09 August - Raksha Bandhan 2025

 

Raksha Bandhan is a traditional Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.
On this day, a sister ties a rakhi (decorative thread) around her brother’s wrist, praying for his long life and happiness. In return, the brother gives her gifts and pledges to protect her. The festival is rooted in love, trust, and the promise of mutual care — though nowadays it’s also celebrated among cousins, close friends, and even across communities as a symbol of harmony.

 It is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Shravana month in the Hindu lunar calendar.

Raksha Bandhan in 2025

• Date: Saturday, 09 August 2025

• Best time to tie Rakhi: 5:47 AM – 1:24 PM (after Bhadra Kaal ends)

• Purnima Tithi: Begins on 8 August afternoon, ends 9 August at 1:24 PM

This year is considered astrologically special because of a rare combination of Saubhagya Yoga, Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga, and Shravana Nakshatra, believed to bring extra blessings.

 Raksha Bandhan Legends

Raksha Bandhan’s charm lies not only in its rituals but also in the timeless stories that celebrate love and protection:

• Krishna & Draupadi – Draupadi tied a cloth to Krishna’s bleeding finger; he vowed to protect her, later saving her honor in the Kaurava court.

• Queen Karnavati & Humayun – The queen of Chittor sent a rakhi to Mughal Emperor Humayun, who honored it by coming to her aid against an enemy attack.

• Yama & Yamuna – The river goddess tied a rakhi to her brother, the god of death, earning his promise of protection and blessings of long life.

• Roxana & Porus – Alexander’s wife sent a rakhi to King Porus, who spared Alexander’s life in battle out of respect for the sacred bond.

These legends remind us that Raksha Bandhan is more than a festival — it is a pledge of love, trust, and protection that transcends time, blood relations, and even boundaries.

09 August - Singapore was expelled from Malaysia

 

On 09 August 1965, Singapore was expelled from Malaysia and became the only country to date to gain independence unwillingly. Malaysia had been formed on September 16, 1963, as a new political entity from the merger of the Federation of Malaya with the former British colonies of North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore. This marked the end of a 144-year period of British rule in Singapore, beginning with the founding of modern Singapore by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819. Singapore was one of the 14 states of Malaysia from 1963 to 1965.

The union, however, was unstable due to distrust and ideological differences between leaders of the State of Singapore and the federal government of Malaysia. Such issues resulted in frequent disagreements relating to economics, finance and politics. The United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), which was the political party in power in the federal government, saw the participation of the Singapore-based People’s Action Party (PAP) in the Malaysian general election of 1964 as a threat to its Malay-based political system. There were also major racial riots that year involving the majority Chinese community and the Malay community in Singapore. During a 1965 Singaporean by-election, UMNO threw its support behind the opposition Barisan Sosialis candidate. In 1965, Malaysian Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman decided upon the expulsion of Singapore from the Federation, leading to the independence of Singapore on 09 August 1965.

08 August - Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics

 

Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics – 08 August 2008

📍 Venue:

Beijing National Stadium (commonly called the "Bird’s Nest")

🕗 Date & Time:

08 August 2008, starting at 8:08 PM China Standard Time

(The number 8 is considered lucky in Chinese culture, symbolizing prosperity.)

---

🌏 Global Significance:

The Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics marked China’s debut as host of the modern Olympic Games. The spectacular opening ceremony, directed by world-renowned filmmaker Zhang Yimou, stunned the world with its grandeur, precision, and artistic storytelling. It was attended by over 90,000 people in the stadium and watched by an estimated 2 billion viewers worldwide.

---

🎭 Highlights of the Ceremony:

• 15,000 performers took part, showcasing 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, including:

  • Ancient Chinese inventions like paper, printing, compass, and gunpowder.

  • Chinese calligraphy, opera, and Confucian philosophy.

• A 2008-member drum ensemble opened the show in perfect synchronization.

• Giant scroll projection floor displayed animations and artwork, turning the stadium into a moving painting.

