28 February 1918 - Srinivasa Ramanujan, just 31, became the youngest Fellow in the history of the Royal Society.
Way back in 1841, Ardaseer Cursetjee, a shipbuilder and engineer was
the first Indian to be elected to the Royal Society and Ramanujan became
the second.
Every year on February 27th, National Protein Day draws public attention and awareness on the health benefits of protein. It’s also a day to learn more about different sources of plant and animal protein.
Protein is a macronutrient that is essential for the human body. The primary function of protein is to help build muscle mass. Protein is also a source of energy for the body.This nutrient is also important for the following reasons:
National Chili Day is celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of February, paying tribute to one of America's most beloved comfort foods. This flavorful and hearty dish, traditionally made with a blend of meat, chili peppers, tomatoes, beans, and spices, has deep roots in culinary history. While its exact origins are debated, chili is widely believed to have been influenced by Mexican and Spanish cuisine, with early versions appearing in the American Southwest during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, chili comes in numerous regional variations, including Texas-style chili, which omits beans, Cincinnati chili, which is often served over spaghetti, and vegetarian or turkey-based versions for a healthier twist.
The day is marked by cook-offs, restaurant specials, and home chefs showcasing their best chili recipes. Some enthusiasts even debate the best way to prepare chili, with strong opinions on whether beans belong in an authentic bowl. In Texas, for instance, chili con carne—meaning "chili with meat"—remains a fiercely protected tradition without beans. Regardless of the variation, chili has become a staple in American households, often enjoyed during cold weather, at football games, and in community gatherings.
National Chili Day is the perfect occasion to experiment with different spices, toppings, and side dishes like cornbread or tortilla chips. It also serves as a reminder of the dish’s cultural significance and its ability to bring people together over a warm, satisfying meal. In 2025, this delicious celebration falls on February 27, making it an ideal time to enjoy a steaming bowl of chili, whether at home, in a restaurant, or at a local cook-off.
The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest and most sacred religious gatherings in the world, commenced on 13 January 2025, and will culminate on 26 February 2025, coinciding with Maha Shivratri. Held in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh, this grand event takes place every 12 years, following a specific astrological alignment—when Jupiter enters Aries and the Sun and Moon align in Capricorn. The festival is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, signifying the eternal quest for spiritual liberation (moksha) and purification of sins through holy river baths (Shahi Snan).
Throughout the Maha Kumbh Mela, millions of devotees, saints, and ascetics (sadhus), including the revered Naga Sadhus, gather at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Ritual bathing is considered the most sacred act, believed to cleanse one's soul and grant divine blessings. The event also hosts religious discourses, devotional singing, and cultural performances, attracting pilgrims from across India and around the world.
The final and most auspicious bath will take place on 26 February 2025, during Maha Shivratri, a day dedicated to Lord Shiva. On this night, devotees observe fasting, chant prayers, and engage in night-long vigils to honor Shiva, believing that their devotion will lead to spiritual awakening. The festival is also significant for the Akhadas (sects of Hindu ascetics), who lead processions and rituals, reinforcing the deep-seated traditions of the Kumbh Mela.
Given its massive scale, the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela is expected to be one of the most well-organized in history, with enhanced infrastructure, security, and accommodations to manage the influx of millions of pilgrims. This sacred event not only fosters religious devotion but also serves as a cultural and spiritual unifier, preserving India’s ancient traditions while embracing modern logistical advancements.
On February 26, 2025, Ahmedabad will celebrate its 614th Foundation Day with a historic Bhadrakali Nagar Yatra, the first such procession since the city's establishment in 1411. This grand event coincides with Maha Shivratri, adding to its spiritual significance.
The Nagar Yatra will commence at 8:00 AM from the Bhadrakali Temple, honoring Goddess Bhadrakali, revered as Ahmedabad's Nagardevi (city goddess). The procession will feature the sacred Paduka (footwear) of the goddess placed on a decorated chariot, symbolizing her divine presence. The 6.25 km route will traverse historic landmarks, including Teen Darwaza, Manek Chowk, Jagannath Temple, and Mahalaxmi Temple, before returning to the Bhadrakali Temple around 12:30 PM.
Organized by the Dharmaraksha Foundation and Mavins Marcom, the event is expected to draw approximately 5,000 participants, encompassing devotees, cultural groups, and city officials. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has extended full support to ensure the procession's success.
