08 September - Nuakhai Festival (2024)

 

Nuakhai is a significant harvest festival celebrated primarily in the western part of Odisha, India, particularly among the people of the Sambalpuri cultural region. The term "Nuakhai" translates to "new food" (Nua means new and Khai means food), signifying the celebration of the season's new rice harvest. This agrarian festival marks the welcoming of the new crop and is observed with great enthusiasm and cultural fervor.

Key Aspects of Nuakhai Festival:

1. Timing:

   • Nuakhai is celebrated the day after Ganesh Chaturthi, usually in late August or early September, based on the lunar calendar. The exact date is determined by the priests and is considered an auspicious day for the farming community.

2. Rituals and Traditions:

   • Preparation: In the days leading up to Nuakhai, houses are cleaned, and preparations are made to welcome the new harvest. Special dishes and sweets are prepared from the newly harvested rice.
   • Nabanna: The main ritual involves offering the first grains of the harvest to the presiding deity of the area, known as the Nabanna. This is done to seek blessings for prosperity and good fortune.
   • Family Gatherings: Families come together to celebrate the festival. It is a time for family reunions, feasting, and cultural performances. Traditional clothes are worn, and elders give blessings to the younger members of the family.

3. Community Celebrations:

   • The festival fosters a sense of community and collective celebration. Villages and towns organize cultural programs, including folk dances (such as Sambalpuri and Dalkhai), music, and traditional games.
   • Nuakhai Bhetghat: This is a social gathering where people meet and greet each other, resolving any past conflicts and renewing social bonds. It is a time for communal harmony and togetherness.

4. Cultural Significance:

   • Nuakhai is more than just a harvest festival; it is a cultural symbol of western Odisha. It reflects the agrarian lifestyle, the importance of agriculture, and the deep connection of the people with their land and traditions.
   • Traditional Attire: People wear traditional Sambalpuri sarees, dhotis, and other regional garments, showcasing the rich textile heritage of the area.

5. Economic Importance:

   • The festival has economic implications as well, boosting local markets with the sale of agricultural produce, traditional clothing, and festival-related items.

Conclusion

Nuakhai is a celebration of gratitude for a bountiful harvest and a time for renewing bonds within families and communities. It embodies the cultural and agricultural heritage of Odisha, promoting values of harmony, prosperity, and collective joy. The festival's vibrant customs and traditions make it a cherished occasion for the people of western Odisha.

08 September - Queen Elizabeth II death anniversary

 

Queen Elizabeth II, born on 21 April  1926, is one of the most enduring and iconic figures in British and world history. She ascended to the throne on 06 February 1952, following the passing of her father, King George VI. Her reign has spanned over seven decades, making her the longest-reigning current monarch and the longest-serving queen regnant in world history.

During her reign, Queen Elizabeth II has witnessed significant changes in the United Kingdom and the world. She has provided a stabilizing presence through times of great change, including the dissolution of the British Empire, the end of the Cold War, and the evolution of the European Union. Her role as a constitutional monarch means she has played a ceremonial and unifying role in the UK's political landscape.

Throughout her life, Queen Elizabeth II has demonstrated a strong sense of duty and commitment to public service. She has met with countless world leaders, dignitaries, and citizens, representing the United Kingdom on the global stage. Her annual Christmas broadcasts have become a cherished tradition, offering messages of hope and reflection to the nation and the Commonwealth.

On 08 September 2022, Queen Elizabeth II passed away, marking the end of an era in British history. Her legacy as a symbol of continuity, resilience, and devotion to her country and the Commonwealth will be remembered for generations to come.

 

08 September - World Physical Therapy Day

 

World Physical Therapy Day is observed annually on September 8th. It is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the important role that physical therapists (sometimes known as physiotherapists) play in healthcare and promoting the benefits of physical therapy for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who specialize in helping individuals maintain, improve, or restore their physical function and mobility. They work with people who have a wide range of medical conditions, injuries, and disabilities. Their expertise includes rehabilitation after surgery, injury prevention, pain management, and the promotion of overall health and well-being through physical activity.

The goals of World Physical Therapy Day include:

1. Raising Awareness: The day aims to increase public awareness of the profession of physical therapy and its positive impact on people's lives.

2. Promoting Health and Well-Being: Physical therapists encourage people to stay active, adopt healthier lifestyles, and prevent injuries through exercise and movement.

