07 December - Subrahmanya Sashti - Hindu festival

 

Subrahmanya Sashti, also known as Skanda Sashti or Kartikeya Sashti, is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya (also called Lord Murugan or Skanda), the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is observed on the sixth day (Sashti) of the waxing phase of the moon in the Hindu lunar month of Margashirsha (November–December in the Gregorian calendar).

This auspicious day commemorates Lord Murugan's victory over the demon Surapadman, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Murugan was created to destroy evil forces and protect righteousness. The festival is particularly significant in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, where Lord Murugan is widely worshipped.

Observances and Rituals:

1. Fasting: Devotees observe a fast, often abstaining from solid food and consuming only fruits and liquids. Some follow strict austerities and avoid tamasic foods like garlic and onions.

2. Temple Worship: Special pujas and abhishekams (ritual bathing of the deity) are performed in temples dedicated to Lord Murugan. Devotees chant the Skanda Shasti Kavacham, a hymn invoking Lord Murugan’s blessings.

3. Processions and Celebrations: Many temples organize grand processions of Murugan's idols. The festival is celebrated with devotion and fervor in prominent temples like Tiruchendur Murugan Temple in Tamil Nadu.

4. Symbolic Dramas: The enactment of the battle between Lord Murugan and Surapadman is a highlight in many places. This drama, known as Soorasamharam, signifies the victory of divine energy over negative forces.

Subrahmanya Sashti is not just a religious occasion but also a spiritual celebration of courage, discipline, and devotion. It reminds devotees of the importance of overcoming inner and outer evils through faith and righteousness.

07 December - NASA's Galileo Space Craft reached Jupiter 1995

 

NASA's Galileo spacecraft did indeed reach Jupiter. Here are some key details about the Galileo mission:

• Launch: Galileo was launched on October 18, 1989, aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis (STS-34).
• Jupiter Arrival: The spacecraft arrived at Jupiter on December 7, 1995.
• Mission Duration: The Galileo mission lasted until September 21, 2003, when it was intentionally directed to enter Jupiter's atmosphere and burn up to avoid any possible contamination of Jupiter's moon Europa, which scientists considered a target of interest in the search for extraterrestrial life.

During its mission, Galileo provided valuable data about Jupiter and its moons, conducting detailed studies of the planet's atmosphere, magnetosphere, and the Galilean moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto). It made numerous flybys of these moons, revealing their diverse geology and surface features. The Galileo spacecraft significantly contributed to our understanding of the Jupiter system and planetary science in general.

 

07 December - Chuck Yeager death anniversary

 

Charles Elwood "Chuck" Yeager was an American test pilot and aeronautical engineer who became the first person to break the sound barrier. Here are some key details about Chuck Yeager:

• Birth: 13 February 1923
• Death: 07 December 2020

Chuck Yeager's most notable achievement occurred on October 14, 1947, when he piloted the Bell X-1 rocket plane and became the first human to fly faster than the speed of sound. This historic event took place at an altitude of 45,000 feet over the Mojave Desert in California.

Yeager continued to have a distinguished career in the United States Air Force, eventually reaching the rank of brigadier general. He flew a variety of aircraft and contributed significantly to the development of aviation technology.

In addition to his groundbreaking achievements in aviation, Chuck Yeager was widely respected and celebrated for his contributions to the field. His legacy continues to influence the world of aviation and space exploration.

07 December - Jatindranath Mukherjee (Bagha Jatin) birth anniversary

 

Bagha Jatin, whose real name was Jatindranath Mukherjee, was a Bengali revolutionary nationalist leader in India. He was born on 07 December  1879, in Kushtia (now in Bangladesh), and he passed away on 10 September , 1915. Bagha Jatin played a significant role in the Indian independence movement and is remembered for his contributions to the cause. He was a prominent leader in the Jugantar party, which was involved in various revolutionary activities against British rule in India.

07 December - National Letter Writing Day USA

  National Letter Writing Day on December 7! Letter writing has been in decline because of smartphones, the Internet and before that, the telephone, but for hundreds of years, it was the only way for people separated by distance to get in touch with one another. Today is a great day to get back to basics and hand-write a letter.

06 December - National Miners Day

 

National Miners Day is observed annually on 06 December in the United States to honor the hard work, sacrifices, and contributions of miners. This day highlights the essential role miners play in extracting resources that are fundamental to the economy and everyday life, such as coal, metals, and minerals.

Historical Background:

• The day was established to recognize the importance of the mining industry and its workers, who face challenging and often dangerous conditions to provide materials crucial for energy, infrastructure, and technological advancements.
• The date commemorates the anniversary of the worst mining accident in U.S. history, the Monongah mining disaster of 06 December 1907, in Monongah, West Virginia, where over 360 miners lost their lives.

Significance:

• Mining is one of the oldest industries and has played a pivotal role in the development of modern societies.
• Minerals and resources extracted by miners are vital for constructing buildings, producing electricity, and manufacturing countless everyday products.

Ways to Observe:

1. Recognizing Miners: Share stories of miners and their contributions to society.
2. Visiting Museums: Explore mining museums or historical sites to learn about the history and advancements in mining.
3. Advocacy: Promote awareness about miners' safety and health regulations.
4. Educational Programs: Engage in discussions about the importance of sustainable mining practices.

National Miners Day is a time to appreciate the dedication and perseverance of those working in this critical yet hazardous industry. It is also an opportunity to reflect on improving their safety and well-being.

 

06 December - Vivaha Panchami -Hindu Festival

 

Vivaha Panchami is a significant Hindu festival celebrated to honor the divine marriage of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. Observed on the fifth day (Panchami) of the waxing moon phase in the month of Margashirsha (November–December), it holds special reverence in the Hindu community, particularly among devotees of Lord Rama.

Key Highlights:

1. Mythological Significance:

   • The festival commemorates the wedding of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and Sita, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.
   • According to the Ramayana, their wedding took place in Mithila (modern-day Janakpur in Nepal), after Lord Rama broke the bow of Lord Shiva to win Sita's hand in marriage during a Swayamvar organized by her father, King Janaka.

2. Rituals and Celebrations:

   • Devotees reenact the divine marriage in temples and homes through elaborate ceremonies, including recitals of the Ramayana and traditional music.
   • Special prayers and pujas are held at temples dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita, most notably at the Janaki Mandir in Janakpur, Nepal.
   • In Ayodhya and other regions, devotees observe fasts, decorate temples, and sing devotional hymns.

3. Cultural Festivities:

   • Janakpur in Nepal sees grand celebrations, with processions, dramatizations of the Ramayana, and traditional rituals.
   • The event symbolizes the union of virtue (Rama) and devotion (Sita), inspiring devotees to lead lives based on dharma and spiritual values.

Vivaha Panchami is not just a celebration of divine love but also a reminder of ideal virtues and dharma that one should aspire to in life.

06 December - Savitri birth anniversary

 

Savitri, born on 06 December 1936, in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India, was indeed a celebrated actress in South Indian cinema. Her full name was Kommareddi Savitri, and she is widely regarded as one of the greatest actresses in the history of Indian cinema, particularly in Telugu and Tamil cinema.

Savitri made her acting debut in the Telugu film "Samsaram" in 1950. Over the years, she went on to establish herself as a versatile and highly talented actress, earning acclaim for her performances in a wide range of roles. She was known for her exceptional acting skills, expressive eyes, and grace.

Some of her notable films include "Devadasu," "Missamma," "Mayabazar," "Pathala Bhairavi," "Gundamma Katha," and many more. Savitri was not only a leading actress but also a producer and director.

Despite her success on the silver screen, Savitri faced personal challenges, including financial difficulties and health issues. Unfortunately, her life took a tragic turn, and she passed away on 26 December 1981, at the age of 45. Her legacy, however, continues through her timeless contributions to Indian cinema, and she is remembered as one of the iconic figures in the history of South Indian cinema.

06 December - Rukmini Laxmipathi birth anniversary

 

Rukmini Laxmipathi (also spelled as Rukmani Lakshmipathi ) (06 December 1892 – 06 August 1951) was an Indian independence activist and politician belonging to the Indian National Congress. She was the first woman to be elected to the Madras Legislature and the first to serve as a minister in the Madras Presidency.

06 December - Henry VI birth anniversary

 

Henry VI of England was born on 6 December 1421, and he died on 21 May 1471. His reign was characterized by political turmoil, including the Wars of the Roses, and his death marked the end of the direct Lancastrian line in the Wars of the Roses. Henry VI's death occurred during the Battle of Tewkesbury, a key conflict in the Wars of the Roses, where the Yorkists, led by Edward IV, emerged victorious.