31 August - International Day for People of African Descent

 

The International Day for People of African Descent is observed on August 31st every year. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 with the aim of promoting the recognition, rights, and contributions of people of African descent worldwide. The day also seeks to address the challenges and discrimination faced by this community.

The International Day for People of African Descent provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the systemic racism, inequalities, and injustices that people of African descent often face. It highlights the importance of combating racial prejudice, promoting equal treatment, and ensuring the full inclusion and participation of this community in all aspects of society.

This day also aligns with the United Nations' International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024), during which efforts are made to strengthen national, regional, and international cooperation to improve the rights and well-being of people of African descent.

31 August - Rituparno Ghosh birth anniversary

 

The above cover is part of the three special covers were released on 16th November 2019 at the State Level Philatelic Exhibition " Ekla Chalo Re" held at Kolkatta featuring Film personalities like Suchitra Sen and Rituparno Gosh, 100 years of Young India newspaper.

Rituparno Ghosh (31 August 1963 – 30 May 2013), an Indian film director, actor, writer, and lyricist. He got recognition for his second feature film Unishe April which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. Ghosh was mainly influenced by the works of Satyajit Ray and was a fervent reader of Rabindranath Tagore. He died on 30 May 2013 due to heart attack at the age of just 49 in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

31 August - Independence Day Kyrgyzstan

 

Independence Day in Kyrgyzstan is celebrated on August 31st each year. It commemorates the country's declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Kyrgyzstan was one of the republics within the Soviet Union, and the declaration of independence marked a significant turning point in the nation's history.

On August 31, 1991, following the failed coup attempt in Moscow, Kyrgyzstan's Supreme Soviet declared the country's independence, thereby becoming a sovereign nation. This decision was affirmed by a popular referendum on October 17, 1991, in which the majority of Kyrgyz citizens voted in favor of independence.

Independence Day in Kyrgyzstan is celebrated with various events and activities across the country. These may include official ceremonies, flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural performances, and fireworks displays. The day serves as an occasion for the people of Kyrgyzstan to come together, reflect on their history, and celebrate their nation's achievements and aspirations.

The celebration also highlights Kyrgyzstan's rich cultural heritage and diversity, with various traditional performances, music, dance, and local cuisine being showcased during the festivities. It's a time for national pride and unity, as well as a moment to honor the struggles and sacrifices made by the people of Kyrgyzstan in their pursuit of independence and self-determination.

31 August - World Sanskrit Day

 

World Sanskrit Day, also known as "Vishwa Samskrita Dinam" in Sanskrit, is an annual observance dedicated to celebrating the ancient language of Sanskrit and its rich cultural and historical significance. It is typically observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana, which usually falls between July and August in the Gregorian calendar. This year it is on 31 August 2023

Sanskrit is one of the oldest known languages and is considered the classical language of India. It has played a crucial role in shaping various aspects of Indian culture, including literature, philosophy, religion, science, and art. Many ancient texts, including the Vedas, Upanishads, Mahabharata, Ramayana, and various other scriptures, were written in Sanskrit.

World Sanskrit Day is an opportunity to promote the study, preservation, and understanding of Sanskrit. Various educational institutions, cultural organizations, and enthusiasts around the world organize events, seminars, workshops, lectures, and cultural performances to showcase the importance of Sanskrit and its contributions to global knowledge.

The day also serves as a reminder of the need to safeguard and continue the study of this classical language, which holds immense wisdom and knowledge that can benefit humanity even in modern times. It's a day to appreciate the beauty and complexity of Sanskrit, as well as its role in preserving and transmitting ancient wisdom across generations.

 

31 August - Trinidad and Tobago Independence Day

 

Trinidad and Tobago Independence Day is celebrated on August 31st each year. It marks the day in 1962 when Trinidad and Tobago gained independence from British colonial rule. Prior to this, the country had been a British colony for many years. Independence Day is a national holiday in Trinidad and Tobago, and it is celebrated with various events, parades, cultural performances, and festivities throughout the islands.

The road to independence was a gradual process that involved negotiations between the British colonial authorities and Trinidad and Tobago's political leaders. This process eventually led to the country's attainment of full sovereignty on August 31, 1962. The national flag, anthem, and other symbols were adopted to represent the newly independent nation.

Independence Day is an occasion for Trinbagonians to reflect on their history, culture, and achievements as a nation. It's also an opportunity to celebrate their unique cultural heritage, which is a blend of various influences including African, Indian, European, and indigenous traditions.

The celebration of Independence Day typically includes ceremonies involving government officials, patriotic displays, parades, cultural performances, and various public events. It's a time when the people of Trinidad and Tobago come together to commemorate their nation's journey to independence and to express their national pride.

31 August - Amarnath Yatra comes to end in 2023

 

Amarnath Yatra Start and End Date : 01 July 2023 – 31 August 2023 (62 Days).

Amarnath Yatra is a major religious pilgrimage for Hindus. The journey of Amarnath is done to have a glimpse of the naturally made Shiva Linga of Lord Shiva. This journey is very difficult. There are two ways to complete this Yatra. One starts from Pehelgaam and another one from Sonmarg Baltaal. The route from pehelgaam is simple and convenient. The route from Sonmarg is just 14 KM but it is very difficult and has security concerns also. People following this route do it at their own risk and also govt of India is not responsible for any mishap on this route.

Pehelgaam is at a distance of 315 KM from Jammu. The Yatra on foot starts from here. The first stop is at Chandanbadi which is at 8 KM from Pehelgaam. The devotees spend the first night here. On the next morning, they resume the Yatra for Pissoo Ghati along Lidder river. This part of Yatra is simple as compared to the rest of the Yatra.

