06 April - Ram Navami 2025

 Ram Navami is an important Hindu festival, celebrated every year on the ninth day of Chaitra month (the first month in the Hindu lunar calendar) — it falls on 06 April this year.

Rama Navami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birthday of Rama, the seventh avatar of the deity Vishnu.The festival celebrates the descent of Vishnu as the Rama avatar, through his birth to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya in Ayodhya, Kosala.This festival is a part of the Chaitra Navaratri in the spring, and falls on the ninth day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of Chaitra, the first month in the Hindu calendar. This typically occurs in the months of March or April by the Gregorian calendar.Rama Navami is an optional holiday for government employees in India.

The day is marked by Rama Katha recitals or reading of Rama stories, including the Hindu epic Ramayana which narrates the tale of Rama. Some Vaishnava Hindus visit a temple while others pray within their homes, and some participate in a bhajan or kirtan with music as a part of puja and aarti.Some devotees mark the event by taking miniature statues of the infant Rama, washing and clothing them, then placing them in cradles. Charitable events and community meals are also organized. The festival is an occasion for moral reflection for many Hindus.Some mark this day by vrata (fasting).

Important celebrations on this day take place at Ayodhya and numerous Rama temples all over India. Rathayatras, the chariot processions, of Rama, Sita, his brother Lakshmana and Hanuman, are taken out at several places.In Ayodhya, many take a dip in the sacred river Sarayu and then visit the Rama temple.
 

#ramnavmi #rammandir

06 April - International Firewalk Day

 

International Firewalk Day takes place on the first Saturday of April every year and this year, it falls on 05April . People all throughout the world take part in activities known as “Firewalks,” which, to put it simply, involve ambling barefoot over a bed of hot stones or embers. This ritual is frequently performed as a rite of passage, as a test of a person’s courage and mental fortitude, or in religious contexts, as a proof of one’s faith. Social theorists have argued that the popularity of intense collective events such as firewalking continues to grow because they foster socialization. The social cohesion and team building they bring about make them a favorite worldwide. Whatever the reasons for engaging in firewalking, it’s clear that this discipline has captured people’s emotions and imaginations and is here to stay.

05 April - First European Discovery of Easter Island in 1722

 

Jacob Roggeveen, a Dutch explorer, indeed discovered Easter Island on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1722. He was the first European to encounter the island, which is located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. Roggeveen's expedition was primarily aimed at finding Terra Australis, a hypothetical continent thought to exist in the Southern Hemisphere. Instead, he stumbled upon Easter Island, known to its indigenous inhabitants as Rapa Nui.

Since then, people have been in awe of the enormous sculptures on Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, which stand for one of the greatest sculptural traditions in history. From the time the island was colonized about 1100 AD until 1600 AD, about 800 of these sculptures, called moai, were created. The majority are still in Rapa Nui, though a few are housed at museums including the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., and the British Museum.

Moai, which are made of local basalt rock and depict the faces of ancestor chiefs, were constructed to provide protection to the local populace both in this life and the next. Although most of them are between two and ten meters tall, one incomplete moai is twenty meters tall. Usually, they stood facing outward on an ahu, or stone platform.

04 April - Qingming Festival

 

The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is an important traditional Chinese festival observed on April 4th or 5th of the lunar calendar each year. The festival is a time for people to remember and honor their ancestors by visiting their graves, cleaning the tombstones, and making offerings of food, flowers, and other items.

Qingming Festival has been celebrated in China for over 2,500 years and has deep cultural and historical significance. It is believed to have originated from the Hanshi Festival, a day of paying homage to ancestors during the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC).

Apart from tomb-sweeping activities, Qingming Festival is also a time for outdoor activities such as flying kites, taking walks, and enjoying the blooming of spring flowers. Traditional Qingming foods such as qingtuan (green dumplings), crispy cakes, and spring rolls are often enjoyed during this festival.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in observing Qingming Festival, both in mainland China and among Chinese communities around the world, as people seek to reconnect with their cultural heritage and ancestral roots.

 

04 April - School Librarian Day

 

School Librarian Day is celebrated annually on April 4th to honor the contributions and hard work of school librarians. These dedicated professionals play a crucial role in promoting literacy, supporting education, and fostering a love for reading among students. School librarians curate collections of books and educational resources, provide guidance and assistance to students and teachers in research and information literacy skills, and create welcoming environments that inspire learning and exploration.

On School Librarian Day, schools and communities may organize events and activities to recognize the efforts of school librarians, such as award ceremonies, appreciation lunches, or social media campaigns expressing gratitude and support. It's a time to acknowledge the invaluable role that school librarians play in nurturing young minds and shaping the future of education.

04 April - Children's Day (Hong Kong, Taiwan)

 

Children's Day is indeed celebrated in Hong Kong and Taiwan on April 4th each year. This special day is dedicated to celebrating children and highlighting the importance of their well-being, happiness, and rights.

In Hong Kong, Children's Day is a time for families to spend quality time together, often involving outings to parks, amusement parks, or other recreational activities. Schools and community organizations may also organize events and activities to entertain and educate children, such as performances, games, and educational workshops.