• Performances combined traditional Chinese heritage with modern technology, including LED light displays, fireworks, and acrobatics.

• A massive fireworks display lit up the Beijing skyline, creating iconic images like "footprints" across the sky.

---

🕯️ Parade of Nations:

• Athletes from 204 nations paraded into the stadium.

• The Greek team led the parade, as per tradition.

• The host country, China, entered last with a thunderous welcome.

• The Indian delegation, led by flag-bearer Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, also participated proudly.

---

🔥 Lighting of the Olympic Cauldron:

• Chinese Olympic gymnast Li Ning, suspended by wires, "ran" around the upper rim of the stadium before lighting the Olympic cauldron—a dramatic and emotional moment.

---

🕊️ Theme and Message:

• The ceremony emphasized peace, unity, and global harmony, blending cultural pride with international friendship.

• China used the opportunity to showcase its development, discipline, and openness to the world.

---

🏅 Legacy:

• The 2008 opening ceremony is widely regarded as one of the greatest in Olympic history.

• It redefined expectations for global events, both in scale and storytelling.

• The Games themselves saw record-breaking athletic achievements and geopolitical significance, symbolizing China’s rising influence on the world stage.

07 August - Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) gains independence

 

Côte d’Ivoire Gains Independence – August 7, 1960

🌍 Colonial Background:

• Côte d’Ivoire, located in West Africa, was part of French West Africa, a federation of eight French colonial territories.

• Under French rule since the late 19th century, it became a colony in 1893 and later an overseas territory after World War II.

• Movements for African self-rule grew stronger in the 1950s, especially after Ghana’s independence in 1957.

---

📜 Path to Independence:

• In 1958, France offered its African colonies the choice to join a new French Community or move toward independence.

• Côte d’Ivoire initially voted to remain within the French Community but pushed for more autonomy under the leadership of Félix Houphouët-Boigny.

• On August 7, 1960, Côte d’Ivoire officially declared full independence from France.

---

🧑🏽‍💼 Félix Houphouët-Boigny – Founding Father:

• A prominent politician and former French National Assembly member.

• Became Côte d’Ivoire’s first President, serving from 1960 until his death in 1993.

• Known for promoting close ties with France, economic growth, and stability (though under a one-party system).

---

📈 Post-Independence Impact:

• Quickly emerged as one of the most prosperous and stable countries in West Africa during the 1960s and 1970s.

• Its capital, Abidjan, became known as the "Paris of West Africa."

• The economy was largely based on agriculture—especially cocoa and coffee exports.

---

🕊️ Legacy of August 7:

• Independence Day is celebrated annually on August 7 with parades, speeches, and cultural events across the country.

• It represents not just the end of colonial rule but the beginning of a uniquely Ivorian identity on the global stage.

04 August - The Holocaust and arrest Jewish diarist Anne Frank, her family, and four others.

 

On 04 August 1944, the Gestapo, the secret police of Nazi Germany, raided the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family had been hiding. Here's a detailed account of the events leading up to and following their arrest:

Background

• The Frank Family: Otto Frank, his wife Edith, and their daughters Margot and Anne went into hiding in July 1942 to escape Nazi persecution. They were joined by another Jewish family, the van Pels (referred to as the Van Daans in Anne's diary), and later by Fritz Pfeffer (referred to as Albert Dussel in the diary).
• The Secret Annex: The hidden area was located in the rear extension of Otto Frank's business premises at 263 Prinsengracht in Amsterdam. The entrance was concealed by a movable bookcase.

The Arrest

• Tip-Off: On 04 August 1944, an anonymous tip led the Gestapo, accompanied by Dutch police, to the secret annex. The identity of the informer has never been definitively established, although several theories exist.
• The Raid: Led by SS-Oberscharführer Karl Silberbauer, the Gestapo officers arrested the eight people in hiding. They were given a short time to pack their belongings before being taken away.
• Helpers Arrested: The helpers who had provided food and supplies to those in hiding—Miep Gies, Johannes Kleiman, Victor Kugler, and Bep Voskuijl—were also arrested. Miep Gies and Bep Voskuijl were released later, while Johannes Kleiman and Victor Kugler were sent to concentration camps but survived the war.