The next stop from Chandanbadi is Sheshnaag.  The route is dangerous and has steep height. One can see pissoo ghati here. This area is very dangerous. There are many beautiful lakes of blue water coming out of hills. The devotees spend night here and resume their third day Yatra from here.

Panchtarni is at a distance of 8 miles from Sheshnaag. One has to cross Baivwell and Mahagunass on the way to Sheshnaag. The place gets its name because of five small rivers flowing here. It is surrounded by high hills from all the sides. The devotees have to be extra careful here because of lack of oxygen at this place.

The holy cave is at a distance of only 8KM from here. The whole of route is filled with ice all along the way. This route is very difficult. One forgets all the tiredness as soon as he reaches the holy cave and attains spiritual bliss on witnessing the the Shiva-linga made of natural ice.

31 August - Pranab Mukherjee death anniversary

 

Pranab Mukherjee, born on 11 December 1935, was a distinguished Indian politician and statesman who made significant contributions to the country's political landscape. He served in various key roles, both within the government and the Indian National Congress party, over his illustrious career.

Mukherjee's political journey spanned several decades, during which he held numerous significant positions, including Minister of Finance, Minister of Defense, and Minister of External Affairs. His expertise in economic matters earned him the reputation of being one of India's most influential finance ministers, with key contributions to shaping the country's economic policies.

One of his most remarkable accomplishments was his role in orchestrating economic reforms in the early 1990s that aimed to liberalize and open up the Indian economy. These reforms laid the foundation for India's economic growth and transformation on the global stage.

In addition to his economic prowess, Pranab Mukherjee was known for his astute diplomacy and foreign policy acumen during his tenure as the Minister of External Affairs. He played a crucial role in strengthening India's international relations and fostering strategic partnerships with various nations.

Mukherjee's commitment to public service culminated in his election as the 13th President of India in 2012, a position he held until 2017. As President, he brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role, upholding the values of the Indian Constitution and representing the nation with dignity and integrity.

On August 31, 2020, India bid farewell to this eminent leader who had left an indelible mark on its political and economic landscape. Pranab Mukherjee's legacy as a visionary politician, skilled economist, and devoted public servant continues to inspire generations, serving as a reminder of his dedication to the welfare and progress of the nation.

31 August - World Distance Learning Day

 

World Distance Learning Day is celebrated on August 31st to recognize and embrace learning that takes place outside a physical classroom. Remote learning is completed entirely online live by an instructor, and hybrid options combine learning online and in the classroom. Both options have given flexibility and opportunities to students around the world.

Distance learning has given more individuals the opportunity to have access to online education, allowing traditional education methods to completely transform. High-quality online and hybrid curricula and courses continue to develop, allowing distance learning options to advance. World Distance Learning Day was created to celebrate learning resources and options that are available to students and to show how far the idea of distance education has advanced.

31 August - Malaysia National Day

 

Malaysia National Day, also known as Hari Merdeka in Malay, is celebrated on August 31st each year. It commemorates the day in 1957 when the Federation of Malaya gained independence from British colonial rule and became a sovereign nation. The term "Merdeka" means "independence" in Malay.

On August 31, 1957, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman, declared independence from British colonial rule, marking a significant moment in the country's history. The Union Jack was lowered, and the new flag of Malaysia, which is a combination of 14 alternating red and white stripes representing the 13 states of the country and the federal territories, was raised.

National Day celebrations in Malaysia are marked by various events and activities throughout the country. One of the most notable events is the Merdeka Parade, which takes place in the capital city, Kuala Lumpur. During the parade, there are vibrant displays of cultural performances, military processions, and elaborate floats showcasing Malaysia's cultural diversity and achievements.

In addition to the parade, there are flag-raising ceremonies, fireworks displays, cultural exhibitions, and various community activities held across the nation. Schools, government buildings, and public spaces are often decorated with the national flag and patriotic symbols to commemorate the occasion.

Malaysia's National Day is a time for Malaysians to come together, celebrate their cultural diversity, and reflect on their country's journey towards independence and progress. It's a day to express national pride and unity, while also acknowledging the challenges and achievements that have shaped the nation's history.

30 August - Narali Purnima

 

Narali Purnima, also known as Coconut Day or Raksha Bandhan, is a Hindu festival that is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the month of Shravana, which usually falls in July or August in the Gregorian calendar. This festival holds significance in various regions of India, particularly in the coastal states.

The term "Narali" is derived from the Marathi word "naral," which means coconut. The festival is named after the tradition of offering coconuts to the sea as a way to seek the blessings and protection of the sea god Varuna. It is often celebrated in coastal communities as a way to express gratitude for the ocean's bounty and to seek safe journeys for fishermen and sailors.

During Narali Purnima, people in coastal areas perform rituals and offer coconuts, flowers, and other offerings to the sea. This is usually accompanied by prayers and ceremonies to invoke the blessings of Varuna for a prosperous and safe life at sea.

In some regions, Narali Purnima is also associated with the festival of Raksha Bandhan. On this day, sisters tie protective threads (rakhi) around the wrists of their brothers, symbolizing the bond of love and protection between siblings. In return, brothers offer gifts and promise to protect their sisters. While Raksha Bandhan is celebrated widely across India, the connection between Raksha Bandhan and Narali Purnima is more prevalent in certain communities.

As with many Hindu festivals, the traditions and customs associated with Narali Purnima can vary based on regional practices and cultural interpretations.