14 April - Vishu Festival

 

Vishu is a significant festival celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala and by Malayali people around the world. It usually falls in the Malayalam month of Medam, typically in April as per the Gregorian calendar. Vishu marks the beginning of the traditional New Year in the Malayalam calendar.

The festival is characterized by various rituals and customs, with the most prominent being the Vishukkani, which means "the first sight of the year." On Vishu morning, people wake up early to witness the Vishukkani arrangement, which consists of an assortment of auspicious items such as rice, fruits, vegetables, flowers, gold ornaments, and coins, all displayed in front of deities in the prayer room. It is believed that seeing this auspicious sight first thing in the morning brings prosperity and good fortune for the rest of the year.

Another essential aspect of Vishu is the Vishukkaineetam, where elders in the family give money or gifts to younger members as a token of blessings and prosperity. Special traditional dishes are prepared for the occasion, such as Vishu Sadhya, a grand feast served on banana leaves, which typically includes various vegetarian dishes like sambar, aviyal, thoran, and payasam.

Fireworks, cultural programs, and other festivities are also part of the Vishu celebrations, bringing together families and communities to rejoice in the spirit of the New Year. Overall, Vishu is a time of joy, renewal, and hope for a prosperous year ahead.

Reference of the Stamp : The blossom of the Indian Laburnum, also known as the Golden Shower tree or Kanikonna (in Malayalam), holds significant cultural and symbolic importance in Kerala and other parts of South India.

During Vishu, the sight of the Golden Shower tree in full bloom adds to the festive ambiance and is considered an auspicious symbol of prosperity and abundance. The bright yellow flowers of the Golden Shower tree are believed to represent the arrival of spring and the promise of a fruitful year ahead.

In many households, it is customary to include branches of the Golden Shower tree in the Vishukkani arrangement, along with other auspicious items. The vibrant yellow blossoms, along with the other elements of the Vishukkani, are meant to invoke blessings for a prosperous and successful year.

Beyond Vishu, the Golden Shower tree holds cultural significance in various other festivals and celebrations in India. Its blooming period often coincides with the onset of spring, and its flowers are used in religious ceremonies, decorations, and cultural events.

Overall, the blossom of the Indian Laburnum plays a symbolic role in Vishu and is cherished for its beauty and association with auspiciousness and prosperity.

14 April - Tamil New Year

 

Tamil New Year, also known as "Puthandu" or "Varusha Pirappu," is the celebration of the traditional Tamil New Year observed by Tamil people in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry in India, and by the Tamil population in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and other parts of the world. It typically falls on April 14th each year.

The Tamil New Year marks the beginning of the Chithirai month in the Tamil calendar and is a time of joy, renewal, and family gatherings. People celebrate by wearing new clothes, preparing special dishes, visiting temples to offer prayers, and exchanging greetings and gifts with loved ones.

One of the key customs of Tamil New Year is the preparation of a special dish called "Maanga Pachadi," which symbolizes the various aspects of life - sweetness, sourness, bitterness, and tanginess. This dish serves as a reminder of the ups and downs that one may experience in the coming year and the importance of accepting them all with equanimity.

Traditional cultural events, including music, dance, and religious ceremonies, are also held to mark the occasion. Overall, Tamil New Year is a time for reflection, gratitude, and looking forward to new beginnings.

 

14 April - National Dolphin Day USA

 

National Dolphin Day in the USA is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate these intelligent and charismatic marine mammals. Dolphins have long captured the human imagination with their playful behaviors and remarkable intelligence. This day serves not only as a reminder of their importance in our oceans but also as a call to action for their conservation and protection. It's a chance to raise awareness about the threats they face, such as habitat destruction, pollution, and bycatch, and to promote efforts to preserve their natural habitats. So, whether you're lucky enough to spot dolphins in the wild or simply appreciate them from afar, take a moment on National Dolphin Day to honor these incredible creatures and support their well-being.

14 April - Dhivehi Language Day (Maldives)

 

Dhivehi Language Day is celebrated on April 14th each year in the Maldives. This day commemorates the significance of the Dhivehi language, which is the official language of the Maldives and is spoken by the majority of the population.

Dhivehi Language Day serves to promote and preserve the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the Maldives. It highlights the importance of the Dhivehi language as a symbol of national identity and unity, as well as a vehicle for communication, literature, and cultural expression.

On Dhivehi Language Day, various events and activities are organized across the Maldives to celebrate the language and its importance in Maldivian society. These may include educational workshops, cultural performances, poetry recitals, and competitions aimed at promoting Dhivehi language and literature.

The celebration of Dhivehi Language Day is an opportunity for Maldivians to reaffirm their commitment to preserving and promoting their native language and to recognize its role in shaping the country's history, culture, and identity.

