11 October - World Biryani Day

 

World Biryani Day is celebrated on 11 October specifically to appreciate the global love for biryani, a dish that transcends borders and cultures. On this day, biryani enthusiasts and food lovers come together to celebrate its rich history, variety, and cultural significance.

Biryani is known for its versatility, with countless regional versions existing across the globe, each offering unique flavors and preparations. Whether it’s the spicy Hyderabadi Biryani, the fragrant Lucknowi Biryani, the aromatic Malabar Biryani, or the hearty Sindhi Biryani, the dish has evolved over centuries, blending local ingredients with the foundational spices of the dish.

World Biryani Day on 11 October serves as a celebration for biryani aficionados to try new recipes, explore various regional versions, and share their love for the dish on social media and in gatherings.

11 October - General Pulaski Memorial Day

 

General Pulaski Memorial Day is a United States observance held annually on 11 October to honor General Casimir Pulaski, a Polish-born hero of the American Revolutionary War. Known as the "Father of the American Cavalry," Pulaski made significant contributions to the fight for American independence, particularly in his leadership and efforts to establish a robust cavalry force.

Casimir Pulaski was born in Warsaw, Poland, in 1745 and was a nobleman and military commander before coming to America. After fighting unsuccessfully against Russian control in Poland, Pulaski was recommended to George Washington by Benjamin Franklin. Pulaski joined the Continental Army in 1777 and quickly distinguished himself for his bravery and military skills. He played a key role in the Battle of Brandywine, helping to save Washington’s army from a potentially disastrous defeat. He went on to form and lead the Pulaski Legion, a highly effective cavalry and infantry unit.

General Pulaski was mortally wounded during the Siege of Savannah in Georgia on October 9, 1779, and died shortly afterward. His legacy as a hero of both Poland and the United States is commemorated through various monuments and events, with General Pulaski Memorial Day established by Congress to recognize his sacrifice and contributions to American liberty.

The day is marked by ceremonies and events that celebrate Pulaski's life and the shared history between Poland and the United States, particularly among Polish-American communities. Pulaski’s valor and dedication have made him a symbol of the enduring ties between the two nations.

11 October - NAVDURGA (NINE NIGHT) SIDDHIDATRI

 

Siddhidatri is the ninth and final form of the Hindu Goddess Durga, and she is worshipped on the ninth day of the Navratri festival, which is also known as Maha Navami. Siddhidatri is believed to be the bestower of supernatural powers or siddhis to her devotees, and her name literally means "the giver of siddhis" or "accomplishments."

Key characteristics and symbols associated with Siddhidatri include:

1. Four-Armed Goddess: Siddhidatri is often depicted as a four-armed goddess. In her hands, she holds a mace (gada) and a chakra, which are traditional weapons, and a lotus flower and a conch shell, symbolizing purity and the divine.

2. Riding on a Lion: She is seated on a lion, symbolizing strength, courage, and fearlessness.

3. Supernatural Powers: Devotees believe that Siddhidatri blesses them with various siddhis, including the ability to heal, levitate, foretell the future, and gain control over the elements.

On the ninth day of Navratri, worshipers seek the blessings of Siddhidatri to obtain spiritual powers, enlightenment, and success in their endeavors. It is a day of great devotion and celebration, with prayers, pujas, and festivities held in her honor.

Siddhidatri represents the culmination of the Navratri festival, where the divine feminine energy is worshipped in various forms over nine nights, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. After Navratri, the festival concludes with the celebration of Dussehra, which marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.

10 October - Jananayak Debeswar Sarmah

 

Jananayak Debeswar Sarmah, also known as Debeswar Sarmah, was an Indian freedom fighter and social reformer.

• Birth: Jananayak Debeswar Sarmah was born on October 10, 1896, in Assam, India.

• Role in Freedom Struggle: Debeswar Sarmah was actively involved in the Indian freedom struggle against British colonial rule. He was a staunch advocate for the rights of the Assamese people and worked to promote social reforms and cultural awareness.

• Assamese Literature: Sarmah was a prolific writer and poet who made significant contributions to Assamese literature. His writings often reflected his patriotism and commitment to social justice.

• Death: Jananayak Debeswar Sarmah passed away on August 1, 1993, leaving behind a legacy of social activism and literary achievements. He is remembered for his dedication to the welfare of Assam and his contributions to the cultural and literary heritage of the region.

 

10 October - RMS Leinster is torpedoed and sunk by UB-123.

 

On 10 October 1918, the RMS Leinster, a mail and passenger ship operated by the City of Dublin Steam Packet Company, was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine UB-123 in the Irish Sea. This tragic event occurred during the final weeks of World War I, and it resulted in the loss of 564 lives, marking it as the worst maritime disaster ever recorded in the Irish Sea.

The RMS Leinster was on a routine voyage from Dublin to Holyhead, carrying civilians, military personnel, and mail. The war had made such crossings increasingly dangerous, as German U-boats patrolled the waters around Britain and Ireland. Despite this threat, the ship set sail on the morning of October 10, with over 700 passengers and crew on board.

As the Leinster approached the Welsh coast, UB-123, commanded by Oberleutnant Robert Ramm, fired three torpedoes at the ship. Two of them hit their target, causing catastrophic damage. The first struck the postal compartment, and the second hit the engine room. The ship sank rapidly, leaving many of the passengers and crew little time to escape. Despite efforts to launch lifeboats and assist survivors, the cold waters of the Irish Sea claimed hundreds of lives.