This celebration not only marks a significant milestone in Ahmedabad's history but also revives a long-lost tradition, reflecting the city's rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
February 26, 1935, Sir Robert Watson-Watt conducted a crucial demonstration near Daventry, England, that played a pivotal role in the development of radar (radio detection and ranging) technology. Watson-Watt was a Scottish physicist and engineer, and his work laid the foundation for the practical implementation of radar systems.
During the demonstration, Watson-Watt successfully demonstrated the detection of an aircraft using radio waves. This breakthrough was instrumental in recognizing the potential of radar for detecting and tracking aircraft, particularly as tensions were rising in Europe in the years leading up to World War II.
The development of radar technology became crucial during the war for air defense, early warning systems, and various military applications. Watson-Watt's contributions to radar technology were significant, and he is often credited as one of the key figures in its early development.
John Cash, born on 26 February 1932, was an American country singer-songwriter. Much of Cash's music contained themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption, especially in the later stages of his career. He was known for his deep, calm bass-baritone voice, the distinctive sound of his Tennessee Three backing band characterized by train-like chugging guitar rhythms, a rebelliousness coupled with an increasingly somber and humble demeanor, free prison concerts, and a trademark all-black stage wardrobe, which earned him the nickname the "Man in Black".
Quiet Day is observed every year on February 25. As the name suggests, Quiet Day is about taking a pause and appreciating the sound of silence. Noise is everywhere — be it on the train, in a busy office, in the pub, in the classroom, or even at home! Modern life is noisy; it seems like there is simply no way out of it. Being in the constant presence of noise can be overwhelming and it is important to take a break every once in a while. We know that quiet is good for both the body and the mind. Peace calms us down and helps us re-center ourselves.
Reference: https://nationaltoday.com/
Soviet Occupation Day is observed in the country of Georgia on February 25 every year. It is a Memorial Day that commemorates the invasion of Georgia by the Red Army in 1921. The holiday was first established in 2010, with its first observance in 2011. The Georgian announcement of the holiday was in line with Moldova’s own Soviet Occupation Day, meant to remember the Soviet’s occupation on June 28, 1940. Moldova’s Soviet Occupation Day, however, was repealed by its judiciary in 2010. Latvia, another country that was occupied by the Soviet Union, has its own day of remembrance on June 17 every year
Let’s All Eat Right Day is celebrated on February 25 each year, as it
marks the birthday of Adelle Davis, a famous nutritionist, author, and
game-changer in the nutrition movement throughout the 1900s. So we’re
here to put a face to some of the integral contributions in nutrition as
a field. You have probably heard it said — “Eat breakfast like a king,
lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper” — well, this wise adage
can be credited to Davis herself.
Vijaya Ekadashi is an important Hindu fasting day observed on the Ekadashi (11th day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Phalguna (February–March). It is believed that observing this Ekadashi helps in attaining victory, success, and the removal of past sins.
The word "Vijaya" means "victory," and it is said that observing this Ekadashi helps devotees overcome obstacles and attain success in life. According to the Padma Purana, Lord Shri Ram observed Vijaya Ekadashi fast before crossing the ocean to defeat Ravana in Lanka. With the blessings of Lord Vishnu, he emerged victorious in the battle, making this Ekadashi especially significant for those seeking success in their endeavors.
Vijaya Ekadashi is observed with great devotion, as it is believed to remove past sins (papam) and grant mukti (liberation) along with success and prosperity.
Navam Full Moon Poya Day is a Buddhist observance that falls on the full moon day of the lunar month of Navam, typically occurring in February. The term "Poya" refers to the full moon day in the Buddhist calendar, and each Poya day is dedicated to the commemoration of significant events in the life of Lord Buddha or the promotion of ethical and spiritual practices.
Key aspects of Navam Full Moon Poya Day include:
Magha Puja: Navam Poya Day is also known as Magha Poya in Sri Lanka, and it is associated with the gathering of 1,250 arahants (enlightened disciples) who spontaneously assembled to hear the Buddha preach. This event is similar to the Makha Bucha Day observed in other Theravada Buddhist countries.
Religious Observances: Devotees engage in various religious activities on Navam Full Moon Poya Day, including visiting temples, making offerings to monks, and participating in prayers and meditation.
Observance of Precepts: Buddhists often renew their commitment to ethical conduct by observing the Five Precepts. These precepts are fundamental guidelines for moral living and include refraining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and intoxication.