Similarly, in Taiwan, Children's Day is a joyous occasion marked by various festivities and activities. Schools may hold special assemblies or performances to honor students, and families often spend the day together engaging in fun and meaningful activities. There may also be public events and celebrations organized by local governments or community groups to entertain and delight children of all ages.

Overall, Children's Day in Hong Kong and Taiwan is a time to celebrate the innocence, creativity, and potential of children, while also advocating for their rights and well-being. It's a day for families and communities to come together to cherish and support the youngest members of society.

 

03 April - World Aquatic Animal Day

 

The world celebrates World Aquatic Animal Day, a day dedicated to showing appreciation and highlighting the significance of aquatic animals. Launched by the Aquatic Animal Law Initiative as part of the Animal Law Clinic and Center for Animal Law Studies, this day is all about raising awareness through law, policy, education and advocacy to meet the immense challenges that aquatic animals face. The term “aquatic animals” encompasses all animals that live in the water for most of their lives: fish, amphibians, marine mammals, crustaceans, reptiles, molluscs, aquatic birds, aquatic insects and even animals such as starfish and corals. These animals play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy planet and life on planet. Despite their importance, many people lack knowledge about marine life, which leads to the overconsumption, neglect and abuse of aquatic animals. Shedding light on our impact on aquatic animals is critical as *trillions* of animals are being caught in the oceans while billions are farmed, both under conditions of extremely high suffering and low welfare. Of course, there are also challenges of overfishing, bycatch, ghostgear and animal abuse. Groups such as the Aquatic Animal Law Initiative are combining their passion for the marine environment and their knowledge of the law to help protect these vulnerable aquatic animals. 

03 April - Hridaynath Kunzru death anniversary

 

Hridaynath Kunzru, born on 01 October 1887, and he passed away on  03 April 1978., was an Indian civil servant, diplomat, and writer. He was an influential figure during India's struggle for independence and later served as a diplomat in various capacities.

Kunzru was born in Jalandhar, Punjab, and he pursued his education in law from Oxford University. He became involved in India's nationalist movement and worked closely with leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.

During the struggle for independence, Kunzru held several important positions within the Indian National Congress and played a significant role in organizing various movements and campaigns against British colonial rule. He was imprisoned multiple times for his participation in the freedom movement.

After India gained independence in 1947, Kunzru continued to serve his country in various capacities. He held diplomatic posts in several countries, including Egypt, Yugoslavia, and Afghanistan. He also served as India's Ambassador to France and later as the High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

In addition to his political and diplomatic career, Kunzru was a prolific writer and contributed articles and essays to various newspapers and journals. He wrote on a wide range of topics, including politics, history, and literature.

Hridaynath Kunzru's life and career reflect his deep commitment to the cause of Indian independence and his dedication to public service. He is remembered as a prominent figure in India's struggle for freedom and as a respected diplomat and writer.

 

02 April - Human Cannonball

 

The human cannonball act is a spectacle that has captivated audiences for centuries. The first documented human cannonball performance took place on 02 April 1877,  This event marked the debut of a daring and thrilling form of entertainment that continues to awe audiences around the world.

The human cannonball act typically involves a performer being launched from a specially designed cannon or device into the air, where they travel a considerable distance before landing in a net or other safety apparatus. The act requires precise calculations of trajectory, speed, and distance to ensure the safety of the performer.

Over the years, human cannonball acts have evolved, with performers executing increasingly daring stunts and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. While the act is undoubtedly dangerous, rigorous safety measures are put in place to protect the performers, including extensive training, specialized equipment, and meticulous planning.

Despite the risks involved, human cannonball performances continue to be popular attractions at circuses, amusement parks, and other events, captivating audiences with their combination of spectacle, danger, and excitement.

 

01 April - William Dockwra,along with Robert Murray created the first Penny Post in London in 1680

 

William Dockwra (1635–1716) was a British entrepreneur and postal reformer. He is best known for his involvement in the establishment of the London Penny Post, a pioneering postal system in England during the late 17th century.

Dockwra, along with his partner Robert Murray, founded the London Penny Post on 01 April 1680. At that time, the postal system in London was inefficient and expensive, with delivery charges often being prohibitively high for many people. Dockwra and Murray sought to address this issue by introducing a uniform rate of one penny for the delivery of letters within the city.

The London Penny Post was a significant innovation in mail delivery. It offered regular and reliable service at an affordable price, making it accessible to a much broader segment of the population. Dockwra and Murray also introduced innovations such as prepayment of postage and the use of hand-stamps to mark letters with the date and time of posting.

Despite its initial success, the London Penny Post faced opposition from the existing postal authorities, who saw it as a threat to their monopoly. Dockwra and Murray were eventually forced to relinquish control of the Penny Post in 1682, but their efforts laid the groundwork for further postal reforms in Britain.

Although Dockwra's involvement in postal reform was relatively short-lived, his contributions were significant. The London Penny Post demonstrated the potential for a more efficient and accessible postal system, paving the way for further developments in mail delivery in the centuries that followed.