27 July - Bal Gangadhar Tilak arrest in 1897

 

In the late 1890s, plague had struck Pune and surrounding areas. The British administration adopted harsh, intrusive plague control measures, such as house searches and forced evacuations, which led to public resentment.

• On 22 June 1897, British officers Walter Rand and Lt. Ayerst were assassinated by the Chapekar brothers, Damodar and Balkrishna Chapekar, in Pune.

• Tilak had published strong critiques of British actions and praised Shivaji for resisting tyranny, in his articles in Kesari (Marathi) and Mahratta (English).

🔹 Arrest & Charges

• Tilak was arrested on 27 July 1897, under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code for sedition, accused of inciting violence through his writings.

• His writings were interpreted by the British as justifying the murder of Rand, although Tilak never explicitly supported violence.

🔹 Aftermath

• He was tried and sentenced to 18 months’ rigorous imprisonment.

• This was the first time Tilak was jailed, and it marked the beginning of his long and defiant stand against British rule.

• The arrest galvanized Indian political consciousness. Nationalist leaders and the public viewed Tilak as a martyr of free speech and Indian pride.

---

🧭 Significance

• Catalyst for Radical Nationalism: Tilak’s arrest intensified the divide between moderate and extremist factions within the Indian National Congress.

• He famously declared:

  "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it!"
  (Though this slogan came later, in 1906, it was rooted in this spirit of defiance.)

• The event is now seen as a turning point in Indian nationalism, where public political critique of British colonialism took a more assertive and mass-based turn.

27 July - Hariyali Teej

 

Hariyali Teej, also known as Teej, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated primarily by married women in India, especially in the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Bihar. The festival falls on the third day (Teej) of the bright half of the Hindu lunar month of Shravan (usually in late July or August ). It is celebrated with enthusiasm and joy to honor the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

The term "Hariyali" translates to "greenery" or "verdant," indicating the lush greenery of the monsoon season when the festival is observed. Teej marks the arrival of the monsoon and is a celebration of fertility, marital bliss, and the power of married women.

On this day, married women dress in colorful traditional attire, often wearing green-colored clothing and adorn themselves with beautiful jewelry. They come together to participate in various cultural and religious activities to celebrate the festival.

Key rituals and customs observed during Hariyali Teej include:

1. Fasting: Married women observe a day-long fast, abstaining from food and water. The fast is observed to seek blessings for the well-being and longevity of their husbands.

2. Puja and Worship: Women offer prayers and perform puja (ritual worship) to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. They visit temples and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to seek divine blessings for a happy and prosperous married life.

3. Swing Rides: Teej is synonymous with swings, especially decorated swings called "jhulas." Women enjoy swinging on these jhulas, singing folk songs, and celebrating the essence of the monsoon season.

4. Music, Dance, and Celebrations: Women participate in cultural programs, singing and dancing to traditional Teej songs and folk music. The atmosphere is filled with joy, laughter, and camaraderie.

5. Applying Henna: Applying henna (mehndi) on hands and feet is an essential part of Hariyali Teej celebrations. Women adorn their hands with intricate henna designs as a symbol of love and prosperity.

Hariyali Teej holds immense cultural significance and is a time for married women to strengthen their marital bonds, celebrate womanhood, and rejoice in the beauty of nature. It also showcases the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the regions where it is celebrated. The festival fosters a sense of community and togetherness as women come together to mark this auspicious occasion.