17 July - Ashadhi Ekadashi -2024

 

Ashadhi Ekadashi, also known as Devshayani Ekadashi or Maha Ekadashi, is one of the most significant Ekadashi observances in Hinduism. Celebrated on the 11th lunar day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Ashadha (June-July), it marks the beginning of the Chaturmas period, a four-month phase when Lord Vishnu is believed to go into a deep cosmic sleep. This period is considered highly auspicious for spiritual practices and devotion.

Significance and Rituals:

1. Fasting:

   • Devotees observe a fast from sunrise on Ashadhi Ekadashi until sunrise the next day. The fast can vary from a complete fast (nirjala) with no food or water to a partial fast (phalahar) where fruits, milk, and non-grain items are consumed.

2. Prayers and Worship:

   • Special prayers and rituals are performed in temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Devotees recite Vishnu Sahasranama, Bhagavad Gita, and other sacred texts.
   • Temples are decorated, and special offerings like flowers, fruits, and Tulsi leaves are made to Lord Vishnu.

3. Bhajans and Kirtans:

   • Devotional songs and hymns praising Lord Vishnu are sung. Many communities organize bhajan and kirtan sessions that last through the night.

4. Pandharpur Yatra:

   • In Maharashtra, Ashadhi Ekadashi is synonymous with the grand pilgrimage to the Vithoba temple in Pandharpur. Devotees, known as Warkaris, travel long distances on foot to reach the temple. They carry palkhis (palanquins) with the images of saints like Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar, singing devotional songs along the way.

5. Chaturmas Vow:

   • Many devotees take vows for the Chaturmas period, which starts from this day. These vows can include abstaining from certain foods, engaging in regular prayers, and other forms of penance.

Mythological Background:

According to Hindu mythology, Ashadhi Ekadashi marks the day when Lord Vishnu, after the event of churning the ocean of milk, goes into a deep sleep on Shesha Naga, the cosmic serpent. This sleep continues for four months until Prabodhini Ekadashi in the month of Kartik (October-November), when he wakes up. This period is known as Chaturmas and is considered a time for penance, austerity, and devotion.

Ashadhi Ekadashi 2024:

In 2024, Ashadhi Ekadashi will be observed on Monday, July 15th. Devotees will participate in various spiritual activities, fasting, and ceremonies to honor Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings for prosperity, happiness, and spiritual growth.

17 July - Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon

 

Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon was an Indian Air Force officer and a war hero, known for his bravery and valor during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. He was born on 17 July 1945, in Ludhiana, Punjab, India, and he sacrificed his life in service to the nation on 14 December 1971.

During the 1971 war between India and Pakistan, Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon was serving as a Flying Officer in the Indian Air Force. He was assigned to the No. 18 Squadron, which operated the Gnat fighter aircraft.

On 14 December  1971, Pakistan launched an air raid on the Indian Air Force base in Srinagar, Kashmir. In the face of overwhelming enemy aircraft and heavy ground fire, Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon displayed extraordinary bravery and determination.

He engaged the attacking enemy aircraft in a dogfight, shooting down two Pakistani Sabre jets. Despite being outnumbered and facing imminent danger, Sekhon continued to fight fiercely to protect the airfield.

Unfortunately, during the intense aerial combat, Sekhon's Gnat was hit, and he was mortally wounded. Despite his injuries, he continued to fight until the end, preventing further damage to the airfield and thwarting the enemy's attack.

For his exceptional courage, leadership, and gallantry, Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military award for bravery. He became the first and only Indian Air Force officer to receive this honor.

Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon's valor and selfless sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds have made him an inspirational figure and a symbol of courage for generations of Indians. He will forever be remembered as a true hero who gave his life to protect his country and its people.

17 July - King Letsie III birthday

 

King Letsie III, born on 17 July 1963, is the current monarch of Lesotho, a small landlocked country in Southern Africa. He ascended to the throne on 07 February 1996, following the abdication of his father, King Moshoeshoe II. King Letsie III had previously served as king from 1990 to 1995 during a period of political turmoil and was reinstated after his father's brief return to power.

Educated in Lesotho and the United Kingdom, King Letsie III attended Ampleforth College, a prestigious Roman Catholic boarding school, and later pursued higher education at the National University of Lesotho, where he earned a degree in Law. He furthered his studies in the UK, obtaining a Master of Arts in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge.

