01 July - Ghana Republic Day

 

 

Every year on July 1, Ghana celebrates its Republic Day. This day commemorates the establishment of the Republic of Ghana in 1960. In spite of gaining independence from the British in 1957, the country did not become a fully sovereign republic until 1960. Republic Day was a national holiday until 2019, when it was reclassified as a ‘commemorative holiday.’ Senior Citizens’ Day is also observed on this day to recognise their contributions to the history of Ghana.

Ghana, formerly known as the Gold Coast, was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to achieve independence from colonial rule. The independence movement in Ghana was led by prominent figures such as Kwame Nkrumah, who played a pivotal role in the country's struggle for self-determination.

On Republic Day, Ghana honors its rich cultural heritage, celebrates its achievements as an independent nation, and reflects on the progress made in various fields since gaining independence. The day is marked by various events and festivities held across the country.

 

01 July - International Joke Day

 

International Joke Day is observed on July 1st every year. It is a light-hearted celebration dedicated to humor, laughter, and the joy of sharing jokes. On this day, people around the world engage in playful activities, exchange jokes, and try to bring laughter into their lives and the lives of others.

The purpose of International Joke Day is to appreciate the positive effects of humor on our well-being. Laughter is known to have numerous health benefits, such as reducing stress, boosting mood, and strengthening social connections. It is a universal language that can bring people together, break the ice, and create moments of joy and amusement.

To celebrate International Joke Day, people often share jokes with their friends, family, and colleagues. This can be done in person, through social media, or via text messages. Some individuals and organizations may organize joke-telling contests, comedy shows, or comedy-themed events to spread laughter and entertain audiences.

It's important to note that humor is subjective, and jokes should always be shared in a manner that is respectful and considerate of others' feelings. International Joke Day is meant to be a light-hearted and fun occasion, promoting positivity and laughter.

So, take this opportunity to share your favorite jokes, engage in humor-filled conversations, and enjoy the laughter that International Joke Day brings!

01 July - Van Mahotsav annual week-long festival celebrated in India

 

Van Mahotsav, also known as the Tree Plantation Festival, is an annual week-long festival celebrated in India. It was initiated in the year 1950 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests of the Government of India to promote afforestation and conservation of forests.

Van Mahotsav takes place during the first week of July, with July 1st being the official opening day. The festival aims to raise awareness about the importance of trees and forests in maintaining ecological balance, combating climate change, and enhancing the overall well-being of the environment and society.

During Van Mahotsav, various tree plantation drives are organized across the country involving individuals, communities, schools, colleges, government organizations, and non-governmental organizations. People from different walks of life come together to plant saplings in parks, public spaces, schools, and along roadsides.

The festival encourages citizens to actively participate in tree planting activities and take responsibility for the environment. It promotes the understanding that every individual can contribute to the conservation of forests and the mitigation of environmental challenges by planting and nurturing trees.

Besides tree planting, Van Mahotsav also includes activities such as seminars, workshops, and exhibitions on topics related to environmental conservation and sustainable development. These events aim to educate people about the importance of forests, biodiversity, and the need to protect and preserve natural resources.

Van Mahotsav has played a significant role in raising awareness about afforestation and has led to the planting of millions of trees across the country. It serves as a reminder of the vital role trees play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem and provides an opportunity for individuals to contribute to the greening of India.

01 July - 75 years of Luxembourg - India friendship

 

75 years of Luxembourg - India friendship : Joint issue with India
 
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the Republic of India are celebrating, in 2023, the 75th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations on 1 July 1948.

Cooperation in the steel sector led to the opening of a first Vice-Consulate in Bombay in 1929. With the inauguration of the Embassy of Luxembourg in New Delhi in February 2002, friendly relations developed between the two country. Two sculptures by Amar Nath Sehgal were chosen as motifs for the common block. The Indian sculptor, painter and poet, Amar Nath, who set up a studio in Luxembourg at the end of the 1970s, shared his private and professional life between the Grand Duchy and India until the early 2000s.