Almsgiving and Charity: As with many Poya days, devotees may engage in acts of generosity, such as providing alms to monks, supporting charitable causes, and practicing kindness towards others.
Dhamma Talks: Buddhist monks may deliver Dhamma talks or discourses, focusing on the teachings of the Buddha and offering guidance on the path to enlightenment.
Navam Full Moon Poya Day is a time for reflection, meditation, and the reinforcement of spiritual principles. The specific customs and rituals associated with this observance can vary across different regions where Theravada Buddhism is practiced, but the central theme remains the commemoration of important events in the life of Lord Buddha and the cultivation of mindfulness and virtuous living.
On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in an escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War that started in 2014. The invasion became the largest attack on a European country since World War II.It is estimated to have caused tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilian casualties and hundreds of thousands of military casualties. By June 2022, Russian troops occupied about 20% of Ukrainian territory. From the 41 million population in January 2022, about 8 million Ukrainians had been internally displaced and more than 8.2 million had fled the country by April 2023, creating Europe's largest refugee crisis since World War II. Extensive environmental damage caused by the war, widely described as an ecocide, contributed to food crises worldwide.
The Pamban Bridge is a historic and iconic railway bridge located in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. It connects the town of Rameswaram on Pamban Island to the mainland of India. The bridge is situated over the Palk Strait and is a crucial link for the transportation of people and goods between the island and the mainland.It was opened on February 24, 1914.
Key features of the Pamban Bridge include:
Type of Bridge: The Pamban Bridge is a cantilever bridge with a Scherzer rolling lift section. The central part of the bridge can be lifted to allow ships and ferries to pass through.
Construction: The construction of the bridge was completed in 1914. It was a significant engineering marvel of its time and was the longest sea bridge in India until the Bandra-Worli Sea Link was opened in Mumbai.
Length: The total length of the bridge is about 2.3 kilometers (1.4 miles).
Lift Span: The central part of the bridge can be lifted vertically to let ships and vessels pass through. This is a unique feature of the bridge.
Scenic Views: The Pamban Bridge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding seascape and is a popular tourist attraction.
Jacques de Vaucanson was born on 24 February 1709, in Grenoble, France. He passed away on 21November 1782, in Paris, France.
In this digital age, where information is readily available at our
fingertips, it’s easy to overlook the significance of printing. However,
on World Printing Day, we take a moment to appreciate the art and
science behind this timeless medium of communication.
Printing Day is observed on February 24th every year to commemorate the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in 1440. This revolutionary invention revolutionized the spread of knowledge and ideas by making books and printed materials more accessible to people worldwide.
The day serves as a reminder of the importance of printing in preserving history, culture, and knowledge. It also acknowledges the contributions made by printers and publishers in shaping societies and fostering intellectual growth.
On 24 February 1854, A Penny Red with perforations was the first perforated postage stamp to be officially issued for distribution.
The Penny Red is a British postage stamp, issued in 1841. It succeeded the Penny Black and continued as the main type of postage stamp in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland until 1879, with only minor changes to the design during that time. The colour was changed from black to red because of difficulty in seeing a cancellation mark on the Penny Black; a black cancel was readily visible on a Penny Red.
Tourism Day in Taiwan is observed every year on the 15th day of the
first Lunar month, and takes place on February 24 this year. It is a day
to generate awareness about and promote tourism on the island of
Taiwan. It highlights its culture, diversity, cuisine, e.t.c., in an
effort to draw more tourist traffic and educate the world about what it
has to offer.
George Frideric Handel (23 February 1685 – 14 April 1759) was a German-born Baroque composer who later became a British citizen. He is best known for his operas, oratorios, and instrumental compositions, with his most famous work being the oratorio Messiah (1741), which includes the iconic "Hallelujah" chorus.
Born in Halle, Germany, Handel initially studied law before fully dedicating himself to music. He traveled to Italy, where he was influenced by Italian opera, before settling in London in 1712. There, he became a dominant figure in English music, composing numerous operas such as Rinaldo and Giulio Cesare and later shifting to oratorios like Samson and Judas Maccabaeus.
His music is known for its grandeur, dramatic expression, and melodic brilliance. Handel was also a favorite of the British royal family and composed Music for the Royal Fireworks and Water Music for royal occasions. He went blind in his later years but continued composing and performing until his death in 1759. He is buried in Westminster Abbey, a mark of his lasting legacy in British music.