After the Arrest

• Transport to Westerbork: The arrested individuals were first taken to Westerbork transit camp in the Netherlands. They remained there for about a month before being deported to Auschwitz.
• Deportation to Auschwitz: On September 3, 1944, Anne Frank and the others were transported to Auschwitz, where the men and women were separated.
• Transfer to Bergen-Belsen: In late October 1944, Anne and Margot Frank were transferred to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in Germany. Conditions there were deplorable, with widespread disease and starvation.
• Deaths: Both Anne and Margot Frank succumbed to typhus in early 1945, just weeks before the camp was liberated by British forces. Edith Frank died in Auschwitz, while Otto Frank was the only member of the family to survive the Holocaust.

Legacy

• The Diary: Anne Frank's diary, which she began writing in June 1942, provides a deeply personal and poignant account of her life in hiding. After the war, Otto Frank found the diary and arranged for its publication. "The Diary of a Young Girl" has since become one of the most widely read and influential books in the world, offering a powerful testament to the horrors of the Holocaust and the resilience of the human spirit.
• Anne Frank House: The building where the Frank family hid is now a museum dedicated to preserving their story and educating visitors about the Holocaust.

The tragic events of 04 August 1944, mark a significant moment in history, highlighting the cruelty of the Nazi regime and the devastating impact of the Holocaust on millions of lives.

31 July - The first successful ascent of K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen)

 

K2, often referred to as the "Savage Mountain," is renowned for its extreme difficulty and high fatality rate. Here are more details about K2 and the historic 1954 ascent:

The Mountain:

• Location: K2, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen is located on the border between Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region and China’s Xinjiang region in the Karakoram Range.
• Height: 8,611 meters (28,251 feet), making it the second-highest peak in the world.
• Terrain: The mountain is known for its steep, icy slopes and unpredictable weather, which contribute to its reputation as one of the most challenging climbs.

The 1954 Italian Expedition:

• Leader: Ardito Desio, an accomplished geologist and explorer, led the expedition.
• Summiters: Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni were the two climbers who successfully reached the summit on July 31, 1954.
• Team Members: The team also included Walter Bonatti, a young climber who played a crucial role in supporting the summit push by delivering oxygen supplies to Lacedelli and Compagnoni at a critical high-altitude camp.
• Route: The team ascended via the Abruzzi Spur, which remains the most popular and well-known route to the summit of K2.

Challenges and Achievements:

• Technical Difficulty: K2 is known for its technically demanding climbs, with features like the Black Pyramid, the Bottleneck, and the Serac.
• Weather: Climbers often face severe weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy snowfall, and sudden storms, which can make the climb extremely perilous.
• Fatality Rate: Historically, K2 has had one of the highest fatality rates among the world's tallest mountains, with about one in four climbers not returning.

Legacy:

• Historical Significance: The successful ascent of K2 by the Italian team was a monumental achievement in the history of mountaineering. It demonstrated human endurance, teamwork, and the ability to overcome one of nature's most formidable challenges.
• Impact on Mountaineering: The expedition set a precedent for future climbs and established many of the techniques and strategies used in high-altitude climbing.

K2 remains a coveted but dangerous goal for mountaineers from around the world, symbolizing the ultimate test of climbing skill and endurance.

30 July - Mirza Wajid Ali Shah birth anniversary

 

Mirza Wajid Ali Shah, born on July 30, 1822, was the last Nawab of Awadh (Oudh) in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India. His reign and personal life are notable for their cultural and artistic achievements, as well as for the political turmoil leading to the annexation of Awadh by the British. Here are more details about his life:

Early Life and Ascension

• Birth: Wajid Ali Shah was born on 30 July 1822, in Lucknow, the capital of the Kingdom of Awadh.
• Parentage: He was the son of Amjad Ali Shah, the Nawab of Awadh, and his mother was Khas Mahal.
• Ascension to Throne: Wajid Ali Shah ascended the throne on February 13, 1847, after the death of his father.

