01 December - Major Shaitan Singh Bhati birth anniversary

  

Major Shaitan Singh Bhati was an Indian Army officer who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration for valor, for his actions during the Sino-Indian War of 1962. Major Shaitan Singh was born on 01 December 1924 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

During the war, Major Shaitan Singh was in command of a company of the 13th Kumaon Regiment. His company was assigned the task of defending the strategic Rezang La pass in Ladakh. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Major Shaitan Singh and his men fought valiantly against the Chinese forces. He displayed exemplary leadership and courage, inspiring his troops to resist the enemy advance.

Major Shaitan Singh Bhati fought to the last, refusing to leave his position even when wounded. He succumbed to his injuries on November 18, 1962. His bravery and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds are remembered with deep respect, and he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his extraordinary courage and leadership during the battle.

 

01 December - Ustad Sabri Khan death anniversary

 

Ustad Sabri Khan, born on 21 May 1927, in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, was a renowned Indian sarangi player celebrated for his exceptional skill and contributions to Indian classical music. He hailed from a prestigious lineage of musicians, with his grandfather Ustad Haji Mohammed Khan being a notable sarangi player and his father Ustad Chajju Khan also deeply involved in music. Sabri Khan was initiated into the world of music at a young age, receiving rigorous training under his father and later under his uncle, Ustad Laddan Khan.

Ustad Sabri Khan's career spanned several decades, during which he became an acclaimed maestro of the sarangi, an instrument known for its expressive and intricate sound, often used to accompany vocal performances in Indian classical music. His ability to evoke deep emotions and his command over the instrument earned him widespread admiration both in India and internationally.

Throughout his illustrious career, Ustad Sabri Khan collaborated with numerous eminent artists and performed at prestigious venues around the world. His contributions were not limited to performance; he was also dedicated to teaching and preserving the tradition of sarangi playing. He trained many students who have gone on to become accomplished musicians in their own right.

Sabri Khan's legacy is marked by numerous awards and honors, including the Padma Shri in 1992 and the Padma Bhushan in 2006, two of India's highest civilian awards, recognizing his outstanding contributions to Indian classical music. His music continues to inspire and influence both listeners and musicians, ensuring that his rich heritage and the soulful sound of the sarangi live on.

Ustad Sabri Khan passed away on 01 December 2015, but his legacy endures through his recordings, his students, and the lasting impact he made on the world of Indian classical music.

01 December - Iceland Independence day

 

Iceland was granted independence from Denmark on December 1, 1918. The Act of Union, also known as the Danish-Icelandic Act of Union, was signed on this date, establishing Iceland as a sovereign state in a personal union with Denmark. While it marked a significant step toward independence, Iceland didn't become a fully independent republic until June 17, 1944.

On that day in 1944, Iceland formally severed its ties with the Kingdom of Denmark and declared itself a republic. This decision was partly a response to Denmark's occupation by Nazi Germany during World War II. The people of Iceland, in a referendum, voted in favor of establishing a republic.

June 17th is now celebrated as Iceland's National Day, also known as Þjóðhátíðardagurinn, commemorating both the establishment of the republic and the birthday of Jón Sigurðsson, a key figure in Iceland's fight for independence during the 19th century.

 

01 December - The Central African Republic celebrates its National Day

 

The Central African Republic celebrates its National Day on December 1st. This day commemorates the country's independence from France, which was achieved on December 1, 1958. It is an important national holiday, and the people of the Central African Republic engage in various celebrations and events to mark this significant historical milestone.

The Central African Republic gained autonomy within the French Community on December 1, 1958, and later, on August 13, 1960, it became fully independent. The country's National Day serves as a time for reflection on its history, cultural heritage, and achievements since gaining independence. Festivities typically include parades, cultural performances, and other public events.

It's worth noting that the Central African Republic has faced challenges, including political instability and conflicts, in the years following its independence. National Day provides an opportunity for both reflection on the past and a celebration of the Central African Republic's identity and resilience.

01 December - Nagaland Statehood Day

 

Nagaland Statehood Day is celebrated on December 1st every year in the Indian state of Nagaland. This day marks the creation of the state of Nagaland on December 1, 1963. Nagaland became the 16th state of the Indian Union following its formation, separating from the state of Assam.

