17 September - Lord Vishwakarma Jayanti

 

Lord Vishwakarma Jayanti, also known as Vishwakarma Puja, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in honor of Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect and craftsman of the gods. This festival typically falls on the last day of the Indian lunar calendar month of Bhadra, which usually corresponds to September or October in the Gregorian calendar. In some regions of India, it is observed on different dates.

Lord Vishwakarma is revered as the creator of the universe's various celestial palaces, weapons, and other divine objects. He is considered the ultimate craftsman and architect and is believed to be the original creator of various machines and tools.

On Vishwakarma Jayanti, artisans, craftsmen, factory workers, and industrial workers pay homage to Lord Vishwakarma to seek his blessings for their tools, machinery, and workplaces. The festivities typically include the following rituals:

1. Worship: People clean and decorate their workplaces and machinery. They offer prayers and perform special pujas (ritual worship) to Lord Vishwakarma. Idols or images of Lord Vishwakarma are installed and adorned with flowers and other offerings.

2. Distribution of Prasad: Sweets and other traditional offerings, known as prasad, are prepared and distributed among workers and family members.

3. Feasting: People often engage in feasting and celebrate the day with traditional meals and sweets.

4. Craftsmanship Exhibitions: In some places, exhibitions showcasing the work of artisans and craftsmen are organized to highlight their skills and craftsmanship.

5. Artisan Processions: In certain regions, processions featuring artisans and their tools are taken out as a mark of respect to Lord Vishwakarma.

Vishwakarma Jayanti is not only a day of religious significance but also an occasion to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of craftsmen, engineers, and all those involved in various forms of craftsmanship and industrial work. It is a day to celebrate the spirit of creativity, innovation, and hard work.

17 September - Hyderabad Liberation Day

 

Hyderabad Liberation Day is observed on September 17th each year. It commemorates the day when the Indian state of Hyderabad was liberated and integrated into the Indian Union in 1948.

Before its integration into India, Hyderabad was one of the largest princely states in India, ruled by the Nizam, who was the monarch. When India gained independence from British colonial rule in 1947, the princely states were given the option to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent. The Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, initially wanted to keep Hyderabad as an independent state, which led to tensions with the Indian government.

The situation escalated, and in September 1948, the Indian government launched a military operation known as "Operation Polo" to annex Hyderabad and bring it into the newly independent India. The operation resulted in the surrender of the Nizam's forces, and Hyderabad became a part of the Indian Union on September 17, 1948.

Hyderabad Liberation Day is celebrated in the state of Telangana, of which Hyderabad is now the capital, as a day to remember and honor the integration of Hyderabad into the Indian Union and the end of the princely rule. It signifies the importance of preserving the unity and integrity of the newly independent India.

16 September - Malaysia Day

 

Malaysia Day is an annual public holiday in Malaysia that is celebrated on September 16th each year. This significant day commemorates the establishment of the Federation of Malaysia, which occurred on September 16, 1963.

On this day in 1963, the Federation of Malaysia was formed through the merger of Malaya (Peninsular Malaysia), Sabah (then known as North Borneo), Sarawak, and Singapore. The purpose of this union was to create a larger and more unified political entity, which would include territories on the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo.

However, Singapore's participation in the federation was short-lived. In 1965, Singapore was expelled from Malaysia and became an independent nation due to political and economic differences. Since then, Malaysia Day has continued to be celebrated as a significant national holiday in Malaysia, commemorating the unity and formation of the federation.

Malaysia Day is a day for Malaysians to reflect on the nation's history, diversity, and the importance of unity among its various ethnic and cultural groups. It is a time for patriotic celebrations, cultural events, and festivities across the country, with various activities, parades, and fireworks displays taking place to mark the occasion.

16 September - Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi birth anniversary

 

Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi, born on September 16, 1916, and passing away on December 11, 2004, was an iconic Indian classical musician and renowned Carnatic vocalist. She was often referred to as M.S. Subbulakshmi or simply MS.

M.S. Subbulakshmi's contribution to Indian classical music and culture is immeasurable. She possessed a divine voice that transcended boundaries and touched the hearts of audiences around the world. Her talent and dedication to the art of Carnatic music earned her widespread acclaim and numerous accolades.

One of her most remarkable achievements was becoming the first Indian musician to receive the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1974, which recognized her outstanding contributions to the performing arts. Her rendition of devotional songs, including those by revered Indian saints like Tyagaraja and Annamacharya, was particularly celebrated.

M.S. Subbulakshmi's impact extended beyond music. Her philanthropic endeavors, including fundraising through her music for charitable causes, demonstrated her commitment to social welfare and humanitarianism.

Her legacy lives on through her recordings, which continue to enchant music enthusiasts, and through the M.S. Subbulakshmi Foundation, which promotes and preserves Indian classical music and culture. Her birthday, September 16, is celebrated as a day to remember her remarkable life, contributions, and the enduring power of her music.

 

16 September - Martyrs' Day (Libya)

 

Martyrs' Day in Libya is observed on September 16th each year. It is a significant national holiday that commemorates the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives during the Libyan Revolution of 2011, which ultimately led to the overthrow of the longstanding regime of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

The Libyan Revolution, also known as the Libyan Civil War, began in February 2011 as a part of the wider Arab Spring movement sweeping across the Middle East and North Africa. It was a popular uprising against the authoritarian rule of Muammar Gaddafi, who had been in power for more than four decades.

Martyrs' Day is a solemn occasion for Libyans to remember and honor the individuals who lost their lives during the revolution. It is a day of reflection, remembrance, and gratitude for those who made sacrifices for the cause of freedom and democracy in Libya. The day serves to remind the nation of the importance of protecting and upholding the principles of justice, democracy, and human rights.