Reign as Nawab

• Cultural Patronage: Wajid Ali Shah is often remembered more for his patronage of the arts than for his political achievements. He was a poet, playwright, dancer, and musician.
  • Kathak Dance: He was a great patron of Kathak and contributed significantly to its development.
  • Music and Drama: He composed numerous ragas and thumris and wrote plays such as "Radha Kanhaiya Ka Qissa."
  • Architecture: He contributed to the architectural heritage of Lucknow, including the construction of the Kaiserbagh Palace complex.
• Administrative Challenges: His reign faced significant administrative challenges, including financial mismanagement and growing discontent among the populace.

Annexation of Awadh

• British East India Company: The British were increasingly influential in Awadh's affairs. In 1856, citing misgovernance, the British East India Company annexed Awadh.
• Deposition: Wajid Ali Shah was deposed and exiled to Calcutta (now Kolkata) where he lived the remainder of his life.
• Efforts to Reclaim Throne: Despite his efforts to appeal to the British Crown and garner support to reclaim his throne, he was unsuccessful.

Exile and Later Life

• Life in Exile: In Calcutta, Wajid Ali Shah continued to patronize the arts and maintained a court that became a cultural hub.
• Poetry and Music: He continued to write poetry and music during his exile, including the famous composition "Babul Mora Naihar Chhooto Hi Jaye," expressing his sorrow and sense of loss.
• Death: Wajid Ali Shah passed away on 21 September 1887, in Calcutta.

Legacy

• Cultural Contributions: Despite his political downfall, Wajid Ali Shah's legacy endures through his contributions to Indian culture, particularly in music, dance, and poetry.
• Historical Impact: His reign and the subsequent annexation of Awadh are significant events in the history of British colonial expansion in India, leading up to the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Wajid Ali Shah remains a complex and multifaceted historical figure, remembered both for his cultural patronage and the political events that led to the end of his rule.

A Treasure for Philatelists: A Compendium of Articles on the Half Anna Lithograph Stamps

 

It was a delightful surprise to receive a copy of “A Compendium of Articles on the Half Anna Lithograph Stamps” by Mr. Dinesh Kanabar — a name well respected in philatelic circles. This book isn’t just a collection of articles; it's a heartfelt tribute to one of India’s most iconic classic stamps, the 1854 Half Anna Lithograph.

Right from the first page, it’s evident how much passion, precision, and perseverance has gone into this work. The book compiles some of the finest articles ever published on the Half Anna Lithograph, drawing from a wide array of respected philatelic journals and magazines, most of which were published before 1970. These include stalwarts like the Philatelic Journal of India, India Stamp Journal, India Post, London Philatelist, Calcutta Philatelist, and more.

🔍 What’s Inside?

The book spans ten rich chapters and a prologue, each shedding light on different aspects of the Half Anna stamp — from its lithographic stone and production flaws to color variations, die types, errors, and even lesser-known varieties that have rarely been catalogued. One of the standout features is Chapter 8, which offers valuable insight into the sources consulted. Chapter 9 serves as a handy index of articles, making it easy to trace the origin and authorship of each piece included.

🖨️ Quality That Matches the Content

Printed on glossy, high-quality paper across approximately 280 pages, the book is beautifully presented. Despite the age of the original articles, the reproduction quality is commendable, with only minimal limitations in a few images — something that is understandable given the historical nature of the content.

📌 Why This Book Matters

It is an essential reference work for anyone passionate about classic Indian philately. Mr. Kanabar has masterfully brought together decades of expert analysis and writing, pairing it with his own insightful commentary. The result is a one-stop resource for collectors, scholars, and enthusiasts of the 1854 Half Anna Lithograph.

