14 May - International Chihuahua Appreciation Day

 

International Chihuahua Appreciation Day is celebrated on May 14th each year. This day is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the Chihuahua, one of the world's smallest dog breeds and a beloved companion to many.

Chihuahuas are known for their small size, big personalities, and loyal nature. Despite their diminutive stature, Chihuahuas often possess a confident and fearless demeanor, making them charming and endearing pets.

On International Chihuahua Appreciation Day, Chihuahua owners and enthusiasts around the world celebrate these adorable dogs in various ways. Some may organize Chihuahua meet-ups or events, where owners can socialize with their pets and share stories and tips. Others may pamper their Chihuahuas with special treats, toys, or outings to their favorite places.

This day also serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership, including proper care, training, and socialization for Chihuahuas and all dogs. It's a time to celebrate the unique bond between humans and Chihuahuas and to appreciate the joy and companionship they bring into our lives.

Whether you have a Chihuahua of your own or simply admire these tiny but mighty dogs from afar, International Chihuahua Appreciation Day is a chance to celebrate their special place in our hearts and homes.

14 May - Hastings Banda's birth anniversary

 

Hastings Banda's Birthday, also known as Kamuzu Day, is a significant holiday in Malawi, commemorating the birth of Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda, the first president of Malawi. Born on May 14, 1898, Banda played a pivotal role in Malawi's struggle for independence from British colonial rule and served as the country's president from 1966 to 1994.

Kamuzu Day is observed annually on May 14th with various events and activities across the country. These may include ceremonies, parades, cultural performances, and speeches that honor Banda's legacy and contributions to Malawi. It's a day for Malawians to reflect on their nation's history, pay tribute to its founding fathers, and celebrate the progress made since independence.

 

14 May - National Unification Day (Liberia)

 

National Unification Day is a significant holiday in Liberia, commemorated annually on May 14th. This day celebrates the efforts to unify the various ethnic and social groups within Liberia into one nation.

Liberia, founded by freed African-American and Caribbean slaves in the 19th century, has a complex history marked by divisions between the descendants of the settlers and the indigenous African populations. National Unification Day aims to promote reconciliation, peace, and unity among these diverse groups.

The holiday typically involves various events, including ceremonies, cultural performances, speeches, and community gatherings, where Liberians come together to reflect on their shared history and reaffirm their commitment to national unity and cohesion. It's an important occasion for promoting social harmony and strengthening the bonds of citizenship in Liberia.

 

14 May - The Lewis and Clark Expedition departs on its historical journey 1804

 On May 14, 1804, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery Expedition, departed from St. Louis, Missouri, on its historic journey across the western United States. Led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the expedition was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory and to find a route to the Pacific Ocean.

The expedition consisted of a diverse group of approximately 45 men, including soldiers, interpreters, hunters, and boatmen. Over the course of the next two years and four months, the expedition would travel thousands of miles by foot, horseback, and by boat up the Missouri River, across the Rocky Mountains, and down the Columbia River to the Pacific Coast.

Along the way, Lewis and Clark documented previously uncharted territory, encountered and established relationships with Native American tribes, collected scientific data, and paved the way for future exploration and settlement of the American West. Their journey remains one of the most important and celebrated expeditions in American history, symbolizing the spirit of adventure, discovery, and exploration that characterized the early years of the United States.

14 May - Israel Independence Day

 

Israel Independence Day, also known as Yom Ha'atzmaut, is celebrated annually on the 5th of Iyar in the Hebrew calendar, which typically falls in April or May in the Gregorian calendar. It commemorates the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.

Israel Independence Day is a national holiday in Israel, marked by various festivities, ceremonies, and events across the country. These celebrations include public gatherings, concerts, fireworks displays, military parades, and cultural performances.

The day is also a time for reflection and remembrance, as Israelis honor the sacrifices made by those who fought for Israel's independence and remember the victims of war and terrorism.

Yom Ha'atzmaut is deeply significant for Israelis, as it symbolizes the fulfillment of the Jewish people's long-held aspiration for self-determination and a homeland in their ancestral land. It is a time of pride, unity, and gratitude for the achievements and resilience of the Israeli people.

Outside of Israel, Jewish communities around the world also celebrate Israel Independence Day with various events and gatherings to show solidarity and support for the State of Israel.

 

14 May - Coronation of Charles VIII of France

 

Charles VIII of France was crowned on 14 May 1484. He ascended to the throne of France at a young age after the death of his father, Louis XI, in 1483. Charles VIII's coronation took place at the Cathedral of Reims, a significant location for French monarchs, where many kings of France were traditionally crowned.