On February 23, 1960, the Federal Cabinet of Pakistan decided to designate the new capital of the country as "Islamabad." Prior to this decision, since Pakistan gained independence in 1947, Karachi had served as the capital. However, due to various reasons, including the geographical location and strategic considerations, it was decided to move the capital to a more central location.
Islamabad, which means "City of Islam" in Urdu, was chosen as the new capital. The city was purposefully built to replace Karachi and officially became the capital on August 14, 1963. The decision to establish Islamabad as the capital was part of broader efforts to develop a new, well-planned city that could better serve as the administrative and political center of Pakistan.
On February 23, 1954, the first large-scale trial of the polio vaccine
developed by Dr. Jonas Salk began in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The trial
involved nearly 2 million children, known as the "Polio Pioneers," who
received the vaccine. This marked a significant step in the fight
against polio, a debilitating and potentially deadly disease that had
caused widespread fear and epidemics. The success of the trial
eventually led to the widespread use of the Salk vaccine, which played a
crucial role in the near-eradication of polio in many parts of the
world.
On 22 February 1909 the Great White Fleet—a group of sixteen battleships of the United States Navy, painted in white with gilded scrollwork—returned to the United States after completing a worldwide voyage. The fleet was led by the USS Connecticut (BB-18) and had embarked on its journey on December 16, 1907, under the order of President Theodore Roosevelt.
This journey was a demonstration of American naval power and aimed to showcase the United States' growing military and maritime capabilities. Over fourteen months, the fleet traveled around 43,000 nautical miles, visited 20 ports on six continents, and engaged in various diplomatic and goodwill missions.
The successful return of the fleet marked a significant moment in U.S. naval history, reinforcing America’s global presence and signaling its emergence as a major world power.
Carnival in Italy, known as "Carnevale" in Italian, is a festive season that takes place in the weeks leading up to Lent. It is a time of vibrant celebrations, parades, costumes, music, and various events. The exact dates of Carnival can vary each year, as it is linked to the Christian liturgical calendar, specifically the period before the Lenten season.
Key features of Carnevale in Italy include:
Venice Carnival: The Carnival of Venice is one of the most famous and elaborate carnivals in the world. Participants wear elaborate masks and costumes, and the city is filled with masquerade balls, parades, and various events. The use of masks allows people to participate anonymously and indulge in a sense of mystery and revelry.
Parades and Festivities: Many Italian cities and towns celebrate Carnival with colorful parades, lively street festivals, and processions. Participants often wear costumes, and the atmosphere is filled with music, dancing, and entertainment.
Traditional Foods: Carnival is also a time for indulging in special foods and sweets. Each region in Italy has its own traditional Carnival treats, such as "chiacchiere" or "frappe" (sweet pastries), "castagnole" (fried dough balls), and various types of sweets.
Masked Balls: In addition to Venice, other Italian cities host masked balls and parties during Carnival. These events often feature live music, dancing, and socializing in a festive and glamorous atmosphere.
Historical and Cultural Significance: Carnival has deep historical roots in Italy, dating back to ancient Roman and medieval traditions. It traditionally represents a period of revelry and celebration before the solemn season of Lent, a time of fasting and reflection in the Christian calendar.
Malcolm X, he was a prominent African American civil rights activist and a leader in the Nation of Islam. Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska, and he became a powerful advocate for the rights of African Americans during the turbulent 1950s and 1960s.
He initially joined the Nation of Islam, led by Elijah Muhammad, and became a prominent spokesperson for the organization. Malcolm X advocated for black self-defense, economic empowerment, and the rejection of white domination. However, he later broke with the Nation of Islam and embraced Sunni Islam after making a pilgrimage to Mecca.
Malcolm X continued his activism for civil rights, emphasizing human rights and the importance of global solidarity among oppressed peoples. Unfortunately, he was assassinated on 21 February 1965, in New York City. Malcolm X's legacy endures, and he is remembered as a significant figure in the struggle for civil rights and social justice in the United States.
The first self-propelling steam locomotive, known as the "Puffing
Devil," was built by Richard Trevithick, and it made its outing on
21 February 1801, at the Penydarren Ironworks in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales.
The locomotive successfully carried iron and passengers, marking a
significant development in the history of rail transportation.
