26 March - Martyr's Day or Day of Democracy Mali

 

Martyr's Day, also known as Day of Democracy, is observed in Mali on March 26th each year. This day commemorates the tragic events of March 26, 1991, when a peaceful pro-democracy demonstration in Bamako, the capital city of Mali, turned violent, resulting in the deaths of numerous protesters.

The demonstrators were calling for democratic reforms and an end to the authoritarian rule of President Moussa Traoré, who had been in power since 1968. The government responded to the protests with violence, leading to a massacre in which hundreds of civilians were killed.

The massacre on March 26, 1991, marked a turning point in Mali's history, eventually leading to the ousting of President Moussa Traoré and the establishment of a multi-party democracy in the country. In the aftermath of the massacre, Mali transitioned to a democratic system of government, with free and fair elections held regularly.

Martyr's Day is observed in Mali to remember and honor those who lost their lives in the struggle for democracy and freedom. It serves as a reminder of the importance of democracy, human rights, and the need to safeguard the rights and freedoms of all citizens. The day may be marked with solemn ceremonies, remembrance events, and reflections on the country's democratic progress and challenges.

 

26 March - Purple Day (Canada and United States)

 

Purple Day is an international observance dedicated to raising awareness about epilepsy. It is observed annually on March 26th in Canada and the United States, as well as in many other countries around the world.

The initiative was started by Cassidy Megan, a young girl from Canada who wanted to increase understanding about epilepsy and reduce the stigma associated with it. Purple was chosen as the color for epilepsy awareness, as it symbolizes bravery and determination.

On Purple Day, people are encouraged to wear purple clothing or accessories, and various events and activities are organized to educate the public about epilepsy, its symptoms, and how to provide support to individuals living with the condition. Schools, workplaces, and community organizations often participate in Purple Day activities to show solidarity and raise awareness.

The ultimate goal of Purple Day is to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for people with epilepsy and to promote acceptance and understanding within society.

26 March - Vladimir Putin was elected President of Russia in 2000

 

March 26, 2000, is the date when Vladimir Putin was first elected President of Russia. He succeeded Boris Yeltsin, who resigned from the presidency, making Putin the acting president until the election. Putin won the election with a significant majority, marking the beginning of his presidency and his prominent role in Russian politics for the next two decades. He is the longest-serving Russian or Soviet leader since Joseph Stalin
 

26 March - Dr. Jonas Salk tested a vaccine to prevent polio

 

On 26 March 1953, Dr. Jonas Salk announced that he had successfully tested a vaccine to prevent polio, clinical trials began the next year.

Polio occurs naturally only in humans. It is highly infectious, and is spread from person to person either through fecal-oral transmission (e.g. poor hygiene, or by ingestion of food or water contaminated by human feces), or via the oral-oral route. Those who are infected may spread the disease for up to six weeks even if no symptoms are present. The disease may be diagnosed by finding the virus in the feces or detecting antibodies against it in the blood.

25 March - Sri Gaur Purnima 2024

 

"Sri Gaur Purnima" refers to the auspicious festival celebrated by followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, a tradition within Hinduism. It marks the appearance day of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is considered an incarnation of Lord Krishna and the foremost proponent of the congregational chanting of the holy names of the divine, particularly the Hare Krishna mantra.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was born on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Bengali month of Phalgun, which typically falls in February or March in the Gregorian calendar. Therefore, Sri Gaur Purnima is observed on this day to commemorate his divine appearance.

During Sri Gaur Purnima, devotees engage in various devotional activities such as singing bhajans (devotional songs), reciting scriptures, offering prayers, and performing kirtan (congregational chanting). They also reflect on the teachings and exemplary life of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, emphasizing love and devotion to God.

The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor, especially in the towns of Mayapur and Navadvipa in West Bengal, India, which are associated with the life and pastimes of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Devotees come together to participate in special ceremonies, processions, and spiritual discourses, expressing their devotion and seeking blessings on this sacred occasion.

