17 August - USA celebrates "I Love My Feet Day"

 

"National I Love My Feet Day" is a lighthearted observance in the United States that encourages people to appreciate and take care of their feet. Celebrated annually on August 17th, this day serves as a reminder to acknowledge the importance of foot health and well-being.

Feet play a significant role in our daily lives, carrying us through various activities and supporting our body's weight. On "National I Love My Feet Day," individuals are encouraged to pamper their feet with relaxation, foot massages, moisturizing treatments, and perhaps even a pedicure. This day also highlights the importance of proper footwear, foot hygiene, and regular foot care routines to maintain overall health.

Whether you're enjoying a foot spa session, wearing comfortable shoes, or simply taking a moment to express gratitude for your feet, "National I Love My Feet Day" serves as a playful reminder to show some love and care to these essential parts of our bodies.

 

17 August - Madan Lal Dhingra death anniversary

 

Madan Lal Dhingra (1883 – 1909) was a young Indian revolutionary who played a crucial role in the struggle for India's independence from British colonial rule. Born on 18 September 1883, in Amritsar, Punjab, Dhingra's life was tragically cut short at the age of 25 when he was assassinated on 17 August 1909, in London, United Kingdom.

Dhingra's unwavering dedication to the cause of Indian independence led him to become a prominent member of the Indian nationalist movement. He studied law in England and was deeply influenced by the ideas of freedom and self-determination. Dhingra was an active member of organizations like the Indian Home Rule Society and the Abhinav Bharat, both of which aimed to challenge British dominance and advocate for India's sovereignty.

His most notable act was the assassination of Sir William Hutt Curzon Wyllie, a former official of the British colonial administration, in London. This act of violence was a response to the oppressive British policies and served as a symbol of resistance against the colonial regime.

Madan Lal Dhingra's courage and sacrifice inspired many in India and abroad to continue the struggle for independence. His actions emphasized the urgent need for India to achieve self-governance and sparked conversations about the lengths to which individuals were willing to go to free their country from foreign rule.

Every year, on his birth anniversary on 18th September, and his death anniversary on August 17th, people remember and honor Madan Lal Dhingra's contribution to the fight for India's freedom. His legacy serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who dared to challenge colonial oppression and paved the way for a sovereign and independent India.

 

17 August - The Radcliffe Line the border between the India and Pakistan, is revealed

The Radcliffe Line refers to the boundary demarcation line that was drawn by Sir Cyril Radcliffe during the partition of British India in 1947. This line effectively divided the provinces of Punjab and Bengal along religious lines, creating the separate nations of India and Pakistan.

The Radcliffe Line was named after Sir Cyril Radcliffe, a British lawyer and chairman of the Boundary Commission that was tasked with defining the border between the two newly formed countries. The line was drawn hastily, and Radcliffe had little time to familiarize himself with the complex cultural and religious dynamics of the region.

The partition of British India into India and Pakistan was a result of mounting communal tensions and demands for separate nations based on religious identity. The Radcliffe Line aimed to create a boundary that would roughly divide the Hindu-majority areas from the Muslim-majority areas.

However, the division was far from smooth, and the hasty drawing of the border led to significant complexities and challenges. The partition resulted in massive displacement, violence, and loss of life as millions of people were uprooted from their homes and forced to migrate to the country that corresponded with their religious identity.

The Radcliffe Line has left a lasting impact on the history and geopolitics of the Indian subcontinent. The border created by this line remains a significant aspect of the India-Pakistan relationship and has shaped the identities and destinies of the two nations and their people.

17 August - Malayalam New Year Vishu 2023

 

   

Vishu is the traditional New Year festival celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala, especially among the Malayalam-speaking community.  Vishu marks the beginning of the Malayalam calendar and is observed as a day of joy, prosperity, and good fortune.

The word "Vishu" means "equal" in Sanskrit, referring to the equinox that occurs around this time of year. The festival is characterized by the ritualistic arrangement of items known as "Vishukkani" (Vishu's first sight). This arrangement consists of various auspicious items such as rice, fruits, vegetables, flowers, gold coins, and a mirror, all arranged in front of an image of Lord Krishna or a deity. It is believed that viewing the Vishukkani as the first thing upon waking up on Vishu brings blessings and prosperity for the entire year.

Another important aspect of Vishu is the tradition of giving and receiving "Vishu Kaineettam," which involves elders giving money or gifts to the younger members of the family, symbolizing blessings for a prosperous year ahead.

Vishu is also a time for feasting, family gatherings, cultural performances, and fireworks. Traditional sweets and special dishes are prepared and enjoyed during the festivities.

Please note that the dates and customs associated with Vishu can vary slightly from year to year and from region to region within Kerala.

Owing to the vibrant yellow flowers, the Amaltas flower is designated as the national flower of Thailand and the state national flower of Kerala

17 August -- Gabon's Independence Day

 

 

Gabon's Independence Day, known as "Fête de l'Indépendance," is celebrated on August 17th each year. On this day in 1960, Gabon officially gained independence from French colonial rule. The country's first President, Léon M'ba, played a significant role in the negotiations leading to independence.

