29 April - Anagarika Dharmapala death anniversary

 

Anagarika Dharmapala, born Don David Hewavitharane on September 17, 1864, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, was a prominent Sri Lankan Buddhist revivalist and a key figure in the global Buddhist movement. He played a significant role in reviving Buddhism in India and was one of the founding contributors to the establishment of the Maha Bodhi Society in 1891, which aimed to restore and protect the sacred sites associated with the life of the Buddha.

Dharmapala adopted the title "Anagarika," which means a homeless, celibate, lay devotee, dedicating his life to the spread of Buddhism. He was also involved in social reform, education, and nationalistic movements in Sri Lanka, advocating for both spiritual and societal awakening.

He passed away on 29 April 1933, in Sarnath, India, leaving behind a legacy that influenced the spread of Buddhism worldwide, especially in the West. His work contributed to the preservation of key Buddhist sites, including Bodh Gaya.

29 April - Buenos Aires issues its first postage stamps, depicting a steamship in 1858

 

On 29 April 1858, Buenos Aires, which was then an independent state, issued its first postage stamps. These stamps depicted a steamship and were the first adhesive stamps to be issued in Argentina. They were used for postage within the region controlled by Buenos Aires at the time.

The introduction of postage stamps was a significant development in the postal system, as it standardized postage rates and facilitated the prepayment of mail. The steamship design on the stamps symbolized the importance of maritime transportation for Buenos Aires, which was a major port city.

The issuance of postage stamps marked an important milestone in the history of Argentina's postal service and reflected the growing importance of communication and trade during the mid-19th century. Today, these early stamps are highly collectible and serve as valuable historical artifacts.