3. Celebrating Achievements: It's an opportunity for physical therapists to showcase their achievements, research, and contributions to healthcare.

4. Advocacy: World Physical Therapy Day often involves advocacy efforts to improve access to physical therapy services and recognition of the profession's importance within healthcare systems worldwide.

Each year, there is a specific theme for World Physical Therapy Day that highlights different aspects of the profession. Events and activities on this day may include seminars, workshops, health screenings, exercise classes, and community outreach programs organized by physical therapy associations, hospitals, clinics, and educational institutions.

 

08 September - Michelangelo's David unveiled in Piazza della Signoria in Florence.

 

Michelangelo's David is indeed one of the most iconic and celebrated sculptures in the world of art. While the exact date of its unveiling in Piazza della Signoria in Florence is often associated with September 8, 1504, there is some debate among historians regarding the precise date. Some sources suggest it may have been unveiled on September 8, while others propose it could have been September 9 or even earlier.

Regardless of the specific date, the unveiling of Michelangelo's David marked a significant moment in the history of Renaissance art and Florence's cultural heritage. The sculpture, which stands approximately 17 feet (5.2 meters) tall, depicts the biblical hero David who defeated the giant Goliath with a single stone. Michelangelo's David is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the way it beautifully captures the human form.

The statue was originally commissioned as part of a series of sculptures for the Florence Cathedral. However, due to its remarkable quality, it was eventually placed on public display in the Piazza della Signoria, where it became a symbol of the city's strength and artistic achievement. Today, the original sculpture is housed in the Accademia Gallery in Florence, while a replica stands in its original outdoor location in the Piazza della Signoria, protecting the masterpiece from the elements. Michelangelo's David remains an enduring symbol of Renaissance art and human potential.

 

07 September - Queen Elizabeth I of Britain and Ireland was born.

 

Queen Elizabeth I was born on 07 September 1533 was one of England's most iconic monarchs, ruling from 1558 until her death. The daughter of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, she ascended the throne after the brief reigns of her half-siblings, Edward VI and Mary I. Elizabeth's reign, known as the Elizabethan Era, is often considered a golden age in English history, marked by flourishing arts, exploration, and national pride.

Key Aspects of Her Reign:

1. Religious Settlement: One of Elizabeth's earliest and most significant acts as queen was to establish a religious settlement that restored Protestantism after her Catholic predecessor, Mary I. She declared herself the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, solidifying the Anglican Church and avoiding religious extremism on either side. Her policy of via media (middle way) sought to balance Protestant and Catholic interests.

2. The Spanish Armada (1588): Elizabeth's reign saw a significant rivalry with Catholic Spain, culminating in the famous defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. This event not only secured England's safety from invasion but also boosted Elizabeth's popularity and England's national pride.

3. Cultural Renaissance: The Elizabethan Era was a time of significant cultural achievement, particularly in literature and theatre. Writers such as William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and Edmund Spenser thrived under her patronage. This period is often regarded as one of the greatest in English literary history.

4. Exploration and Expansion: Elizabeth supported explorers like Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh, who helped expand England’s global influence through exploration and colonization. This laid the groundwork for the future British Empire.

5. Marriage and Succession: Elizabeth never married, earning her the title "The Virgin Queen." Her decision to remain single avoided potential conflicts that a foreign or English husband might have brought. However, it left the issue of succession uncertain. After her death, the crown passed to James VI of Scotland, uniting England and Scotland under one monarch.

6. Personality and Leadership: Elizabeth was known for her intelligence, charisma, and political savvy. She managed to maintain a delicate balance between her advisors and the factions at court, playing a pivotal role in shaping her own image and power. Her speeches, including the famous address to her troops at Tilbury, showcased her skill as a leader.

Elizabeth I’s reign ended with her death on 24 March 1603 and she was succeeded by James I, marking the end of the Tudor dynasty. Despite the challenges she faced, her 45-year reign is remembered as a period of national strength, cultural richness, and relative stability.

07 September - Bhanumathi (Actress) Birth anniversary

 

Bhanumathi Ramakrishna was an iconic Indian actress, singer, director, producer, and writer, known for her work primarily in Telugu cinema, as well as in Tamil and Hindi films. Born on 07 September  1925, in Doddavaram, Andhra Pradesh, she was a pioneering figure in Indian cinema and made significant contributions in various capacities.