Independence Day in Gabon is a national holiday marked by various festivities, parades, cultural events, and celebrations across the country. It is a time for Gabonese people to reflect on their history, honor their national heritage, and celebrate their sovereignty as a nation. The capital city, Libreville, is often a focal point for the celebrations, featuring flag-raising ceremonies, traditional performances, and other commemorative activities.

17 August - Indonesia Independence Day

 

Indonesia's Independence Day, also known as "Hari Kemerdekaan Republik Indonesia," is celebrated on August 17th each year. On this day in 1945, Indonesia declared its independence from Dutch colonial rule. The Proclamation of Indonesian Independence was read by Sukarno and Hatta, two prominent nationalist leaders, and marked the beginning of Indonesia's journey as a sovereign nation.

Independence Day is a significant national holiday in Indonesia, marked by various celebrations, events, parades, and cultural performances throughout the country. It is a time for Indonesians to reflect on their history, honor their national heroes, and celebrate the unity and diversity of their nation. The flag-raising ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta is a particularly important and symbolic part of the Independence Day celebrations.

17 August - Dashrath Manjhi mountain man death anniversary

 

Dashrath Manjhi (14 January 1934– 17 August 2007), also known as Mountain Man, was an Indian laborer from Gehlaur village, near Gaya in the state of Bihar. When his wife died in 1959 due to injury caused by falling from a mountain and due to the same mountain blocking easy access to a nearby hospital in time, he decided to carve a 110 meter-long (360 ft), and 9.1 meter-wide (30 ft) wide path and 7.7 meter-deep (25 ft) path through a ridge of hills using only a hammer and a chisel.After 22 years of work, Dashrath shortened travel between the Atri and Wazirganj blocks of Gaya district from 55 km to 15 km.He travelled to New Delhi to get recognition of his work and was rewarded by then Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar. In 2016, Indian Post issued a postage stamp featuring Manjhi. 

16 August - Parsi new year /Navroz

 

Navroz- translated to 'a new day' - is the time to welcome the new year for Parsi community. Also known as Nowruz or Persian New Year, the first day of Zoroastrian calendar Farvardin is observed all over the world on March 21around the time of vernal equinox as the triumph of spring over darkness. Rooted in Zoroastrianism, the festival is celebrated in many countries which have Persian cultural influence like India, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and parts of Central Asia. On this day, Parsis in India clean their homes, decorate it, wear new clothes, pray to God for happiness and prosperity and invite friends over for a good time and hearty meal. 

16 august - Bennington Battle Day

 

Bennington Battle Day is a holiday that commemorates the Battle of Bennington, a significant engagement during the American Revolutionary War. The battle took place on August 16, 1777, near Bennington, Vermont, which was then a part of the New Hampshire Grants. The battle was fought between American colonial forces, primarily composed of New Hampshire and Vermont militiamen, and British and Hessian troops under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Friedrich Baum.

The American forces, led by General John Stark, decisively defeated the British and Hessian troops, inflicting heavy casualties and capturing a substantial amount of supplies and equipment. This victory was important for the American cause as it boosted morale, hindered British plans, and contributed to the turning point in the Revolutionary War.

Bennington Battle Day is primarily celebrated in Vermont on August 16th each year, although the exact observance might vary from place to place. It's an opportunity for people to remember and honor the sacrifices of those who fought in the battle and to reflect on the significance of the event in American history. Various activities, parades, reenactments, and educational events might take place on this day to commemorate the Battle of Bennington and its role in the larger struggle for American independence.

16 August - Ramakrishna Paramahamsa death anniversary

 

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836–1886) was a renowned Indian mystic, saint, and spiritual teacher whose teachings and insights have left an indelible mark on Hindu spirituality. Born on February 18, 1836, in Kamarpukur, West Bengal, India, Ramakrishna was a deeply spiritual soul from a young age.

Ramakrishna's life was characterized by his intense devotion to God and his unwavering pursuit of spiritual truth. He practiced and explored various religious paths and traditions, including Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, under the guidance of several spiritual mentors.

One of Ramakrishna's most significant contributions was his emphasis on the universality of religious experience. He famously declared that all religions are valid paths to the same ultimate reality and that different spiritual practices are like different paths up the same mountain.

Ramakrishna's teachings and insights attracted a diverse group of followers, including the notable disciple Swami Vivekananda. His teachings laid the foundation for the Ramakrishna Mission, a spiritual and philanthropic organization dedicated to the service of humanity.

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa's life and teachings continue to inspire millions of people around the world. He passed away on August 16, 1886, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual wisdom, tolerance, and the belief in the unity of all religions. His teachings have had a profound impact on modern Hindu thought and have contributed to the broader understanding of spirituality and the human experience.