24 February - Rukmini Devi Arundale born

 

Rukmini Devi Arundale (née Shastri; 29 February 1904 – 24 February 1986)was an Indian theosophist, dancer and choreographer of the Indian classical dance form of Bharatanatyam, and an activist for animal welfare.

She was the first woman in Indian history to be nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament of India. The most important revivalist of Bharatanatyam from its original 'sadhir' style prevalent amongst the temple dancers, the Devadasis, she also worked for the re-establishment of traditional Indian arts and crafts.

She espoused the cause of Bharata Natyam which was considered a vulgar art. She 'sanitised' and removed the inherent eroticism of Sadhir to make it palatable to Indian upper-caste elites and the British morality of the era.

Rukmini Devi features in India Today's list of '100 People Who Shaped India'.She was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1956, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 1967.

24 February - Makha Bucha Day

 

Makha Bucha, also spelled Magha Puja, is a Buddhist festival that commemorates a special event in the life of Lord Buddha. It is observed on the full moon day of the third lunar month, usually falling in February. The term "Makha" is derived from the Pali language, and "Bucha" means to honor or venerate.

The festival is significant because it marks the occasion when 1,250 arahants, or enlightened disciples of the Buddha, spontaneously gathered to listen to a sermon delivered by the Buddha. The event is known as the "Ovada Patimokkha," where the Buddha laid down the principles of ethical conduct for his disciples.

Key aspects of Makha Bucha Day include:

1. Visiting Temples: Devotees visit Buddhist temples to participate in religious activities. They may engage in prayer, meditation, and rituals to honor the Triple Gem: the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (monastic community).

2. Candle Processions: Candlelit processions are a common feature of Makha Bucha celebrations. Participants walk around the main hall of the temple three times, holding candles, incense, and flowers. This symbolizes the Triple Gem.

3. Merit-Making Activities: Makha Bucha is a time for Buddhists to engage in merit-making activities. This includes acts of generosity, making offerings to monks, and practicing moral virtues.

4. Observance of Precepts: Buddhists may also observe the Five Precepts, which are ethical guidelines for moral conduct. These precepts include refraining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and intoxication.

5. Listening to Dhamma Talks: Devotees often listen to Dhamma talks or discourses that focus on the teachings of the Buddha. The goal is to deepen understanding and practice mindfulness.

Makha Bucha Day is observed in various Theravada Buddhist countries, including Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. The specific customs and traditions associated with the festival may vary among these countries, but the central theme remains the commemoration of the significant event in the Buddha's life and the practice of Buddhist principles.

24 February - Maghi Purnima

 

Maghi Purnima, also known as Magha/Magh Purnima, is a significant Hindu festival that falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Magha. This usually corresponds to the months of January or February in the Gregorian calendar. The festival holds cultural and religious importance in various regions of India.

Key aspects of Maghi Purnima include:

1. Religious Significance: Maghi Purnima is associated with various religious and cultural observances. Many Hindus take ritual baths in holy rivers on this day, believing that it cleanses them of sins. The sacred rivers, particularly the Ganges, are thronged by devotees during this time.

2. Maghi Snan (Bathing): One of the significant rituals on Maghi Purnima is the Maghi Snan, where devotees take a dip in sacred rivers before sunrise. It is believed that bathing in the holy waters on this day helps in purifying the soul.

3. Charitable Activities: Devotees often engage in charitable activities on Maghi Purnima, including giving donations, feeding the poor, and performing other acts of kindness. It is considered auspicious to engage in virtuous deeds during this time.

4. Pilgrimages and Fairs: Many people undertake pilgrimages to sacred sites, particularly to places associated with rivers. Fairs and festivals are organized in various regions, featuring cultural events, processions, and religious ceremonies.

5. Religious Observances: People offer prayers, visit temples, and participate in spiritual gatherings. Devotees also read or listen to religious texts and scriptures.

6. Kumbh Mela Connection: Maghi Purnima is especially significant during the Kumbh Mela, a major pilgrimage and festival in Hinduism. The Maghi Snan is an essential event during the Kumbh Mela, drawing millions of pilgrims.