 

14 April - N'Ko Alphabet Day (Mande speakers)

 

N'Ko Alphabet Day is celebrated on April 14th each year by Mande speakers. The N'Ko alphabet is a script devised by Solomana Kante in 1949 for the Mande languages of West Africa. It is used primarily by speakers of Mande languages such as Bambara, Mandinka, Dyula, and others.

N'Ko Alphabet Day commemorates the creation and adoption of the N'Ko script, which has played a significant role in promoting literacy and cultural identity among Mande-speaking communities. The adoption of the N'Ko script has helped preserve and revitalize indigenous languages and traditions, empowering speakers to communicate in their own language and express their cultural heritage.

On N'Ko Alphabet Day, various events and activities are organized to celebrate the significance of the N'Ko script, including educational workshops, cultural exhibitions, and community gatherings. The day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of linguistic diversity and the role of indigenous scripts in preserving and promoting indigenous cultures and identities.

 

14 April - Day of Mologa (Yaroslavl Oblast, Russia)

 

Day of Mologa in Yaroslavl Oblast, Russia, celebrated on April 14th. This observance likely commemorates the history, culture, and significance of the town of Mologa within the region.

As Mologa is known for its historical importance and cultural heritage, it's fitting to have a dedicated day to honor and celebrate its legacy. The Day of Mologa may include various events and activities that showcase the town's history, traditions, and community spirit.

These celebrations could include cultural performances, exhibitions, historical reenactments, educational programs, and community gatherings aimed at promoting local pride and fostering connections among residents.

Observing the Day of Mologa on April 14th provides an opportunity for people in Yaroslavl Oblast to come together and appreciate the unique charm and significance of Mologa as a part of their regional identity.

 

14 April - World Quantum Day

 

World Quantum Day aimed at promoting awareness and understanding of quantum science and technology on a global scale. Events like this provide valuable opportunities for education, engagement, and collaboration in the field of quantum science.

Celebrating World Quantum Day on April 14 each year can help highlight the importance of quantum research and its potential to drive innovation across various industries. It can also foster discussions about the societal implications of quantum technologies and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers to pursue careers in this exciting field.

World Quantum Day started on 14 April 2021 as an initiative by an international group of scientists. The initiative was joined by engineers, educators, science communicators, organizations and others to celebrate the first World Quantum day on 14 April 2022. April 14 was chosen because "4.14" represents the rounded first 3 digits of Planck’s constant: 4.14×10−15 eV·s.

The US Senate passed a resolution commemorating and supporting World Quantum Day on May 2, 2023.

 

14 April - Youth Day Angola

 

Youth Day in Angola is celebrated on April 14th each year. This day commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of young Angolans who contributed to the country's struggle for independence from colonial rule.

Angola gained independence from Portugal on November 11, 1975, after years of armed conflict and resistance. During the struggle for independence, many young Angolans played vital roles in the fight against colonial oppression, demonstrating courage, resilience, and determination.

Youth Day serves as a reminder of the importance of youth in shaping the future of Angola and honoring the contributions of young people to the nation's development and progress. It's also an occasion to recognize the challenges and opportunities facing youth in contemporary Angolan society and to reaffirm the commitment to empowering and supporting young people in realizing their aspirations and potential.

14 April - Pan American Day

 

Pan American Day, also known as Pan American Week, is observed on April 14th each year. This day commemorates the establishment of the International Union of American Republics, which later became the Organization of American States (OAS), on April 14, 1890.

Pan American Day serves as a reminder of the bonds of friendship and cooperation among the countries of the Americas. It provides an opportunity for nations in the Western Hemisphere to celebrate their shared values, cultures, and aspirations for peace, democracy, and prosperity.

Many countries in the Americas observe Pan American Day with various events, including official ceremonies, cultural exhibitions, educational activities, and diplomatic exchanges. The day highlights the importance of regional cooperation and solidarity in addressing common challenges and promoting mutual understanding and development.

In addition to Pan American Day, some countries also celebrate Pan American Week, during which they host a series of events and activities to promote the values of Pan-Americanism and strengthen ties among nations in the region.

14 April - Takayama Spring Festival begins

 

The Takayama Spring Festival, also known as the Takayama Matsuri, is a traditional Japanese festival held annually in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It typically begins on April 14th and continues for several days, marking the arrival of spring and celebrating the local culture and heritage.

The Takayama Matsuri is renowned for its elaborate floats, known as yatai, which are adorned with intricate decorations and displayed during the festival procession. These ornate floats are accompanied by traditional music, dance performances, and ceremonies, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere in the streets of Takayama.

During the festival, locals and visitors alike gather to admire the beautifully crafted floats, participate in cultural activities, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The Takayama Matsuri is one of Japan's most famous and cherished festivals, attracting tourists from around the world who come to experience the rich traditions and customs of Takayama.

In addition to the Spring Festival, Takayama also hosts a Autumn Festival in October, which is similarly renowned for its stunning floats and lively celebrations. Both festivals are highlights of the cultural calendar in Takayama and offer a unique glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage.