12 October - Vijaya Raje Scindia birth anniversary

 

Vijaya Raje Scindia, born on October 12, 1919, and passing away on January 25, 2001, was a prominent Indian political figure known for her involvement in politics and her contributions to the country's political landscape.

She was a member of the royal Maratha Scindia family of Gwalior. Her political career started in the 1950s when she joined the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (the predecessor of the Bharatiya Janata Party, or BJP) and subsequently became a prominent leader of the party.

Vijaya Raje Scindia was known for her commitment to conservative and right-wing political ideologies. She was a strong advocate for the interests of the people of her region and served as a Member of Parliament in various capacities. Her political influence and leadership contributed to the growth of the BJP.

Her birth and death dates reflect her significant presence in Indian politics during the 20th century, and she remains a respected and influential figure in the country's political history.

12 October - Columbus Day

 

Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on October 12, 1492. It is observed on the second Monday in October each year. Columbus Day was first celebrated as a holiday in the United States in 1792 to mark the 300th anniversary of Columbus's historic voyage.

The holiday has traditionally been associated with the Italian-American community, as Christopher Columbus was of Italian descent, and it serves as a day to celebrate Italian heritage and contributions to American culture. Parades, events, and festivities often take place in cities with significant Italian-American populations.

However, Columbus Day has also been a subject of controversy and debate. Some people argue that Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas initiated a period of European colonization that had devastating consequences for indigenous peoples, including violence, disease, and displacement. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day as an alternative to Columbus Day, which aims to acknowledge and celebrate the cultures, contributions, and resilience of Native Americans.

In response to these concerns and changing perspectives, some states and localities in the United States have chosen to either replace or rename Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day or another holiday that recognizes the history and contributions of indigenous peoples.

Columbus Day continues to be observed in various forms across the United States, but its significance and the way it is celebrated may vary from one region to another, reflecting the ongoing dialogue about the holiday's historical and cultural implications.

 

12 October - Luciano Pavarotti birth anniversary

 

Luciano Pavarotti (1935-2007) was an acclaimed Italian operatic tenor, widely regarded as one of the greatest tenors of all time. Born on 12 October 1935, in Modena, Italy, Pavarotti gained international fame for his powerful and emotive voice, particularly in the bel canto repertoire.

Some key points about Luciano Pavarotti include:

1. Career Highlights:

   • Pavarotti's career took off in the early 1960s, and he achieved fame for his performances in various leading opera houses around the world.
   • He was known for his roles in operas by composers such as Verdi, Puccini, and Donizetti.
   • Pavarotti was one of the Three Tenors, along with Plácido Domingo and José Carreras, performing together during the 1990s and contributing to the popularization of opera.

2. Nessun Dorma:

   • One of Pavarotti's signature arias was "Nessun Dorma" from Puccini's opera "Turandot." His rendition of this aria became widely popular, and it is often associated with him.

3. Contribution to Popular Music:

   • Pavarotti crossed over into popular music, collaborating with various artists from different genres. He performed with artists such as Bono, Sting, and Eric Clapton, reaching a broader audience.

4. Philanthropy:

   • Pavarotti was involved in several charitable activities and humanitarian efforts. He used his fame to raise funds for various causes, including medical research and children's charities.

5. Legacy:

   • Luciano Pavarotti's impact on opera and classical music is profound. His recordings continue to be celebrated, and his influence on subsequent generations of tenors is significant.
   • Pavarotti passed away on 06 September 2007, in Modena, Italy, after battling pancreatic cancer.

Luciano Pavarotti's contribution to the world of opera and classical music has left an

 

12 October - Kullu Dussehra

 

Kullu Dussehra is a renowned and vibrant festival celebrated in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is a unique and grand celebration of the Hindu festival of Dussehra, which marks the victory of good over evil. Kullu Dussehra holds a special place among the various Dussehra celebrations in India due to its rich cultural traditions and grand processions.

Key features of Kullu Dussehra:

1. Duration: Kullu Dussehra lasts for seven days, making it one of the longest Dussehra celebrations in the country. It usually falls in the month of October.

2. Legend: The festival has a historical and mythological significance. It is believed to commemorate the return of Lord Raghunath (an idol of Lord Rama) to Kullu after defeating the demon king Ravana. The idol of Lord Raghunath is a central focus of the celebrations.

3. Processions: The highlight of Kullu Dussehra is the grand processions featuring beautifully decorated idols and chariots of various deities. The deities from different temples in the Kullu Valley are brought to the Dhalpur Maidan in Kullu town in a procession. This is a visual spectacle, and thousands of devotees and tourists gather to witness it.

4. Fairs and Cultural Performances: The festival is not just a religious event but also a cultural extravaganza. It includes various fairs, folk dances, music, and other cultural performances. Traditional Himachali attire and folk dances add to the festive atmosphere.

5. Traditional Attire: People, especially women, dress in their traditional Himachali attire during the festival. It's a time when the local culture and heritage are prominently displayed.

6. Rathyatras (Chariot Processions): The festival features impressive chariot processions carrying the deities, and these are a significant part of the celebrations.

Kullu Dussehra is an important event for the local community and attracts visitors from different parts of India and around the world. It offers a unique blend of religious fervor, cultural richness, and the natural beauty of the Kullu Valley, making it a must-visit festival for those interested in the diverse cultural heritage of India.