08 February - Bheeshma Ekadashi

 

Bheeshma Ekadashi is a highly auspicious day in the Hindu calendar, observed on the eleventh day (Ekadashi) of the Shukla Paksha in the Magha month. It is significant because Bheeshmacharya (Bheeshma Pitamaha), while lying on the bed of arrows (Sharashayya) after the Kurukshetra war, revealed the Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stotram to the Pandavas and the world.

Significance of Bheeshma Ekadashi:

• Bheeshmacharya, despite being a mighty warrior, chose Uttarayana (the sun's northern course) to leave his mortal body.
• On this day, he imparted the Vishnu Sahasranama, the 1000 names of Lord Vishnu, which is considered one of the most powerful and sacred hymns in Hinduism.
• Reciting or listening to the Vishnu Sahasranama on this day is believed to bring divine blessings, wisdom, and liberation (Moksha).

Bhagavad Gita & Sri Krishna:

Just as Bhagavan Sri Krishna revealed the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna in the battlefield to guide him on righteousness (Dharma), Bheeshma Pitamaha shared the Vishnu Sahasranama as the ultimate means to attain divine grace.

People observe this day with:

• Fasting (Upavasam)
• Vishnu Sahasranama Parayana (recitation)
• Listening to stories of Bheeshma and Mahabharata
• Offering prayers to Lord Vishnu

May this Bheeshma Ekadashi bring you prosperity, knowledge, and devotion!

08 February - Execution of Mary Queen of Scots in 1587

 

Mary, Queen of Scots, was executed on February 8, 1587. She was a controversial and tragic figure in the history of Scotland and England. Mary, a Catholic, became Queen of Scotland in 1542 when she was just six days old. Her tumultuous reign included marriages, political intrigues, and religious conflicts.

Mary's cousin, Elizabeth I of England, viewed her as a threat to the English throne due to her claim as the legitimate heir with a strong Catholic following. Mary's involvement in various plots and conspiracies against Elizabeth led to her imprisonment in England for 19 years.

Eventually, Mary was implicated in the Babington Plot, a Catholic conspiracy to assassinate Elizabeth and place Mary on the English throne. This led to her trial and subsequent execution at Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire, England. Mary Queen of Scots was beheaded, and her death marked a significant event in the complex political and religious struggles of 16th-century Europe.

08 February - Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited was estalsihed

 

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is a shipyard located in Mumbai, India. It was established on 08 February 1934. The shipyard has a rich history of constructing various types of vessels, including warships, submarines, and merchant ships.

Mazagon Dock has played a significant role in India's defense and maritime capabilities by delivering a variety of vessels to the Indian Navy and other customers. The shipyard has undergone expansions and modernizations over the years to enhance its capacity and capabilities in shipbuilding.

 

08 February - Laugh and Get Rich Day

 

"Laugh and Get Rich Day" is a lighthearted observance that encourages people to find joy and humor in their lives. The idea is that laughter has positive effects on both mental and physical well-being. While the origin of this day is not entirely clear, it appears to be a day dedicated to promoting the benefits of laughter and the positive impact it can have on one's overall outlook.

On Laugh and Get Rich Day, people are encouraged to take a break from the stresses of life, enjoy a good laugh, and appreciate the humor around them. Laughter is often considered a natural stress-reliever and mood-enhancer, and this day serves as a reminder to incorporate more laughter and joy into our daily lives.

Celebrating this day can involve watching a funny movie, attending a comedy show, sharing jokes with friends and family, or engaging in activities that bring genuine laughter. While not a widely recognized or official holiday, it's a fun and lighthearted occasion to promote positivity and well-being through humor.

 

08 February - Prešeren Day

 

Prešeren Day, also known as Prešeren Day, the Slovene Cultural Holiday, is a national holiday in Slovenia celebrated on February 8th each year. The day commemorates the death of the renowned Slovenian poet France Prešeren, who passed away on February 8, 1849. France Prešeren is considered Slovenia's greatest literary figure and a key cultural icon.

Prešeren Day holds cultural and historical significance, emphasizing the importance of Slovenian culture, language, and identity. It became an official cultural holiday in 1945 and later evolved into a national holiday.

On Prešeren Day, various cultural events take place throughout Slovenia, including literary readings, concerts, exhibitions, and other artistic performances. Schools, cultural institutions, and communities often organize special programs to honor Prešeren's legacy and promote Slovenian cultural heritage.

France Prešeren's most famous work is the poem "Zdravljica" (A Toast), which later became the national anthem of Slovenia. His contributions to Slovenian literature and culture are celebrated on this day, fostering a sense of national pride and cultural unity among the Slovenian people.

 

07 February - V. Subbiah Birth Anniversary

 

 

V. Subbiah was born in Puducherry on February 7, 1911. A well-known politician in the region, V. Subbiah led the trade union movement. He was so inspired by Mahatma Gandhi at the start of his political career that he joined the Indian National Congress. When Subbiah established the French India Youth League in 1931, he started to take an active role in public life.