30 June - Democratic Republic of Congo Independence Day

 

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) celebrates its Independence Day on June 30th each year. This day marks the country's liberation from Belgian colonial rule and the establishment of the independent Republic of Congo in 1960.

The struggle for independence in the DRC was led by nationalist leaders such as Patrice Lumumba, who played a crucial role in the movement against colonialism. On June 30, 1960, the country gained independence, and Lumumba became the first democratically elected Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo.

Independence Day in the DRC is a significant national holiday celebrated with various events and activities across the country. It is a time for Congolese people to reflect on their history, honor their national heroes, and celebrate their sovereignty and freedom. The day is marked with official ceremonies, parades, cultural performances, and speeches by political leaders.

Independence Day in the DRC also serves as an occasion to address the challenges faced by the country and reaffirm the commitment to progress, development, and national unity. It is an opportunity to highlight the rich cultural diversity and heritage of the Congolese people and promote a sense of pride in the nation.

Throughout the country, communities engage in festivities, including music, dance, and traditional ceremonies, to celebrate the spirit of independence. Additionally, schools, organizations, and institutions may organize educational and cultural events to raise awareness about the significance of this historical milestone in the DRC's journey.

29 June - *"Ashadhi Ekadashi - A Spiritual Journey"* 2023

 

*"Ashadhi Ekadashi - A Spiritual Journey"*

Lord Vitthal is considered as the savior of the victims. On the day of Ashadhi Ekadashi, lakhs of devotees of Lord Vitthal from all over Maharashtra come to Pandharpur on foot chanting the name of Vitthal, it is called Ashadhi Vari. In Maharashtra, this day is celebrated with great reverence by fasting.

Cancellation from following offices:

1. पंढरपुर 413304 PANDHARPUR

2. मुंबई 400001 MUMBAI

3. पुणे आर.एम.एस. 411001 PUNE RMS

4. एन.एस.एच. नागपुर 440001 NSH NAGPUR

5. बी.पी.सी. वाशी 400703 BPC VASHI

6. एन.एस.एच. पणजी 403521 NSH PANAJI

7. औरंगाबाद 431001 AURANGABAD

Above are from my collection which were issued in year 2022.

29 June - International Mud Day

 

Aland 2008 issued a stamp with real mud/soil affixed on the brown path shown in the stamp

International Mud Day is an annual event celebrated on June 29th to encourage children and adults to connect with nature, embrace messy play, and experience the joy of playing in the mud. The event was first initiated in 2009 by a group of early childhood educators and has since gained popularity around the world.

International Mud Day aims to promote the importance of outdoor play, sensory experiences, and nature-based learning. It emphasizes the benefits of unstructured, hands-on play in natural environments, particularly engaging with mud and soil. This event encourages children to explore, create, and discover through messy play, fostering their imagination, creativity, and physical development.

On International Mud Day, schools, kindergartens, nature centers, and community organizations organize various mud-based activities and events. These activities often include mud pits, mud kitchens, mud sculpting, mud sliding, and mud obstacle courses. Children are encouraged to get dirty, engage in imaginative play, and interact with nature in a tactile and sensory way.

International Mud Day promotes environmental awareness and encourages sustainable practices. Participants are often reminded of the importance of conserving and protecting natural habitats, including wetlands and soil resources. The event serves as a reminder of the connection between humans and the natural world, promoting environmental stewardship and a sense of responsibility towards the Earth.

International Mud Day has become a global celebration, with participants from different countries coming together to embrace the joy and messiness of playing in the mud. It encourages people of all ages to step away from screens, reconnect with nature, and experience the simple pleasure of getting muddy.

29 June - International Fisherman Day

 

International Fisherman Day is a day dedicated to honoring and appreciating the contributions of fishermen and the fishing industry worldwide. While there isn't an officially recognized International Fisherman Day, several countries celebrate their own national or regional days to recognize the importance of fishermen and their role in society.