🌱 A Must-Have for Every Serious Collector

Philately, by its very nature, is never complete — there is always something new to discover or reinterpret. That’s why books like this are so important. They inspire new research, spark curiosity, and preserve the legacy of our postal heritage.

If you're serious about Indian classic stamps, especially the 1854 Half Anna Lithograph, this book deserves a proud spot in your library.

28 July - Drukpa Tsheshi festival

 

Drukpa Tsheshi is a significant Buddhist festival celebrated in Bhutan, commemorating the First Sermon of Lord Buddha at Sarnath, India. It is observed on the fourth day of the sixth month of the Bhutanese lunar calendar, which usually falls in July or August in the Gregorian calendar.

Significance

• Historical Importance: The festival marks the day when Buddha first taught the Four Noble Truths to his initial five disciples. This sermon is considered one of the most important events in the history of Buddhism as it laid the foundation of the Buddhist teachings.
• Cultural Importance: In Bhutan, Drukpa Tsheshi is not only a religious event but also a cultural one, reflecting the deep-rooted Buddhist traditions of the country.

Celebrations

• Religious Activities: Devotees visit monasteries and temples to offer prayers and participate in religious ceremonies. Special rituals and chanting sessions are held to honor the teachings of Buddha.
• Monastic Dances: Monks perform traditional dances and rituals in monasteries, which are significant parts of the celebration.
• Public Participation: People often gather in large numbers at sacred sites, such as the National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu and other prominent temples across Bhutan. They engage in prayer, meditation, and other spiritual activities.
• Offerings: It is common for devotees to make offerings of food, flowers, and incense at temples and monasteries.

Locations of Celebration

• Thimphu: The capital city, where the National Memorial Chorten becomes a focal point for celebrations.
• Other Monasteries: Key monasteries across Bhutan also hold special ceremonies and attract many devotees.

Observance

• Public Holiday: Drukpa Tsheshi is often a public holiday in Bhutan, allowing people to participate in the religious and cultural activities.
• Family Gatherings: Families come together to visit temples and engage in prayer and reflection.

Drukpa Tsheshi is a time for Bhutanese people to reaffirm their commitment to Buddhist teachings and reflect on the core principles of Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The festival not only honors the historical event of Buddha’s First Sermon but also strengthens the spiritual and cultural fabric of Bhutanese society.

27 July - Bal Gangadhar Tilak arrest in 1897

 

In the late 1890s, plague had struck Pune and surrounding areas. The British administration adopted harsh, intrusive plague control measures, such as house searches and forced evacuations, which led to public resentment.

• On 22 June 1897, British officers Walter Rand and Lt. Ayerst were assassinated by the Chapekar brothers, Damodar and Balkrishna Chapekar, in Pune.

• Tilak had published strong critiques of British actions and praised Shivaji for resisting tyranny, in his articles in Kesari (Marathi) and Mahratta (English).

🔹 Arrest & Charges

• Tilak was arrested on 27 July 1897, under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code for sedition, accused of inciting violence through his writings.

• His writings were interpreted by the British as justifying the murder of Rand, although Tilak never explicitly supported violence.

🔹 Aftermath

• He was tried and sentenced to 18 months’ rigorous imprisonment.

• This was the first time Tilak was jailed, and it marked the beginning of his long and defiant stand against British rule.

• The arrest galvanized Indian political consciousness. Nationalist leaders and the public viewed Tilak as a martyr of free speech and Indian pride.

---

🧭 Significance

• Catalyst for Radical Nationalism: Tilak’s arrest intensified the divide between moderate and extremist factions within the Indian National Congress.

• He famously declared:

  "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it!"
  (Though this slogan came later, in 1906, it was rooted in this spirit of defiance.)

• The event is now seen as a turning point in Indian nationalism, where public political critique of British colonialism took a more assertive and mass-based turn.