V. Subbiah was appointed secretary of the Puducherry chapter of the All-India Harijan Seva Sangh on February 17, 1934. In his daily existence, he lived according to Gandhian ideals. He interacted with textile workers, the majority of whom belonged to the oppressed classes, while serving as the sangh's secretary. In Madras, he also met leaders who were coordinating worker activities against the British, including as F. Sundarayya and Amir Hyder Khan. He was instrumental in spearheading Puducherry's revolutionary trade union movement. He was appointed secretary of the Madras Mahajan Sabha in August 1937.

Subbiah's role in energizing the working class and incorporating them into the liberation movement continues to be crucial to the Indian freedom movement. It also played a major part in Puducherry's independence from French colonization.

07 February - The Great Siege of Gibraltar

 

The Great Siege of Gibraltar took place between 1779 and 1783 during the American Revolutionary War and the Anglo-Spanish War. It was a prolonged military conflict between the British and the Spanish-French alliance for control of the strategic Gibraltar peninsula.

Gibraltar, a British overseas territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, has long been of strategic importance due to its position at the entrance of the Mediterranean Sea. The siege began in June 1779 when Spain, joined later by France, initiated a blockade of Gibraltar by land and sea.

The British garrison, led by General George Eliott, resisted the siege with determination and resourcefulness. The defenders faced hardships, including shortages of food and supplies, but they managed to hold out against the combined Spanish and French forces. The British Royal Navy, under the command of Admiral George Rodney, played a crucial role in breaking through the blockade to resupply and reinforce the garrison.

The siege lasted for over three years, and the conditions were challenging for both the defenders and attackers. Disease, lack of resources, and the tenacity of the British defense contributed to the eventual failure of the siege. The Treaty of Paris in 1783, which ended the American Revolutionary War, also led to the conclusion of the Great Siege of Gibraltar. The terms of the treaty stipulated that Gibraltar would remain under British control.

The Great Siege of Gibraltar is considered one of the longest sieges in British military history and played a significant role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Mediterranean region.

 On 07 February 1783, the siege was ended after a British convoy was able to slip through the blockade. The victory was decisive for the British, even though the War of Independence was a victory overall for the Americans and their allies.

07 February - The movie Pinocchio is released by Walt Disney in 1940

 

Pinocchio, released by Walt Disney Productions on 07 February 1940, in New York City, was the studio's second animated feature film, following Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937). Based on Carlo Collodi's 1883 Italian novel The Adventures of Pinocchio, the film tells the story of a wooden puppet brought to life by the Blue Fairy, who must prove himself brave, truthful, and unselfish to become a real boy. Directed by Ben Sharpsteen and Hamilton Luske, Pinocchio was groundbreaking for its detailed animation, expressive character designs, and innovative special effects, such as realistic water sequences.

Despite its artistic achievements and critical acclaim, the film initially struggled at the box office due to World War II limiting its international release. However, through multiple re-releases over the decades, Pinocchio became one of Disney’s most beloved classics. The film introduced the Academy Award-winning song "When You Wish Upon a Star," which became Disney’s signature tune. Today, Pinocchio is widely regarded as one of the greatest animated films of all time, praised for its storytelling, animation, and moral lessons.

07 February - National Girls and Women in Sports Day

 

National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) is an annual observance in the United States that celebrates the achievements and contributions of female athletes in sports. The day is dedicated to recognizing the importance of sports and fitness for girls and women and the positive influence that participation in sports can have on their lives.

NGWSD was initially established in 1987 by the U.S. Congress to honor Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman, who passed away in 1986. The day is celebrated on the first Wednesday in February each year. It serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the progress that has been made in women's sports, raise awareness of the ongoing challenges and inequalities, and inspire girls and women to pursue and excel in sports at all levels.

Various events, activities, and programs are organized on National Girls and Women in Sports Day to promote gender equality in sports and encourage female participation in physical activities. This day has become a platform to highlight the achievements of female athletes, coaches, administrators, and other individuals who have made significant contributions to the world of sports.

07February - World Read Aloud Day

 

World Read Aloud Day is an annual event celebrated globally to encourage the importance of reading aloud and sharing stories. The event usually takes place on the first Wednesday of February each year. Its primary goal is to promote literacy, advocate for the right to literacy, and celebrate the joy of reading.

World Read Aloud Day was initiated by LitWorld, a non-profit organization, in 2010. The day aims to emphasize the power of words and the transformative impact of reading aloud, not only for children but for people of all ages. The idea is to create a world where everyone has the right to literacy and can experience the joy and benefits of reading.

On World Read Aloud Day, individuals, schools, libraries, and various organizations around the world participate by organizing events, reading aloud sessions, and other literacy-focused activities. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of literacy in education, personal development, and building strong communities.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information about World Read Aloud Day events, it is recommended to check the official website of LitWorld or follow their announcements on social media.