Of the approximately 771 people on board, only about 213 survived. The disaster was a devastating blow to both Ireland and Britain, with the majority of the victims being Irish civilians, British and Irish servicemen, and postal workers. The loss of the RMS Leinster came at a time when peace was on the horizon, with the Armistice of World War I just weeks away.

The sinking of the RMS Leinster is remembered as a significant wartime tragedy, and memorials have been erected in both Dublin and Holyhead to honor the lives lost. The disaster also highlighted the widespread devastation caused by unrestricted submarine warfare during the war, which targeted both military and civilian vessels indiscriminately.

10 October - The Battle of Karbala

 

The Battle of Karbala, fought on 10 October 680 CE (10th of Muharram, 61 AH), is one of the most defining and poignant events in Islamic history. It took place near the city of Karbala, in modern-day Iraq, between the forces of Yazid I, the Umayyad caliph, and Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. This battle holds immense significance for Shia Muslims, as it marks the martyrdom of Husayn and his companions, who stood against Yazid’s regime in defense of justice and moral integrity.

The conflict arose when Husayn refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid, whose rule he viewed as illegitimate and corrupt, representing a departure from the principles of Islam. In response, Yazid sent an army to suppress Husayn’s challenge. Husayn, along with his small group of family members and supporters, numbering around 72, faced a much larger Umayyad force of thousands. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Husayn and his followers stood firm, choosing to sacrifice their lives rather than compromise their values.

The battle was short but brutal. Husayn's companions were killed one by one, and finally, Husayn himself was martyred. His death, along with the suffering endured by the women and children of his family, who were taken captive after the battle, left an indelible mark on Islamic history. For Shia Muslims, the event symbolizes the eternal struggle between good and evil, oppression and justice.

The commemoration of this event, especially during the month of Muharram, culminates on Ashura, the day of the battle, when millions of Muslims around the world remember Husayn’s sacrifice through mourning rituals, processions, and reenactments of the battle. Karbala has become a symbol of resistance against tyranny, and Husayn’s martyrdom is seen as a universal message of standing against injustice, regardless of the cost.

10 October - World Day Against The Death Penalty

 

The World Day Against the Death Penalty is observed on October 10th each year. This day serves as a global initiative to raise awareness about the use of the death penalty, promote the abolition of capital punishment, and advocate for a more humane and just criminal justice system.

The World Day Against the Death Penalty is an opportunity for governments, human rights organizations, and individuals worldwide to come together and express their opposition to the death penalty. It emphasizes the fundamental principles of human dignity, the right to life, and the need for fair and effective criminal justice systems.

Activities and events organized on this day often include seminars, conferences, rallies, and educational campaigns to shed light on the flaws and shortcomings of capital punishment. Advocates argue that the death penalty is irreversible, inhumane, and can result in the execution of innocent individuals. They call for its abolition and the implementation of alternative forms of punishment that respect human rights.

Various international organizations, including the United Nations, have endorsed the call to abolish the death penalty, and many countries around the world have either abolished it or put a moratorium on its use. The World Day Against the Death Penalty plays a vital role in maintaining and strengthening the global movement against this form of punishment, with the ultimate goal of achieving worldwide abolition.

10 October - K. Shivarama Karanth birth anniversary

 

Kota Shivarama Karanth, commonly known as K. Shivarama Karanth, was born on 10 October  1902, and he passed away on 09 December 1997. He was a renowned Indian polymath, known for his contributions as a writer, social activist, environmentalist, and Yakshagana artist. Karanth received several honors for his work, including the Jnanpith Award, which he won in 1977 for his novel "Mookajjiya Kanasugalu" (Dreams of a Silent Grandma).

 

10 October - Narendra Mohan birth anniversary

Narendra Mohan (10 October 1934 – 20 September 2002) was an Indian industrialist, chairman and managing director of the Jagran Prakashan, the publisher of an Indian newspaper published in Hindi, Dainik Jagran (Hindi: सबसे बिका हुआ अखबार).The late Narendra Mohan's eldest son, Sanjay Gupta, is Jagran's current editor and CEO. 

 

10 October - NAV DURGA (EIGHTH NIGHT) MAHAGAURI

 

MahaGauri is one of the forms of the Hindu goddess Durga and is honored on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Navratri festival. Navratri is a Hindu festival that spans nine nights and is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga in her various forms. Each day of Navratri is associated with a specific form or aspect of the goddess, and MahaGauri is the focus on the eighth day.

MahaGauri is often depicted as a radiant and pure goddess. Her name "MahaGauri" is derived from two words: "Maha," which means great, and "Gauri," which means fair or white. She is often depicted as having fair skin, symbolizing purity and serenity. She is often shown wearing white clothes and adorning herself with white flowers and jewelry.

Devotees pray to MahaGauri for purity, peace, and happiness. She is believed to bring calm and tranquillity to the lives of her devotees. Her worship is an important aspect of Navratri celebrations, and her blessings are sought for spiritual growth and inner purification.

Navratri is celebrated with various rituals, fasting, music, dance (such as Garba and Dandiya), and colorful decorations. It is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India and by Hindus worldwide.