Happy Deepavali

 

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India and among Indian communities worldwide. This vibrant, multi-day festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Here’s a closer look at its traditions, significance, and festivities:

Significance and Legends

Diwali is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, with different regions associating it with various legends:

1. Return of Lord Rama: In northern India, Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and a victorious battle against the demon king Ravana. To welcome them, people lit oil lamps, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
2. Goddess Lakshmi: In many parts of India, Diwali is dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It’s believed she descends to earth on Diwali night, blessing those who keep their homes clean, bright, and welcoming.
3. Lord Krishna and Narakasura: In southern India, Diwali marks Lord Krishna’s triumph over the demon Narakasura, who had terrorized the people of his kingdom.

Rituals and Customs

• Lighting Diyas and Decorating: Homes and streets are illuminated with oil lamps, candles, and decorative lights to ward off darkness and attract prosperity.
• Rangoli: People create vibrant patterns called rangoli using colored powders, flowers, and other materials at their entrances to welcome guests and auspicious energy.
• Fireworks: Firecrackers are set off as a symbolic gesture to ward off evil spirits and celebrate joyously.
• Prayer and Offerings: Devotees perform special prayers, or pujas, especially for Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. In Bengal, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, worshipping Goddess Kali.
• Exchanging Gifts and Sweets: Friends and family exchange gifts, sweets, and greetings as an expression of love, goodwill, and unity.

Five Days of Diwali

Diwali is typically celebrated over five days, each with unique customs:

1. Dhanteras: Marks the beginning of Diwali; people buy gold, silver, or utensils, considered auspicious for wealth.
2. Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali): Celebrated a day before Diwali, focusing on cleansing and decorating the home.
3. Lakshmi Puja: The main Diwali night, dedicated to worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and lighting lamps.
4. Govardhan Puja: Marks Lord Krishna’s protection of people from a storm by lifting Mount Govardhan.
5. Bhai Dooj: Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, where sisters pray for their brothers' long life and prosperity.

Global Celebrations and Adaptations

Beyond India, Diwali is widely celebrated in countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, Fiji, and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as by the Indian diaspora worldwide. Each region adds its unique traditions while keeping the festival’s essence.

Diwali is a time of joy, family gatherings, and cultural unity, lighting up both lives and homes with a spirit of warmth and new beginnings.

01 November - First steam locomotive to the nation in 1950

 

Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) is a dream of the nations visionaries, coming true. The planners of the Nation with their deep insight and foresight set out to build a Loco building Factory in West Bengal and CLW is the culmination of that vision. In the late thirties, a committee consisting of M/s. Humphries and Shrinivasan was appointed to investigate the possibility of establishing a locomotive manufacturing unit and to consider its economic viability. The initial project, at Chandmari, a place near Kanchrapara, in the state of West Bengal, could not mature due to partition, which inevitably necessitated a change of site. The issue of setting up a loco building unit continued to be under active consideration of the Central legislature and  in December, 1947, the Railway Board decided to locate the factory at Chittaranjan, near Mihijam.  On the 09 January 1948, survey of the proposed area was commenced. The rocky soil was an advantage in erecting foundations for heavy structural work and the undulating terrain solved the problem of drainage for the township while the schemes of the DVC which envisaged hydro-electric and thermal power stations in the vicinity assured adequate power availability for the enterprise.. 

The locoworks originally called Loco Building Works was initially established for production of 120 average sized steam locomotives with the capacity to manufacture 50 spare boilers. Production of steam loco commenced on 26 January, 1950. The first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad dedicated the first steam locomotive to the nation on 01 November, 1950 and on the same day the Loco Building Factory was rechristened and  named after the great Patriot, Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das and became Chittaranjan Locomotive Works. Apart from meeting the growing and varied needs of Indian Railways, CLW has been right from inception, adopting modern designs and upgrading technology, gradually enhancing the haulage capacities and speeds of locomotives.

01 November - World Fountain Pen Day

 

World Fountain Pen Day is celebrated on the first Friday in November each year. It is a day dedicated to celebrating and promoting the use of fountain pens, as well as the art of writing by hand. Fountain pens are considered by many to be a symbol of elegance and a more personal, tactile writing experience compared to modern ballpoint pens and digital devices.

On this day, enthusiasts and collectors of fountain pens come together to share their passion for these writing instruments. Events and activities related to fountain pens, calligraphy, and the art of handwriting are organized worldwide. People may participate in fountain pen-themed workshops, discussions, and exhibitions.

World Fountain Pen Day also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and appreciating the art of writing by hand in an increasingly digital age. It encourages people to put pen to paper and rediscover the pleasure of writing with a fountain pen.

 

01 November - World Ballet Day

 

World Ballet Day is an annual event that celebrates and promotes the art of ballet. It typically takes place on the first Thursday of October each year. The event was first established in 2014 by five of the world's leading ballet companies: The Royal Ballet in London, The Australian Ballet, The Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow, The National Ballet of Canada, and San Francisco Ballet. These companies came together to livestream a day of behind-the-scenes footage, rehearsals, and interviews, allowing audiences worldwide to get a glimpse into the world of professional ballet.