The establishment of Nagaland as a separate state was a result of the Naga people's demand for self-determination and recognition of their unique identity and culture. The region had witnessed a prolonged struggle, and the formation of the state was a significant step in addressing the aspirations of the Naga people.

Nagaland Statehood Day is a public holiday in the state, and various events, ceremonies, cultural programs, and parades are organized to commemorate the occasion. It provides an opportunity for the people of Nagaland to celebrate their state's history, culture, and achievements.

 

01 December - Portugal's Restoration of Independence

 

Portugal's Restoration of Independence, known as the "Restauração da Independência," is celebrated on December 1st. This national holiday commemorates the restoration of Portuguese sovereignty after a period of Spanish rule.

The event that led to the Restoration of Independence occurred in 1640 when a group of Portuguese nobles and military officers, dissatisfied with Spanish rule, staged a rebellion. This movement resulted in the proclamation of João, Duke of Braganza, as King João IV of Portugal on December 1, 1640.

This marked the end of the Iberian Union, which had been established in 1580 when King Philip II of Spain became Philip I of Portugal. The Portuguese people resisted Spanish dominance for several decades, and the Restoration of Independence in 1640 was a pivotal moment in Portuguese history.

December 1st is now celebrated as Portugal's Restoration of Independence Day, honoring the country's regained autonomy and the establishment of the Braganza dynasty on the Portuguese throne.

 

01 December - Farmers' Day Ghana

 

In Ghana, Farmers' Day is an annual national holiday dedicated to honoring the country's hardworking farmers and fishers. The day is typically observed on the first Friday of December each year. Farmers' Day is an opportunity for the nation to express gratitude to farmers for their contributions to the economy and to recognize their efforts in ensuring food security for the population.

On Farmers' Day, various activities and events take place across the country. These may include awards ceremonies to honor outstanding farmers, agricultural exhibitions, and cultural performances. The day serves as a platform to highlight the importance of agriculture in Ghana's development and to encourage more people to pursue careers in farming.

Please note that specific details and activities may vary from year to year, and it's always a good idea to check the latest information from official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date details on Farmers' Day celebrations in Ghana.

01 December - Ubangi-Shari gained autonomy in 1958

 

The French colony of Ubangi-Shari gained autonomy on December 1, 1958. This development was part of a broader series of events tied to the French Union and the process of decolonization.

On this date, the people of Ubangi-Shari (present-day Central African Republic) voted in favor of the new constitution proposed by France, which granted the territory internal autonomy within the French community. This move was a step towards self-governance, allowing Ubangi-Shari to have control over its internal affairs while still being associated with France. It marked a significant moment in the decolonization process in Africa during the mid-20th century.

 

30 November - Mark Twain birth anniversary

 

Mark Twain, born Samuel Langhorne Clemens on November 30, 1835, in Florida, Missouri, was one of the most prominent American writers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He gained fame for his wit and satire, which he used to critique the societal norms and values of his time.

Twain's works often reflected his experiences growing up in the Mississippi River town of Hannibal, Missouri. He worked as a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi River before becoming a journalist and eventually a full-time writer.

Some of his most famous works include "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" (1876) and its sequel "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" (1885), both of which are considered classics of American literature. "The Prince and the Pauper" (1881), "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" (1889), and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" are among his other notable novels.

Twain was not only a writer but also a social critic and lecturer. He traveled extensively and often gave lectures that were both humorous and thought-provoking.

Towards the end of his life, Twain suffered from various health issues, including heart problems and bouts of depression. He passed away on April 21, 1910, at the age of 74, at his residence in Redding, Connecticut. Twain's legacy endures through his literary works, which continue to be studied, appreciated, and enjoyed by readers around the world.

 

30 November - National Day also known as St. Andrew's Day in Scotland

 

Scotland celebrates St. Andrew's Day as its national day. St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, and St. Andrew's Day falls on November 30th. The day is a celebration of Scottish culture, heritage, and the contributions of St. Andrew to the country.

While it's not a public holiday in Scotland, St. Andrew's Day is marked with various events and festivities, including traditional music and dance, parades, and the lighting of bonfires. The Saltire, the national flag of Scotland, features a white diagonal cross on a blue background, representing the cross on which St. Andrew is believed to have been crucified. The Saltire is prominently displayed during the celebrations.