Charles VIII's reign was notable for several significant events, including his military campaigns in Italy, known as the Italian Wars. These wars aimed to expand French influence and control in the Italian peninsula but ultimately ended in mixed results for France.

One of the most famous episodes of Charles VIII's reign occurred in 1494 when he led a large invasion force into Italy, initiating the First Italian War. This campaign had far-reaching consequences for Italy and Europe, leading to significant political upheaval and conflict.

Charles VIII's reign was also marked by internal challenges, including financial difficulties and discontent among the nobility. Despite these challenges, his reign is remembered for its impact on French history and its role in shaping the political landscape of Renaissance Europe.

14 May - Indian Arrival Day in Fiji

 

Indian Arrival Day is celebrated in Fiji to commemorate the arrival of the first group of indentured laborers from India. These laborers were brought to Fiji to work on sugarcane plantations, similar to the patterns of Indian indentured migration in other parts of the British Empire. Indian Arrival Day is an important holiday in Fiji and serves as a way to celebrate and honor the contributions of the Indo-Fijian community and to recognize the cultural heritage they have brought to the country.

In Fiji, Indian Arrival Day is celebrated on May 14th each year. It is a national holiday, and various events and activities take place to mark the occasion. These events typically include cultural performances, traditional music and dance, religious ceremonies, and the sharing of Indian cuisine. It's a time to reflect on the historical ties between India and Fiji and to celebrate the multicultural and diverse society that exists in the country due to the presence of the Indo-Fijian community.

 

13 May - Phase 4 of the 2024 General Elections

 

Phase 4 of the 2024 General Elections will see voting for 96 parliamentary constituencies on 13 May 2024. (10 States/UTs) (General - 64; ST - 12; SC - 20). Voting is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. (Times for poll closure may vary depending on the PC.)

On May 13, phase 4 elections will also be held simultaneously for all 175 seats (General: 139; ST: 7; SC: 29) in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly and 28 seats (General: 11; ST: 14; SC: 3) in the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

13 May - First sitting of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament of India in 1952

 

The Rajya Sabha, the Council of States, held its first sitting on 13 May 1952. It is the upper house of the Parliament of India and plays a crucial role in the legislative process, along with the Lok Sabha, the House of the People. The Rajya Sabha represents the states and union territories of India, while the Lok Sabha represents the people of India.

The Rajya Sabha, as the upper house of the Indian Parliament, has several distinctive features:

1. Composition: The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution. It consists of members who are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies and by the members of the Electoral College for Union Territories.

2. Representation: Unlike the Lok Sabha, where the representatives are directly elected by the people, the members of the Rajya Sabha are elected indirectly, which means they represent the states and union territories rather than specific constituencies.

3. Term: The term of a member of the Rajya Sabha is six years, and one-third of its members retire every two years. This system ensures continuity in the functioning of the house.

4. Special Powers: The Rajya Sabha has special powers that distinguish it from the Lok Sabha. It can initiate and pass resolutions to remove the President of India and other impeachable officials. It also plays a crucial role in the passage of certain types of bills, especially those related to states or subjects under the Concurrent List.

5. Representation of Expertise: The Rajya Sabha also provides representation to individuals with expertise in various fields such as arts, sciences, literature, and social service. The President of India can nominate members to represent these fields.

Overall, the Rajya Sabha serves as a vital forum for representing the interests of the states and union territories, providing a platform for deliberation and decision-making on legislative matters at the national level.

 

13 May - Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah birth anniversary

 

Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah was the second Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) of Malaysia and the Sultan of Selangor. His full name was Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Alauddin Sulaiman Shah, and he was born on 13 May 1898, in Selangor, Malaysia. His reign as the Sultan of Selangor began in 1938 and lasted until his death in 1960.

Sultan Hisamuddin was elected as the Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong when Malaysia gained independence in 1957. He ascended to the throne as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in April 1960 after the passing of the first King, Tuanku Abdul Rahman. However, Sultan Hisamuddin Alam Shah's tenure as King was very brief; he passed away on 01 September 1960, just a few months after taking office. His passing occurred before his official installation as Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

As a ruler, Sultan Hisamuddin was known for his dedication to the welfare of his people and his efforts to modernize Selangor during his reign. His death marked a significant moment in Malaysian history as it was the first time a sitting Yang di-Pertuan Agong had passed away.