A number of peace symbols have been used many ways in various cultures and contexts. The dove and olive branch was used symbolically by early Christians and then eventually became a secular peace symbol, popularized by a Dove lithograph by Pablo Picasso after World War II. In the 1950s the "peace sign", as it is known today (also known as "peace and love"), was designed by Gerald Holtom as the logo for the British Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), a group at the forefront of the peace movement in the UK, and adopted by anti-war and counterculture activists in the US and elsewhere. The symbol is a superposition of the semaphore signals for the letters "N" and "D", taken to stand for "nuclear disarmament", while simultaneously acting as a reference to Goya's The Third of May 1808 (1814) (aka "Peasant Before the Firing Squad").
Shabari was a devoted disciple of the sage Matanga and a fervent devotee of Lord Rama. According to the Ramayana, she spent years in asceticism, waiting for Lord Rama to visit her hermitage. When Lord Rama finally arrived, she offered him berries that she had first tasted to ensure they were sweet, an act that symbolized her selfless love and devotion. Despite being of a humble background and from a tribal community, Shabari's devotion was so pure that she was blessed by Lord Rama himself.
Date: Shabari Jayanti is celebrated on the Saptami (7th day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Phalguna, which usually falls in February or March according to the Gregorian calendar.
Rituals and Traditions: On this day, devotees remember and honor Shabari's devotion by reading and reciting her story from the Ramayana. Special prayers, bhajans (devotional songs), and rituals are performed in temples, especially in those dedicated to Lord Rama. In some regions, people visit temples and participate in communal prayers to celebrate Shabari’s unyielding devotion.
Cultural Importance: Shabari Jayanti is not just a celebration of a mythological figure but also a reminder of the spiritual teachings of the Ramayana, emphasizing that devotion and purity of heart transcend caste, creed, and social status. Shabari's story is often used to highlight the idea that true devotion is the path to attaining the grace of the divine.
Shabari Jayanti is thus a day to reflect on the values of humility, devotion, and the belief that divine grace can be attained by anyone who possesses a pure heart and sincere faith.
Every year on the third Thursday of February, World Anthropology Day is observed. And it occurs on February 20 this year. The day is designated to honour the untapped area and educate the general public about anthropology. However, let's first define anthropology before moving on to the history and significance of World Anthropology Day.
The scientific study of humanity is known as anthropology. It investigates the beginnings and progression of human societies and cultures. Different scientific methodologies are used to examine traits in historical and contemporary communities. The study also aids in our understanding of how the world functions, the reasons behind our behavior, and how our environments are influenced by us.
image from Postbleed.com
National Arabian Horse Day is an informal U.S. holiday that is
celebrated on February 19. It is one of those animal holidays that
millions of Americans cherish. This is because Arabian horses have
become so widespread in the country that, even though they could only be
owned by people of affluence originally, they are now beasts that any
average American can own. Despite the Middle East being the earliest
origin of the horse breed, more than half of the few million Arabian
horses in the world are found in the U.S. ground.
International Tug-of-War Day celebrates tug of war, a game where two teams compete, trying to pull a rope so that a center marker comes to their team's side. Sometimes a puddle of mud or pool of water is put in the middle, so that the losing team will be pulled into it. Usually each team has eight members, although other numbers are possible. At times it has even been a two person sport, and in Taiwan in 1997, there were 1,600 participants in one game.
Tug of war was played in ancient Egypt, Greece, China, and India. It originated in ancient ceremonies, and then came to be used to train warriors, entertain kings, and settle disputes. Sometimes it was used as a game to train for others sports. In some circumstances, a wooden stake has been used instead of a rope.
Over 50 countries have formal national tug of war organizations; there are tug of war clubs, and outdoor and indoor competitions. Tug of war was an Olympic sport from 1900 until 1920, when a decision was made to have less participants in the Olympic games, and the sport was cancelled. The Tug of War International Federation was created in 1960 out of a need for international competition, and shortly thereafter, a competition was held in Sweden. In 1965, the first European Championships began being held in England, and continued until 1975, when countries outside of Europe joined to create the first World Championships, held in the Netherlands. Today, World Championships are held every other year, with European Championships in the intervening years. In 1999, the Tug of War International Federation received provisional recognition from the International Olympic Committee, and in 2002, they received formal recognition. As of late there has been a push to bring tug of war back into the summer Olympics.