As the constitutional monarch of Lesotho, King Letsie III's role is largely ceremonial. However, he plays a significant part in the cultural and social spheres of the country, promoting various initiatives related to education, health, and sustainable development. He is particularly noted for his efforts in advocating for food security and nutrition, serving as a Special Ambassador for Nutrition for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

King Letsie III's leadership and commitment to his nation's well-being have made him a respected figure both within Lesotho and internationally. His birthday, 17 July is a day to reflect on his contributions and the role of the monarchy in the nation's ongoing development.

17 July - Mimar Sinan one of the greatest architects in history died

 

Mimar Sinan, one of the most celebrated architects in history, was born in 1489 and passed away on 17 July 1588. He served as the chief architect and civil engineer for three Ottoman sultans—Suleiman the Magnificent, Selim II, and Murad III. Over his long and illustrious career, Sinan designed and oversaw the construction of numerous iconic structures, including mosques, bridges, palaces, and schools, leaving an indelible mark on the architectural heritage of the Ottoman Empire.

Sinan's most famous works include the Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul and the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne, both of which are celebrated for their architectural brilliance and intricate design. His contributions to architecture extended beyond mere aesthetics; he was also innovative in engineering, developing techniques that improved the stability and durability of his structures.

Mimar Sinan's legacy is not only visible in the numerous masterpieces he left behind but also in the influence he had on subsequent generations of architects. His work remains a testament to the sophistication and grandeur of Ottoman architecture and continues to inspire awe and admiration to this day.

17 July - Battle of Castillon

 

The Battle of Castillon, fought on 17 July 1453, was a decisive conflict that effectively ended the Hundred Years' War between England and France. The battle took place near the town of Castillon in the Aquitaine region of France and marked a significant victory for the French forces under the command of Jean Bureau and his brother Gaspard Bureau.

The context of the battle lies in the broader conflict of the Hundred Years' War, which began in 1337 and was primarily fought over territorial disputes and claims to the French throne. By the mid-15th century, the tide of the war had turned in favor of the French, partly due to the inspired leadership of figures like Joan of Arc and the revitalized French monarchy under King Charles VII.

The Battle of Castillon began with the English, led by John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, attempting to relieve the besieged town of Castillon. The French, well-prepared and entrenched in fortified positions with artillery, anticipated the English attack. Despite being outnumbered and facing a well-defended enemy, Talbot decided to launch an assault, underestimating the effectiveness of the French artillery.

The French artillery, commanded by the Bureau brothers, played a crucial role in the battle. The heavy bombardment decimated the advancing English troops, causing significant casualties. Talbot himself was killed during the fighting, which further demoralized the English forces and led to their eventual rout.

The Battle of Castillon is considered the last major engagement of the Hundred Years' War. The French victory solidified their control over the remaining English territories in France, leading to the recapture of Bordeaux and the end of English claims to French lands, except for Calais. The battle's outcome marked the decline of English influence in France and the rise of a more unified and powerful French state.

The significance of the Battle of Castillon lies not only in its military outcome but also in its role in shaping the future of both nations. It heralded the end of medieval warfare dominated by knights and the rise of artillery and more modern forms of combat. The battle also underscored the importance of strategic planning and the effective use of technology in warfare.

17 July - U. Tirot Sing death anniversary

 

U. Tirot Sing, born in 1802 and passing away on July 17, 1835, was a legendary freedom fighter and chieftain of the Khasi people in present-day Meghalaya, India. As the Syiem (chief) of Nongkhlaw, Tirot Sing is best remembered for his courageous resistance against British colonial expansion in the early 19th century.

His defiance began when the British, under the guise of constructing a road to connect the Brahmaputra Valley with Sylhet, encroached on Khasi territory without proper negotiation or respect for local autonomy. Realizing the threat to his people's sovereignty, Tirot Sing led a fierce rebellion in 1829, mobilizing the Khasi warriors in a series of guerrilla attacks against the better-equipped British forces.

Despite his efforts, Tirot Sing was eventually captured in 1833 after a protracted struggle and was imprisoned in Dhaka, where he died on July 17, 1835. His bravery and unwavering commitment to the protection of his homeland have made him a revered figure in Indian history, symbolizing the spirit of resistance and the fight for independence. His legacy continues to inspire the Khasi people and all those who value freedom and justice.

16 July - Ishwar Chand Vidyasagar instituting a law that granted Hindu widows the right to remarry.

 

On 16 July 1856, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, a prominent social reformer and educator, achieved a significant milestone in Indian history by instituting a law that granted Hindu widows the right to remarry. This monumental step was taken at the behest of Governor-General Lord Canning, who was influenced by Vidyasagar's relentless advocacy for social reforms and women's rights.

