19 January - National Popcorn Day in the United States

 

National Popcorn Day in the United States is celebrated annually on January 19th. It's a day dedicated to enjoying the popular and versatile snack, popcorn. People often celebrate by making popcorn in various flavors, enjoying it at home or at the movies, and trying out different recipes. Whether air-popped, stove-popped, or microwave-popped, popcorn is a favorite treat for many, and this day provides an opportunity to indulge in its deliciousness. Keep in mind that specific events and promotions related to National Popcorn Day may vary each year.

19 January - Mohammad Ali Mirza was crowned ""Shah-E-Iran"" in 1907

 

Mohammad Ali Mirza was crowned as the ""Shah-E-Iran"" in a grand function held in Royal Palace, Tehran. This coronation was performed on the precious throne ""Thakt-E-Taus"" which was made by Emperor Shahjahan, and was taken away from India during the invasion of Nadir Shah in 1738 AD.

19 January - Kokborok Day

 

Kokborok Day is celebrated in Tripura, a state in northeastern India, to commemorate the recognition of the Kokborok language. Kokborok is the native language of the Tripuri people, the indigenous inhabitants of Tripura. The celebration is an effort to promote and preserve the cultural and linguistic identity of the Tripuri community.

The date of Kokborok Day is often observed on 19 January each year. It is a significant occasion for the Tripuri people to celebrate their language, heritage, and traditions. Various cultural events, seminars, and activities are organized to highlight the importance of the Kokborok language and its role in preserving the cultural diversity of Tripura.

The celebration of Kokborok Day reflects the broader movement for the recognition and promotion of indigenous languages and cultures worldwide. It emphasizes the importance of linguistic diversity and the need to safeguard and promote indigenous languages for future generations.

19 January - Edgar Allan Poe birth anniversary

 

Edgar Allan Poe (19 January 1809 – 07 October 1849) was an American writer, poet, and literary critic best known for his macabre and Gothic tales and poems. Here are some key points about Edgar Allan Poe:

1. Early Life: Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and orphaned at a young age. He was taken in by the Allan family in Richmond, Virginia, which later inspired his middle name.

2. Education: Poe attended the University of Virginia but left due to financial difficulties. He later joined the U.S. Army, where he published his first collection of poems, "Tamerlane and Other Poems."

3. Career in Writing: Poe worked as an editor and critic for various literary magazines. His famous poem "The Raven" was published in 1845 and brought him national fame.

4. Gothic and Macabre Works: Poe's works often explored themes of death, madness, and the supernatural. Some of his notable works include "The Fall of the House of Usher," "The Tell-Tale Heart," and "The Masque of the Red Death."

5. Influence on Detective Fiction: Poe is considered a pioneer of the detective fiction genre. His character C. Auguste Dupin in "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" is considered one of the earliest fictional detectives.

6. Personal Struggles: Poe faced personal and financial difficulties throughout his life. He struggled with alcoholism and experienced bouts of depression.

7. Death: Edgar Allan Poe's death remains mysterious. He was found delirious on the streets of Baltimore and died a few days later on 07 October 1849. The cause of his death is still uncertain, and various theories, including alcohol poisoning and other medical conditions, have been proposed.

8. Legacy: Despite facing challenges during his lifetime, Poe's work has had a lasting impact on literature. He is regarded as a master of the short story and a central figure in the American Romantic Movement.

Edgar Allan Poe's works continue to be widely read and studied, and he is celebrated for his contributions to the horror, mystery, and Gothic genres in literature.

19 January - World’s largest crowd gathering so far when the Hindu Kumbh Mela in India 1977

 

The Kumbh Mela is a major pilgrimage and religious festival in Hinduism, where millions of devotees gather to bathe in a sacred river, believed to cleanse them of sin and bring about spiritual purification. It is held at four different locations in India: Allahabad (Prayagraj), Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain, rotating every three years.

On 19 January 1977, during the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, a record-breaking crowd assembled for the ritualistic bathing day known as "Shahi Snan" or the Royal Bath. Estimates suggest that around 15 million people gathered on that day, making it one of the largest human gatherings in recorded history.

