances

1. Fasting: Devotees often observe a fast on Radha Ashtami, similar to the one observed on Janmashtami. The fast is usually broken only after performing puja in the evening, with some devotees choosing to fast throughout the day and night.
2. Temple Celebrations: Temples dedicated to Radha and Krishna are elaborately decorated. In places like Barsana, Nandgaon, and Vrindavan, grand celebrations take place, with the deities adorned in beautiful attire and jewelry. The atmosphere is vibrant with devotional songs (bhajans), dances, and kirtans.
   • Radha Rani Temple in Barsana: This temple is a key pilgrimage spot for Radha Ashtami celebrations, where thousands of devotees gather to offer their prayers and witness special rituals.
   • Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan: On this day, the feet of the deity Radha are shown to the devotees, which is a rare occurrence, as they are normally kept hidden throughout the year.
3. Abhishekam and Puja: Radha is worshiped with offerings of flowers, sweets, and fruits. The idols of Radha and Krishna are bathed in a ceremonial "Abhishekam" with milk, honey, yogurt, and ghee, followed by the singing of devotional songs and recitation of Radha-Krishna stories.
4. Processions: In certain regions, especially in Braj (Vrindavan and surrounding areas), grand processions are held, with idols of Radha and Krishna being taken out on decorated palanquins. These processions are accompanied by music, dancing, and the scattering of flower petals.
5. Bhajans and Kirtans: The day is marked by singing hymns and songs that celebrate the divine love of Radha and Krishna. Devotees chant mantras like "Radhe Radhe" and "Radha-Krishna" as a form of meditative worship.

Celebrations in Various Regions

• Barsana: Being the birthplace of Radha, Barsana celebrates Radha Ashtami with unmatched zeal. Thousands of pilgrims gather to offer their prayers at the Radha Rani Temple. The entire village turns festive, with people dressing in bright colors, singing, dancing, and enacting scenes from the life of Radha and Krishna.
• Vrindavan: Known for its temples dedicated to Radha and Krishna, Vrindavan is a hub for Radha Ashtami celebrations. The Banke Bihari Temple is particularly famous for the rare darshan of Radha’s feet.
• Mathura: As the birthplace of Krishna, Mathura also holds grand celebrations. Temples are beautifully decorated, and cultural programs such as Raas Leela (a reenactment of the divine dance of Radha and Krishna) are performed.

Mythological Background

According to popular mythology, Radha’s love for Krishna was eternal, transcending even Krishna’s departure from Vrindavan. Though Krishna moved to Dwarka and married Rukmini and Satyabhama, Radha remained a symbol of pure, selfless devotion. The stories of Radha-Krishna are central to the Bhakti movement and have inspired countless devotional works in art, music, and poetry, including the works of saints like Mirabai and Surdas.

Special Offerings

On Radha Ashtami, specific offerings are made to Radha and Krishna:

• Sweets like kheer, panchamrit, and laddoo: These are distributed as prasad to devotees after the puja.
• Floral offerings: Devotees offer fragrant flowers such as roses and jasmine, which are associated with divine love.
• Tulsi leaves: Tulsi, or holy basil, is sacred to Krishna and is often included in the offerings.

Radha Ashtami Beyond India

In many parts of the world, especially where there are Vaishnavite communities, Radha Ashtami is celebrated in local Krishna temples. In places like the U.S., the U.K., and other countries with large Indian diasporas, ISKCON temples often host elaborate ceremonies, featuring Radha-Krishna deities, with bhajans, kirtans, and festive processions.

Radha Ashtami is a day to immerse in the divine love and spirituality of Radha and Krishna, celebrating the purity and selflessness of Radha's devotion.

11 September - The island of Manhattan was discovered by navigator Henry Hudson

 

The island of Manhattan was first sighted by Henry Hudson, an English navigator and explorer, on September 11, 1609. Hudson was employed by the Dutch East India Company to find a northwest passage to Asia. During his voyage aboard the ship Halve Maen (Half Moon), Hudson explored what is now the northeastern coast of the United States.

Discovery and Exploration

• Manhattan Island: On 11 September 1609, Hudson and his crew arrived at the island of Manhattan. They were the first Europeans to document and explore the area, although the island was already inhabited by the Lenape people, who had lived there for thousands of years.

• Hudson River: Hudson sailed up the river that would later be named after him—the Hudson River—reaching as far north as present-day Albany, New York. He was exploring the river in the hope that it might be a passage to the Pacific Ocean. However, the river eventually narrowed, and Hudson realized it was not a route to Asia.

Impact and Legacy

• Dutch Settlement: Although Hudson was English, his exploration led to the establishment of Dutch claims in the region. The Dutch later founded New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island in 1625, which eventually became New York City after the English took control of the territory in 1664.

• Hudson's Legacy: Henry Hudson's exploration of the region paved the way for European colonization of the northeastern United States. The Hudson River, Hudson Bay, and Hudson Strait in Canada are all named in his honor, reflecting his contributions to exploration in North America.

Henry Hudson's discovery of Manhattan was a key moment in the history of New York, setting the stage for the city's development as one of the most important urban centers in the world.