 

24 February - The first Swaminarayan temple, in Ahmedabad India was inaugurated.

 

On 24th February 1822, Bhagwan Swaminarayan inaugurated the first Swaminarayan temple, the Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir, in Kalupur, Ahmedabad, India. This event is considered a significant moment in the history of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya.During the inauguration, it is said that Swaminarayan consecrated the idols in the temple and performed various rituals. The presence of a large gathering of 50,000 people made the event even more memorable. The temple in Ahmedabad is an important spiritual and cultural center for followers of the Swaminarayan faith.

24 February - ST. BEDE'S COLLEGE,Shimla postage stamp issued in 2006

 

St. Bede's College is a women's college in Navbahar, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. The college was originally established as a teacher's training institute in 1904 by the Religious of Jesus and Mary.

Today, it offers courses in Commerce, Arts, Sciences, Economics, English, Geography, Microbiology, etc. and is the only college in Himachal Pradesh to receive an 'A+' re-accreditation by UGC-NAAC. Students are commonly known as Bedians.

23 February - Yukon Heritage Day

 

Yukon Heritage Day brings the history and culture of the smallest of Canada’s three territories to the forefront of public attention, on the Friday before the last Sunday in February. Schools and Yukon government offices close, while business owners have the option of giving employees time off. 

The day is designed to coincide with The Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous, a festival in Yukon’s capital, Whitehorse. The event specifically revolves around the Yukon Gold Rush period of the 1890’s, featuring a “Queen” contest, sled dog races, air shows, and snow sculpture contests.

 

23 February - Mashramani - Republic Day (Guyana)

 

Mashramani is an annual festival celebrated in Guyana, and it is the country's Republic Day. It usually takes place on February 23rd. Mashramani, often referred to as "Mash," is a vibrant and colorful celebration that marks the anniversary of Guyana becoming a republic in 1970.

The word "Mashramani" is an Amerindian term that translates to "celebration after hard work." The festival includes lively parades, elaborate costumes, music, dance, and various cultural events. Guyanese people come together to showcase their national pride, creativity, and artistic talents during Mashramani.

The festivities typically feature a grand float parade, where organizations, groups, and individuals display their creativity through colorful costumes and thematic floats. Traditional Guyanese music, including calypso and steelpan performances, adds to the festive atmosphere.

Mashramani is not only a time of celebration but also an opportunity for Guyanese people to reflect on their cultural heritage and the journey towards becoming a republic. While the main celebration is in the capital city, Georgetown, various regions across the country also participate in local Mashramani events.

23 February - World Understanding and Peace Day

 

World Understanding and Peace Day takes place on February 23 every year. This day is actually a commemoration of the first meeting of Rotary that was held. This meeting of businessmen, which aimed to be a space where their backgrounds didn’t matter, started the chain of events that led to the formation of Rotary International. An international organization dedicated to humanitarian service as well as peace and goodwill throughout the world, Rotary International began in Chicago, U.S. The date of the first meeting has since become World Understanding and Peace Day, which is part of the World Understanding Month celebrations in February.

23 February - Red Army Day

 

Red Army Day historically referred to the day that commemorated the founding of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army in Soviet Russia. The Red Army was established on January 28, 1918, and Red Army Day was initially celebrated on this date. However, over time, the date of the celebration was changed.

In 1949, after the end of World War II, the Soviet government officially moved the celebration of Red Army Day to February 23rd. This date was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the first mass draft into the Red Army during the Russian Civil War.

While the Soviet Union no longer exists, and many former Soviet republics have transitioned to different forms of government, some countries may still observe military-related events on or around February 23rd as part of their historical legacy. It's worth noting that specific observances and their names may have changed in different countries since the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

23 February - Armed Forces Day Tajikistan

 

Tajikistan observes Armed Forces Day on February 23rd. Armed Forces Day in Tajikistan is a public holiday dedicated to honoring and celebrating the country's military forces. The day typically involves various events and activities to showcase the capabilities and contributions of the Tajik Armed Forces.