The Kumbh Mela is renowned for its massive attendance, with millions of pilgrims, sadhus (ascetics), and tourists participating in the event. The festival is based on the astrological positions of certain planets and occurs periodically. The bathing days, especially on auspicious dates, attract the largest crowds, and the 1977 gathering was particularly significant due to the sheer number of people in attendance.

 

19 January - Robert E. Lee birth anniversary

 

Robert E. Lee (19 January 1807 – 12 October 1870) was an American military officer best known for his role as a Confederate general during the American Civil War. Here are some key points about Robert E. Lee:

1. Early Life: Robert Edward Lee was born into a prominent Virginia family. His father was Henry "Light-Horse Harry" Lee, a Revolutionary War officer.

2. Military Career: Lee attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated second in his class in 1829. He had a distinguished military career, serving in various capacities, including as an engineer and later as a military officer in the U.S. Army.

3. Marriage: Lee married Mary Anna Randolph Custis, a great-granddaughter of Martha Washington and the step-great-granddaughter of George Washington. They had several children.

4. Mexican-American War: Lee distinguished himself during the Mexican-American War (1846–1848) and earned the admiration of his superiors, including General Winfield Scott.

5. Resignation from the U.S. Army: When Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861, Lee faced a difficult decision. Despite personal reservations about secession, he chose to follow his home state and resigned from the U.S. Army.

6. Confederate General: Lee became one of the most iconic and skilled generals of the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He is best known for his leadership in the Army of Northern Virginia.

7. Notable Battles: Lee led the Confederate forces in several major battles, including the Seven Days Battles, Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg.

8. Surrender: Facing a dire situation and increasing pressure from Union forces, Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865, at Appomattox Court House, effectively ending the Civil War.

9. Postwar Life: After the war, Lee sought to promote reconciliation and healing. He became the president of Washington College (now Washington and Lee University) in Lexington, Virginia, where he worked to rebuild the institution.

10. Death: Robert E. Lee died on 12 October 1870, in Lexington, Virginia, at the age of 63. His contributions to military history and his complex legacy continue to be subjects of historical discussion and debate.

Robert E. Lee is remembered as a skilled military tactician, a respected leader, and a figure whose postwar actions aimed at fostering national unity and reconciliation. However, his association with the Confederacy and the institution of slavery has led to varying assessments of his legacy in American history.

19 January - James Watt birth anniversary

 

James Watt, the Scottish inventor and mechanical engineer, was born on 19 January 1736, in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland. He passed away on 25 August 1819, in Heathfield Hall, Staffordshire, England.

James Watt is best known for his improvements to the steam engine, which played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution. His innovations greatly enhanced the efficiency and practicality of steam engines, contributing significantly to the advancement of industries during the 18th and 19th centuries.

 

19 January - Maharana Pratap death anniversary

 

Maharana Pratap, also known as Pratap Singh, was a legendary Rajput warrior and king who ruled the kingdom of Mewar in Rajasthan, India, during the 16th century. He was the 13th king of the Sisodiya Rajput dynasty and is widely regarded as a symbol of Rajput valor and resistance against foreign rule.

Maharana Pratap was born on May 9, 1540, in Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan, to Maharana Udai Singh II and Rani Jeevant Kanwar. He received training in martial arts and warfare from an early age and became an accomplished warrior and horse rider.

Maharana Pratap ascended to the throne of Mewar in 1572 after the death of his father, Maharana Udai Singh II. However, his reign was marked by constant warfare with the Mughal Empire, which was then expanding its control over northern India. The Mughals, under the leadership of Akbar, attempted to subjugate Mewar and bring it under their rule, but Maharana Pratap fiercely resisted their advances.

One of the most famous battles of Maharana Pratap's reign was the Battle of Haldighati, fought in 1576 against the Mughals. Though he was outnumbered and outgunned, Maharana Pratap led his army with great courage and skill, and fought fiercely against the Mughals. Though he ultimately lost the battle, he managed to escape and continued to resist Mughal rule.