Bhanumathi was celebrated for her versatility, excelling in acting, playback singing, and directing. She made her acting debut in the early 1940s and went on to star in numerous successful films like Malliswari (1951), which became a classic in Telugu cinema. Her performances were marked by depth and emotional range, and she played a wide variety of roles, from romantic leads to more complex characters.

Apart from acting, Bhanumathi was also a talented musician and playback singer. She even composed music for some of her films. Her singing voice was known for its richness and expressiveness, contributing to her popularity.

In addition to acting and singing, Bhanumathi became one of the first female directors in Indian cinema, directing and producing films through her production company, Bharani Pictures. Her film Chandirani (1953) was one of the early films directed by a woman in India.

She was a recipient of numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors, in recognition of her immense contributions to the arts. Bhanumathi Ramakrishna passed away on 24 December 2005, but her legacy continues to inspire generations of artists.

07 September - Umaji Naik birth a niversary

 

Umaji Naik (7 September 1791 – 3 February 1832) was an Indian revolutionary who challenged the British rule in India around 1826 to 1832. He fought against East India company and company rule.

Soon after the fall of Maratha Empire, Naik raised a tiny army against the British. His anti-British manifesto asked the country-men to fight against the foreign rulers. To capture him, the British Government announced a bounty of 10,000 rupees. Betrayed by another Ramoshi named Nana Raghu Chavan British arrested him, inquired then hold him guilty and hanged till death on 3 Feb 1834 in Pune.
 

07 September - INTERPOL Foundation Day

 

 

The organization today known as Interpol was founded on 7 September 1923 at the close of a five-day 1923 International Police Congress in Vienna as the International Criminal Police Commission (ICPC); it adopted many of its current duties throughout the 1930s.

INTERPOL was set up in 1923 by 20 countries who saw an urgent need to facilitate cooperation between police across borders.

Since then, the world has changed but the need for such cooperation remains as strong as ever. INTERPOL’s role remains unique as it is the only organization with the mandate and technical infrastructure to share police information globally.

Today, INTERPOL plays a central role in the global security architecture, representing stability, offering neutrality and inspiring trust in a fast-changing world.

07 September -Neerja Bhanot birth anniversary

  

Neerja Bhanot was a courageous Indian flight attendant who was born on September 7, 1963, and tragically lost her life on September 5, 1986. Her life story is an inspiring and moving one that showcases her selflessness and bravery in the face of danger.

Neerja Bhanot's most notable act of heroism occurred during the Pan Am Flight 73 hijacking on September 5, 1986. She was the senior flight purser on the flight, which was en route from Mumbai, India, to the United States with a stopover in Karachi, Pakistan. The aircraft was hijacked by terrorists from the Abu Nidal Organization.

Despite being in a perilous situation, Neerja Bhanot displayed remarkable courage and quick thinking. She helped hide the passports of American passengers on the plane to protect them from the terrorists and managed to communicate with the ground crew to convey crucial information about the hijackers' activities. Her actions allowed many passengers to escape through emergency exits while she, along with some other crew members, remained on board.

Tragically, Neerja Bhanot lost her life while shielding three children from gunfire during the hijacking. She was posthumously awarded several honors for her bravery, including the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. Her sacrifice and heroism continue to be remembered and celebrated in India and around the world.

Neerja Bhanot's story is a testament to the bravery and selflessness of individuals in the face of adversity, and she is considered a symbol of courage and inspiration for generations to come. Her birthday, September 7th, is observed as "Neerja Bhanot Day" in India to honor her memory and commemorate her extraordinary act of heroism.

06 September - John Dalton birth anniversary

 

John Dalton was born on September 6, 1766, and passed away on July 27, 1844. He was an English chemist and physicist whose groundbreaking work in the early 19th century laid the foundation for modern atomic theory. His birth and death dates span a lifetime dedicated to scientific inquiry.

Dalton's most renowned contribution was his atomic theory, which proposed that all matter is composed of indivisible particles known as atoms. His theory revolutionized the field of chemistry by providing a clear framework for understanding the composition and behavior of elements and compounds. Additionally, he formulated the Law of Multiple Proportions, which further supported the concept of atoms as the fundamental units of matter.

Dalton's work on atomic weights and his system of relative atomic weights based on hydrogen as the standard were instrumental in advancing our knowledge of the composition of elements. His legacy endures as a cornerstone of modern chemistry, and his birth and death dates mark the remarkable journey of a scientist whose ideas continue to shape our understanding of the physical world.