Commemorative events and ceremonies are held across Libya on Martyrs' Day. These may include laying wreaths at memorials, visiting the graves of fallen revolutionaries, and organizing public gatherings to reflect on the significance of the day and to renew the commitment to building a democratic and prosperous Libya in honor of the martyrs.

16 September - Mexico Independence Day

 

Mexico Independence Day, known as "El Grito de Dolores" or simply "Independencia de México," is celebrated on September 16th each year. It commemorates the start of the Mexican War of Independence from Spanish colonial rule.

The origins of Mexico's struggle for independence can be traced back to the early 19th century when discontent and desire for self-determination began to grow among the Mexican population. The famous event that triggered the war occurred on the night of September 15, 1810, when Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest, along with other leaders, issued a call to rebellion against Spanish rule from the town of Dolores (now Dolores Hidalgo) in the state of Guanajuato.

Hidalgo's cry for independence, known as "El Grito de Dolores," marked the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence. It was a call to arms that resonated with people across Mexico, leading to a prolonged and bloody struggle for freedom.

Independence Day celebrations in Mexico begin on the evening of September 15th with the reenactment of "El Grito" by the country's president or other officials. They ring the historic bell associated with Hidalgo and shout "¡Viva México!" (Long live Mexico!) from the balconies of government buildings across the country. This event is followed by fireworks, music, and festive gatherings throughout the night.

On September 16th, Independence Day is marked by parades, patriotic displays, and celebrations that continue throughout the day. The Mexican flag is prominently displayed, and people engage in various cultural activities, including traditional music, dancing, and cuisine.

Mexico Independence Day is a significant national holiday that symbolizes the country's struggle for freedom and its rich cultural heritage. It is a time for Mexicans to come together, express their national pride, and celebrate their history and identity.

 

16 September - Papua New Guinea Independence Day

 

Papua New Guinea Independence Day, also known as National Day, is celebrated on September 16th each year. It commemorates the day in 1975 when Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australian colonial rule.

Before independence, Papua New Guinea was administered as a territory by Australia. However, the nation's journey to self-governance and independence was a gradual process. In the years leading up to 1975, Papua New Guinea went through a period of self-government, gaining increasing control over its internal affairs and governance.

On September 16, 1975, the Australian flag was lowered, and the new national flag of Papua New Guinea was raised for the first time, symbolizing the country's independence. This historic event marked the end of colonial rule and the beginning of a new era for the people of Papua New Guinea as they took control of their own nation.

Independence Day in Papua New Guinea is celebrated with various events, including parades, cultural performances, traditional rituals, and speeches by political leaders. It is a time for reflection on the country's history and the achievements of its people. The day is also an opportunity to celebrate Papua New Guinea's rich cultural diversity, as the country is home to hundreds of indigenous languages and diverse ethnic groups.

16 September - World Barber Day

 

World Barber Day is an annual observance dedicated to celebrating and appreciating the role of barbers in communities around the world. It aims to recognize the positive impact barbers have on people's lives, not only through grooming and hairstyling but also as listeners, confidants, and community builders.

World Barber Day is typically marked by various events and activities, both online and offline, organized by barbershops and individuals in the barbering profession. These activities often include offering free haircuts to those in need, promoting community engagement, and raising awareness about the importance of mental health and well-being.

The day also serves as an opportunity to highlight the unique cultural aspects of barbering and the contributions of barbers to the local and global community. While the specific date of World Barber Day may vary from year to year, it is generally celebrated on the third Sunday in September.

The concept of World Barber Day is relatively recent but has gained momentum in recognizing the essential role that barbers play in society, beyond their skills with scissors and razors. It emphasizes the importance of building connections and providing support, making barbershops not just places for grooming but also safe spaces for dialogue and camaraderie.

16 September - USA celebrates "The Batman Day"

 

The Batman Day unofficial holiday feasts and honours one of the world’s majority well-known comic book superhero. While the beginning of this holiday is unknown, the counsellor consensus is that the day commemorated the date in 1939 when the offence fighter made his exposed in the Detective Comics #27. Batman is an imaginary superhero manufactured by Bob Kane and Bill Finger and broadcast by DC Comics. The protagonist who made his prime appearance in May 1939 is also occasionally known as the Caped Crusader and The Dark Knight. His real designation, nevertheless, is Bruce Wayne, a billionaire who wears a bat clothing while combating crime in the imaginary Gotham City.

#Batman Day

15 September - C.N. Annadurai birth anniversary

 

C.N. Annadurai, born on 15 September 1909, and passing away on 03 February 1969, was a prominent Indian politician, writer, and the first Chief Minister of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. He is affectionately referred to as "Anna," meaning elder brother in Tamil, by the people of Tamil Nadu due to his immense popularity and his role in shaping the state's political and social landscape.

Annadurai was a prolific writer and orator who used his literary and speaking skills to advocate for social justice, the rights of the Tamil-speaking population, and the Dravidian ideology, which aimed to uplift the marginalized sections of society in Tamil Nadu. He was a key figure in the Dravidian movement, which sought to assert Tamil identity and challenge the dominance of the Brahmin caste in politics and society.

In 1967, Annadurai's Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party won the state elections, and he became the first non-Congress Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. During his brief but impactful tenure as Chief Minister, he implemented several progressive policies, including the abolition of the use of Hindi as a compulsory language in schools, emphasizing Tamil language and culture, and introducing measures to improve education and healthcare in the state.

C.N. Annadurai's legacy as a leader who championed the cause of the Tamil people and the Dravidian movement continues to influence Tamil Nadu's politics and cultural identity. His birthday, September 15, is celebrated as a day to remember his contributions to the state's development and to honor his enduring legacy.