 

25 March - City of Venice was founded in 421

 

 

Venice is a city in northeastern Italy and the capital of the Veneto region. It is built on a group of 118 small islands that are separated by canals and linked by over 400 bridges.The islands are in the shallow Venetian Lagoon, an enclosed bay lying between the mouths of the Po and the Piave rivers (more exactly between the Brenta and the Sile). In 2020, around 258,685 people resided in greater Venice or the Comune di Venezia, of whom around 55,000 live in the historical island city of Venice (centro storico) and the rest on the mainland (terraferma). Together with the cities of Padua and Treviso, Venice is included in the Padua-Treviso-Venice Metropolitan Area (PATREVE), which is considered a statistical metropolitan area, with a total population of 2.6 million.

 

25 March - The International Day of the Unborn Child

 

The International Day of the Unborn Child is commemorated every year on March 25. Unborn children are frequently denied the same rights as those who are born because their perceived value and right to life are linked to the wants and desires of the mother who carries the child in her womb. Unborn children, on the other hand, exist and are living members of the human family. The International Day of the Unborn Child is a day dedicated to commemorating all unborn children, celebrating their lives, renewing our commitment to safeguarding them, and advocating against abortion violence.

25 March - Medal of Honor Day (United States)

 

Medal of Honor Day is observed annually on March 25th in the United States. It is a day designated to honor the recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest and most prestigious military decoration awarded by the U.S. government.

The Medal of Honor is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who have distinguished themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their lives above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States.

Medal of Honor Day serves as an opportunity to pay tribute to the extraordinary bravery and selflessness of those who have received this honor. It honors their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to serving their country.

Various events and ceremonies may be held across the country on Medal of Honor Day to recognize recipients, remember their actions, and express gratitude for their service. These may include parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, military honors, and educational programs to raise awareness about the significance of the Medal of Honor and the individuals who have earned it.

 

25 March - Tolkien Reading Day

 

Tolkien Reading Day is an annual event held on March 25th to celebrate the life and works of J.R.R. Tolkien, the renowned author of "The Hobbit," "The Lord of the Rings," and other works set in Middle-earth. The date was chosen to coincide with the downfall of Sauron, a key event in Tolkien's legendarium, which occurred on March 25th within the fictional timeline.

Tolkien Reading Day encourages fans of Tolkien's works to revisit his books, share their favorite passages, host readings, and engage in discussions about the themes, characters, and languages found in Tolkien's writings. It's a day for fans to come together and celebrate their love for Middle-earth and the imaginative world created by Tolkien.

The event was established by the Tolkien Society, an organization dedicated to promoting the life and works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Since its inception, Tolkien Reading Day has grown in popularity, with fans around the world participating in various activities to honor Tolkien's legacy and the enduring appeal of his stories.

 

25 March -Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, is discovered

 

The discovery of Titan, Saturn's largest moon, was a significant event in the history of astronomy. However, the exact date of its discovery is a matter of some debate, as it was not a single momentous event but rather a gradual process.

Christiaan Huygens is credited with the discovery of Titan. He observed Saturn and its moons through a telescope he designed and built himself. Huygens made his first observations of Saturn's moons in the 1650s and 1660s, but he didn't realize that Titan was a moon distinct from the planet until March 25, 1655. On this date, Huygens made a more detailed observation and correctly interpreted Titan as a moon orbiting Saturn.

Huygens published his findings in his work "Systema Saturnium" in 1659, where he described the existence of a moon around Saturn, which he named "Luna Saturni" or Saturn's moon. Later, the moon was renamed Titan.

So while March 25, 1655, is often cited as the date of Titan's discovery, it's important to note that Huygens' work was the culmination of a series of observations over several years, rather than a single event. Nonetheless, Titan's discovery was a significant contribution to our understanding of the solar system and paved the way for further exploration of Saturn and its moons.