Since its inception, World Ballet Day has grown in popularity and participation, with more ballet companies from around the world joining in. The event provides a unique opportunity for ballet enthusiasts, students, and the general public to gain insights into the rigorous training, dedication, and artistry involved in ballet. It also helps to raise awareness and appreciation for this classical dance form.

During World Ballet Day, viewers can watch live and recorded footage on various social media platforms and the websites of participating ballet companies. The content often includes glimpses of daily routines, rehearsals, conversations with dancers and choreographers, and performances. It serves as a way to connect the global ballet community and showcase the beauty and athleticism of this art form to a wider audience.

 

01 November - Helicopter Corporation of India, later renamed Pawan Hans Limited, started functioning in 1985

 

Pawan Hans Limited, formerly known as the Helicopter Corporation of India, indeed started functioning on November 1, 1985. The company, headquartered in New Delhi, India, specializes in providing helicopter services for various purposes, including transportation, offshore operations, search and rescue, and other aerial support services.

The renaming and rebranding of the organization as "Pawan Hans Limited" marked an important step in its development and its role in the aviation industry in India. Pawan Hans has since played a significant role in providing vital air connectivity and services in various regions of India, particularly in areas that are challenging to reach through traditional means of transportation.

01 November - Andhra Pradesh Formation Day

 

Andhra Pradesh Formation Day is celebrated on November 1st every year. This day marks the creation of the state of Andhra Pradesh as a separate entity from the former Madras State on November 1, 1956. Andhra Pradesh was formed following the linguistic reorganization of states in India, which aimed to create states based on linguistic and cultural affinities.

The new state of Andhra Pradesh was created to accommodate the Telugu-speaking population of the region, as it was predominantly Telugu-speaking. The city of Kurnool served as the temporary capital of Andhra Pradesh, while the new capital, Hyderabad, was designated as a shared capital for both Andhra Pradesh and the newly formed state of Telangana.

However, in 2014, Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated to create a separate state of Telangana, with Hyderabad becoming the capital of Telangana. Subsequently, Andhra Pradesh's new capital, Amaravati, was planned and is still under development.

Andhra Pradesh Formation Day is celebrated to commemorate the historical and cultural significance of the state's creation and to remember its rich heritage and contributions to the Indian Union. It is marked with various cultural events, programs, and celebrations throughout the state.

 

01 November - Haryana carved out of the former state of East Punjab on 1 November 1966

 

Haryana is a northern Indian state that was carved out of the former state of East Punjab on November 1, 1966. The reorganization of states in India took place as a result of the Punjab Reorganization Act of 1966. This act was passed to address linguistic and regional divisions, as well as to create more administratively viable states.

Before this division, the state of Punjab included both Punjabi-speaking and Hindi-speaking regions, and there were significant linguistic and cultural differences between the two. The demand for a separate state for the Hindi-speaking population of Punjab, which included what is now Haryana, led to the establishment of Haryana as a separate state.

On November 1, 1966, Haryana was officially formed, and it became a distinct state with its own government and administrative structure. The new state's capital was established at Chandigarh, which was also designated as a Union Territory and serves as the shared capital of both Haryana and Punjab. Haryana has since developed into an economically vibrant state and is known for its agricultural and industrial growth, contributing significantly to India's overall development.

01 November - Delhi when it was designated as a Union Territory of the Indian Union in 1956

 

On November 1, 1956, an important milestone was reached in the history of Delhi when it was designated as a Union Territory of the Indian Union. This decision had significant implications for the governance and administration of Delhi.

Before this change, Delhi was a part of the state of Punjab. However, on November 1, 1956, the States Reorganization Act of 1956 came into effect, leading to the reorganization of states and union territories in India. Delhi was designated as a separate Union Territory, distinct from any state, and it came under the direct administration of the central government.

This change was significant because it paved the way for the development and expansion of Delhi as the capital of India. The Union Territory status allowed for more direct control by the central government over the administration of the city, which was necessary to meet the unique requirements of a national capital. Eventually, in 1992, the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi was created, which gave Delhi its own legislative assembly and government while still maintaining its status as a Union Territory with certain administrative powers vested in the Lieutenant Governor.

Over the years, Delhi has continued to evolve as a major political, cultural, and economic center of India, and the decision to make it a Union Territory played a crucial role in its development and governance.

 

01 November - Kerala State Formation Day ( Kerala Piravi)

 

Kerala State Formation Day, also known as Kerala Piravi, is celebrated on November 1st each year. It commemorates the birth of the Indian state of Kerala. On November 1, 1956, the state of Kerala was officially formed by merging the former princely states of Travancore and Cochin with the Malabar region, which was previously part of the Madras Presidency.