Fishermen play a crucial role in the global economy by providing a significant food source, employment opportunities, and supporting coastal communities. They brave various challenges, including harsh weather conditions, physical labor, and economic uncertainties, to harvest fish and other seafood.

Different countries have their own ways of celebrating and acknowledging fishermen. For example:

1. Fisherman's Day in Russia: Russia celebrates Fisherman's Day on the second Sunday of July. It is a popular holiday in coastal regions, including St. Petersburg, where fishing competitions, boat races, and other festivities take place.

2. Fisherman's Day in Peru: In Peru, Fisherman's Day, or Día del Pescador, is celebrated on June 29th. The day is marked with parades, music, dance performances, and other cultural activities, particularly in fishing communities along the coast.

3. Fisherman's Day in South Korea: South Korea celebrates Fisherman's Day, known as Gaecheonjeol, on February 9th. The day commemorates the founding myth of the country, which involves fishermen.

These are just a few examples of how different countries honor and celebrate the contributions of fishermen. The specific date and traditions may vary, but the underlying purpose remains the same—to recognize the hard work and dedication of fishermen and their vital role in society.

29 June - International Day of the Tropics

The International Day of Tropics is observed on June 29th each year to raise awareness about the significance of the tropics and promote sustainable development in tropical regions. The United Nations General Assembly declared June 29th as the International Day of Tropics in 2016.

The tropics are the regions of the Earth situated between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. They are known for their unique climate, rich biodiversity, and diverse cultures. The International Day of Tropics aims to highlight the importance of the tropics in terms of environmental, social, and economic aspects.

The tropics are home to a significant portion of the world's population and contain some of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet, including rainforests, coral reefs, and mangroves. These ecosystems provide vital services such as carbon sequestration, climate regulation, and habitat for numerous species.

The International Day of Tropics encourages countries, organizations, and individuals to collaborate and address the specific challenges faced by tropical regions. It emphasizes the need for sustainable development practices that protect and preserve the tropics' natural resources, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.

On this day, various events and activities are organized worldwide, including conferences, seminars, workshops, and exhibitions. These events focus on promoting sustainable development, sharing knowledge and best practices, and fostering international cooperation to address issues such as climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss, poverty, and health challenges in tropical regions.

The International Day of Tropics provides an opportunity to recognize the value and potential of the tropics in achieving global sustainable development goals. It encourages policymakers, researchers, and communities to work together towards a more sustainable and equitable future for tropical regions and their inhabitants.

29 June - Seychelles Independence Day

 

Seychelles Independence Day is celebrated on June 29th each year to commemorate the day when Seychelles gained independence from British colonial rule. On this day in 1976, Seychelles became an independent nation after being a British colony for over a century.

The history of Seychelles' struggle for independence dates back to the mid-20th century when various political movements emerged, demanding self-governance and an end to colonial rule. The Seychelles People's United Party (SPUP) led by France-Albert René played a significant role in the push for independence.

Negotiations between the British government and Seychelles leaders led to an agreement, and on June 29, 1976, Seychelles officially became an independent nation. The country transitioned from a British Crown Colony to a republic within the Commonwealth, with France-Albert René becoming the first President of Seychelles.

Independence Day in Seychelles is celebrated with enthusiasm and patriotism. The day is marked by various events and activities, including parades, cultural performances, flag hoisting ceremonies, fireworks, and speeches by political leaders. It is a time for Seychellois people to reflect on their journey to independence, celebrate their national identity, and honor the sacrifices made by their forefathers.

Independence Day in Seychelles is not only a celebration of political freedom but also an occasion to showcase the country's rich culture, diversity, and achievements. It serves as a reminder of Seychelles' progress as an independent nation and the ongoing efforts to build a prosperous and inclusive future for its citizens.