Maharana Pratap's reign was also marked by his strong sense of honor and justice. He refused to surrender to the Mughals, even when offered favorable terms, because he believed that it was his duty to protect his kingdom and people from foreign rule. He also opposed the idea of marriage alliances with the Mughals, even though it was a common practice among the Rajput kings of the time.

Maharana Pratap died on 19 January 1597, after a long and eventful reign. His legacy as a brave and virtuous king who fought for the freedom and independence of his people continues to inspire generations of Indians to this day. He is remembered as a true symbol of Rajput valor and resistance against foreign rule. His life and achievements have been celebrated in literature, folklore, and popular culture, and his memory remains a source of inspiration for many.

18 January - Ayodhya's Ram Temple postage stamp and Minaturesheet released

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched commemorative postage stamps on Ayodhya's Ram Temple and a book with stamps dedicated to Lord Ram from around the world.

Prime Minister @narendramodi releases Commemorative Postage Stamps on Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir and a book of stamps issued on Bhagwan Ram around the world.

Components of the design includes, i) the Ram Mandir, ii) Choupai 'Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari', iii) Sun, iv) Saryu River, (v) Sculptures in and around the Temple

There are 6 stamps which include: Ram Temple, Lord Ganesh, Lord Hanuman, Jatayu, Kevatraj and Ma Shabri.

Gold leaf of sun rays and Chaupai lend a majestic icon to this miniature sheet. The five physical elements i.e. sky, air, fire, earth and water, known as 'Panchabhutas’ are reflected through various design elements and establish the perfect harmony of Panchamahabhutas essential for all manifestations.

The stamp book is an attempt to showcase the international appeal of Shri Ram on various societies. This 48-page book covers stamps issued by more than of 20 countries including like US, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, Cambodia and organisations like the UN.

The Ram Mandir is a Hindu temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is located at the site of Ram Janmabhoomi, the hypothesized birthplace of Rama, a principal deity of Hinduism.

The bhumi pujan (transl. ground breaking ceremony) for the commencement of the construction of Ram Mandir was performed on 5 August 2020, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.The temple, currently under construction, is being supervised by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The inauguration of the temple is scheduled for 22 January 2024

 Reference : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pm-modi-postage-stamps-ayodhya-ram-mandir-ceremony-2490257-2024-01-18

18 January - Kundan Lal Sehgal death anniversary

 

Kundan Lal Saigal, often referred to as K.L. Saigal, was a legendary Indian singer and actor who is considered one of the pioneers of Indian cinema and music. He was born on 04 April 1904, in Jammu, British India, and passed away on 18 January 1947, in Jalandhar, India. Saigal's contributions to the world of music and film have left an enduring impact.

Key points about Kundan Lal Saigal include:

1. Early Life: K.L. Saigal started his career as a trained classical vocalist but soon ventured into acting and singing for the Indian film industry.

2. Film Career: Saigal made his film debut with "Yamla Jat" in 1935, and his soulful singing and charismatic acting quickly gained popularity. He went on to act and sing in numerous successful films, including "Devdas" (1935), "President" (1937), and "Bhakt Surdas" (1942).

3. Playback Singing: K.L. Saigal is considered one of the earliest playback singers in Indian cinema, where actors would lip-sync to his pre-recorded songs. His unique voice and emotional renditions made him immensely popular.

4. Musical Style: Saigal was known for his melodious and emotive singing style. He often sang ghazals, bhajans, and classical compositions, leaving an indelible mark on Indian music.

5. Legacy: K.L. Saigal's legacy as a singer and actor endures, and he is remembered as one of the greatest voices in the history of Indian cinema. His influence can be seen in later generations of playback singers.

6. Death: K.L. Saigal passed away at the age of 42 on January 18, 1947, leaving behind a rich body of work.

Kundan Lal Saigal's impact on Indian music and cinema is significant, and his songs continue to be cherished by music enthusiasts. His contributions have earned him a permanent place in the history of Indian entertainment.