Kerala Piravi is a day to celebrate the state's culture, traditions, and heritage. It is marked by various cultural events, educational activities, and public gatherings. People in Kerala take pride in their state's achievements in various fields, including education, healthcare, and social development. The day serves as a reminder of Kerala's unique history and the diversity of its people.

Kerala is often referred to as "God's Own Country" due to its natural beauty and cultural richness. Kerala State Formation Day is an opportunity to celebrate and showcase the state's cultural and historical significance.

 

01 November - State of Mysore was renamed as Karnataka in 1973

 

The Indian state of Mysore was renamed as Karnataka on November 1, 1973. This change in name was part of a broader effort to reorganize the states in India based on linguistic and cultural lines. The renaming of the state was reflective of the predominant Kannada-speaking population in the region. Karnataka is known for its rich culture, history, and contributions to various fields, and it has its capital in Bengaluru (formerly known as Bangalore). This change in name from Mysore to Karnataka marked an important milestone in the linguistic and cultural identity of the state.

01 November - The Mackinac Bridge opened to traffic in 1957

 

The Mackinac Bridge, also known as the "Mighty Mac," opened to traffic on November 1, 1957. This suspension bridge connects the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the Lower Peninsula and spans the Straits of Mackinac, which separate Lake Michigan from Lake Huron. The Mackinac Bridge is a critical transportation link in the state of Michigan and an iconic symbol of the region. It is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world and has had a significant impact on transportation and tourism in the state of Michigan.

01 November - Western Ukraine separates from Austria-Hungary

 

Western Ukraine experience significant political changes in the early 20th century, including its separation from Austria-Hungary. On November 1, 1918, the Western Ukrainian People's Republic was declared. This marked a period of transition and the beginning of efforts to establish an independent Ukrainian state in the western part of Ukraine, which had been under Austrian rule.

The Western Ukrainian People's Republic was short-lived and faced numerous challenges, including conflicts with various neighboring states and the turmoil of World War I. Later developments led to the union of Western Ukraine with the Ukrainian People's Republic, which had declared its independence from the Russian Empire in 1917, and eventually the formation of the West Ukrainian National Republic.

These political changes were part of the broader historical context of the dissolution of empires in Eastern Europe during and after World War I, which ultimately contributed to the formation of the modern state of Ukraine.

 

01 November - William Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello is performed for the first time in 1604

 

William Shakespeare's tragedy "Othello" was indeed first performed at Whitehall Palace in London on November 1, 1604. The play is one of Shakespeare's most famous works and tells the story of Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, and his tragic downfall due to jealousy and manipulation by the deceitful character Iago. "Othello" explores themes of love, jealousy, race, and betrayal and is celebrated for its complex characters and powerful storytelling. The play has been a significant part of the Shakespearean canon and is still performed and studied extensively today.

01 November - Chandigarh was declared as the Union Territory in 1966

 

Chandigarh, the capital city of both Haryana and Punjab, was declared a Union Territory on November 1, 1966. This decision was made following the reorganization of states in India, which was enacted through the Punjab Reorganization Act of 1966.

Prior to this reorganization, Chandigarh had served as the capital of Punjab. However, due to linguistic and regional divisions, it was decided to make Chandigarh a Union Territory to serve as a neutral capital for both Haryana and Punjab. The city was planned and designed by the renowned Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier and has since become known for its well-planned urban layout and modern architecture.

The reorganization allowed Chandigarh to continue serving as the capital of both Haryana and Punjab, even though they are separate states with their own governments. This arrangement was made to ensure that neither state had an advantage or disadvantage in terms of access to the capital.

01 November - The Ghadar Movement

 

The Ghadar Movement, or the Ghadar Party, was started in San Francisco, California, in the United States. San Francisco served as a central hub for the activities of the movement. It was in this city that a group of Indian immigrants, primarily from the Punjab region, came together and organized the Ghadar Movement with the goal of seeking India's independence from British colonial rule. The movement had its roots in San Francisco and the surrounding areas, where many Indian immigrants lived and worked during the early 20th century. San Francisco was a key location for the publication of the movement's newspaper, "The Ghadar," and for planning and coordinating anti-colonial activities aimed at India's liberation.

01 November - Dr. Rajendra Prasad dedicated the first steam locomotive to the nation

 

On November 1, 1950, the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, dedicated the first steam locomotive to the nation. This was a significant event in India's industrial and transportation history. Steam locomotives played a crucial role in the development of India's railway network, which had a profound impact on the country's economic and social development.

The introduction of steam locomotives marked the early stages of modernization and connectivity in India. The railway system allowed for the efficient transportation of goods and people across the vast and diverse landscape of the country. It played a pivotal role in promoting trade, industrial growth, and the movement of people.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad's dedication of the first steam locomotive symbolized the importance of the railways in India's progress and the country's commitment to modernization. Over the years, India's railway network has continued to expand and modernize, becoming one of the largest and busiest rail systems in the world. The introduction of steam locomotives was a significant step in this journey.