Vidyasagar, deeply moved by the plight of widows who were often subjected to social ostracism and economic hardship, campaigned vigorously for the legalization of widow remarriage. His efforts included extensive research, publication of persuasive articles, and mobilization of public opinion in favor of the reform. He argued that denying widows the right to remarry was not only inhumane but also contrary to the principles of Hinduism.

The passage of the Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act of 1856 marked a turning point in Indian society, challenging entrenched patriarchal norms and offering widows an opportunity for a new life. This act not only provided legal sanction for widow remarriage but also aimed to improve the social status of widows, allowing them greater personal freedom and dignity.

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's pioneering efforts in championing the cause of widow remarriage have left an enduring legacy, highlighting his commitment to social justice and equality. His work continues to inspire generations of reformers and advocates for women's rights in India and beyond.

16 July - National National Cherry Day USA

National Cherry Day is celebrated annually in the USA on July 16, dedicated to honoring the delightful and versatile fruit that holds a special place in American cuisine and culture. Cherries, whether sweet or tart, are enjoyed in a variety of forms, from fresh snacks to delicious desserts like cherry pies, jams, and preserves. This day celebrates not only the fruit itself but also the cherry growers and producers who contribute to the agricultural economy.

On National Cherry Day, people are encouraged to indulge in their favorite cherry recipes, visit local farmers' markets to buy fresh cherries, or even go cherry picking at nearby orchards. It's a day to appreciate the nutritional benefits of cherries, which are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and to explore the many creative ways to incorporate them into meals.

National Cherry Day also raises awareness about the environmental and economic importance of cherry farming. By supporting local cherry growers and sustainable farming practices, individuals can contribute to the preservation of this valuable fruit crop. Whether enjoyed fresh, baked into a pie, or blended into a smoothie, cherries bring joy and flavor to countless dishes, making National Cherry Day a sweet and fruitful celebration for all.

16 July - National Personal Chef Day USA

 

National Personal Chef Day is celebrated annually in the USA on July 16 to honor personal chefs and the unique culinary services they provide. Personal chefs offer personalized meal planning, preparation, and cooking services tailored to the specific dietary needs and preferences of their clients. This celebration recognizes the hard work and creativity of personal chefs who play a crucial role in enhancing the dining experiences of individuals and families.

On National Personal Chef Day, people are encouraged to show appreciation for their personal chefs by acknowledging their contributions and perhaps sharing a special meal prepared by them. It's also a day to highlight the benefits of hiring a personal chef, such as enjoying nutritious, customized meals without the hassle of cooking, which can be particularly valuable for busy professionals, individuals with specific dietary requirements, or those seeking gourmet meals at home.

The day also serves to raise awareness about the profession of personal chefs, promoting their services and inspiring culinary enthusiasts to consider this career path. Whether through social media shout-outs, gifts of appreciation, or simply taking the time to thank a personal chef, National Personal Chef Day is all about celebrating these culinary artists who bring convenience, joy, and delicious meals into the lives of their clients.

16 July - Dhanraj Pillay birthday

 

Dhanraj Pillay, born on 16 July 1968, in Khadki, Maharashtra, is a legendary Indian field hockey player known for his exceptional skills and contributions to the sport. He is regarded as one of India's greatest hockey players, with a career spanning over two decades.

Pillay's journey in hockey began at a young age, and he quickly rose through the ranks due to his extraordinary talent and dedication. He made his debut for the Indian national team in 1989 and went on to represent India in four Olympic Games (1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004), four World Cups, four Champions Trophies, and four Asian Games. His speed, agility, and uncanny ability to score goals made him a formidable forward and a key player for India.

Under his leadership, India achieved significant successes, including winning the Asian Games gold medal in 1998 and the Asia Cup in 2003. Dhanraj Pillay was known for his aggressive playing style, precise dribbling, and his knack for being a game-changer in crucial moments. His influence extended beyond the field, as he also played a pivotal role in inspiring and mentoring younger players.

Throughout his career, Pillay received numerous accolades and awards for his contributions to Indian hockey. He was honored with the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, India's highest sporting honor, and the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards.

After retiring from international hockey, Dhanraj Pillay continued to be involved in the sport, contributing as a mentor and coach. His legacy lives on as a symbol of passion, dedication, and excellence in Indian hockey.