24 June - The Battle of Beaver Dams in 1813

The Battle of Beaver Dams took place on 24 June 1813, during the War of 1812. An American column marched from Fort George and attempted to surprise a British outpost at Beaver Dams, billeting themselves overnight in the village of Queenston, Ontario. Laura Secord, a resident of Queenston, had earlier learned of the American plans, and had struck out on a long and difficult trek to warn the British at Decou's stone house near present-day Brock University. When the Americans resumed their march, they were ambushed by Native warriors and eventually surrendered to a small British detachment led by Lieutenant James FitzGibbon. About 500 Americans, including their wounded commander, were taken prisoner.

24 June - Omkarnath Thakur birth anniversary

Omkarnath Thakur was a renowned Indian classical vocalist and music composer. He was born on 24 June 1897, in Bara Banki, Uttar Pradesh, India, and passed away on 29 December 1967.

Thakur was a prominent figure in the world of Hindustani classical music, particularly in the genre of khayal singing. He received training in music from several gharanas (schools) of classical music, including the Gwalior gharana and the Agra gharana. Thakur was known for his powerful voice, intricate raga improvisations, and emotive renditions.

In addition to his prowess as a vocalist, Omkarnath Thakur was also a prolific composer. He composed numerous bandishes (musical compositions) in various ragas, which are still performed by classical musicians today. Thakur's compositions are known for their melodic richness and rhythmic complexity.

Thakur's contributions to Hindustani classical music earned him widespread acclaim and recognition during his lifetime. He received several awards and honors for his musical achievements, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, one of India's highest honors in the field of performing arts.

Omkarnath Thakur's legacy continues to influence generations of musicians, and his compositions remain an integral part of the Hindustani classical music repertoire. He is remembered as one of the stalwarts of Indian classical music, whose artistry and creativity enriched the musical landscape of India.

23 June - Sanjay Gandhi - Death Anniversary

Sanjay Gandhi (14 December 1946 – 23 June 1980) was an Indian politician and the son of Indira Gandhi. He was a member of the Nehru–Gandhi family. During his lifetime he was widely expected to succeed his mother as head of the Indian National Congress, but following his early death in a plane crash his elder brother Rajiv became their mother's political heir, and succeeded her as Prime Minister of India after her assassination. His wife Maneka Gandhi and son Varun Gandhi are leading politicians in the Bharatiya Janata Party.

June 23 - Rath Yatra in 2020

Ratha Yatra is a Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath held at Puri in the state of Odisha, India. It is the oldest Ratha Yatra taking place in India and the World, whose descriptions can be found in Brahma Purana, Padma Purana, and Skanda Purana and Kapila Samhita.

This annual festival is celebrated on Ashadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya (second day in bright fortnight of Ashadha month).

The festival commemorates Jagannath's annual visit to Gundicha Temple via Mausi Maa Temple (maternal aunt's home) near Saradha Bali, Puri.

As part of Ratha Yatra, the deities Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and younger sister Devi Subhadra, along with Sudarshan, are taken out in a procession out of the main shrine of Jagannath Temple and placed in the Ratha (Chariot) which are ready in front of the Temple. This process is called as 'Pahandi'. The procession starts with 'Madan Mohan' then 'Sudarshana' Balabhadra, Subhadra, and Jagannath Deva.

International Widows Day - 23 Jun

International Widows Day is a United Nations ratified day of action to address the "poverty and injustice faced by millions of widows and their dependents in many countries".Widows are women whose husbands have died. After their husbands have passed, many widows are forced to fight for their human rights and overcome many obstacles to ensure their social and economic status. According to the United Nations there are an estimated 245 million widows worldwide. Of which many live in extreme poverty and are subject to violence. 

The day takes place annually on 23 June. International Widows Day is to raise awareness of the issue of widowhood. International Widows' Day was declared by the United Nations and first celebrated on June 23, 2011 in an effort empower widows and help them to regain their rights, which have long been ignored and violated.

 

22 June - Chapekar brothers- The shooting of Rand in 1897

 

The Chapekar brothers (also spelt Chaphekar or Chapekar), Damodar Hari Chapekar (1870–1898), Balkrishna Hari Chapekar (1873–1899, also called Bapurao) and Vasudeo Hari Chapekar (1879–1899), also spelt Wasudeva or Wasudev, were Indian revolutionaries involved in the assassination of W. C. Rand, the British plague commissioner of Pune.

The brothers initially belonged to Chapa, a small hamlet near Chinchwad, then a village near Pune, in the state of Maharashtra, India. In late 1896, Pune was hit by bubonic plague, part of the global Third plague pandemic. By the end of February 1897, the epidemic was raging, with a mortality rate double the norm. Half the population of the city left.

A Special Plague Committee was formed, under the chairmanship of Walter Charles Rand, an Indian Civil Services officer. Troops were brought in to deal with the emergency. The measures employed included forced entry into private houses, forced stripping and examination of occupants (including women) by British officers in public, evacuation to hospitals and segregation camps, removing and destroying personal possessions, and preventing movement from the city. These measures were considered oppressive by the populace of Pune and complaints were ignored by Rand.

On 22 June 1897, the Diamond Jubilee of the coronation of Queen Victoria, Rand and his military escort Lt. Ayerst were shot while returning from the celebrations at Government House. Both died, Ayerst on the spot and Rand of his wounds on 3 July. The Chapekar brothers and two accomplices were charged with the murders in various roles, as well as the shooting of two informants and an attempt to shoot a police officer. All three brothers were found guilty and hanged, an accomplice was dealt with similarly, another, then a schoolboy, was sentenced to ten years' rigorous imprisonment.

USA: National Onion Rings Day 22 June

National Onion Rings Day is observed on June 22nd of every year in United States of America (USA). National Onion Rings Day celebrate the rich and crisp Onion rings. They are delicious, surprisingly sweet for the flavour, so it is related to being spicy and the source of tears. Deep frying them in the vat of oil brings out the real delicious flavours which are hidden inside. It is the favourite one for the burger joints all over the world. It celebrates this delightful treat and its long history. 

21 June - Father's Day

Father's Day (or Fathers' Day) is a day of honoring fatherhood and paternal bonds, as well as the influence of fathers in society. In Catholic countries of Europe, it has been celebrated on March 19 as Saint Joseph's Day since the Middle Ages. In America, Father's Day was founded by Sonora Smart Dodd,and celebrated on the third Sunday of June for the first time in 1910. It is held on various days in many parts of the world all throughout the year, often in the months of March, May and June.

Fathers Day

Father's day complements similar celebrations honoring family members, such as Mother's Day, Siblings Day and Grandparents' Day.

21 June - International yoga day

The International Day of Yoga has been celebrated annually on 21 June since 2015, following its inception in the United Nations General Assembly in 2014.

Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice which originated in India. The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in his UN address suggested the date of 21 June, as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and shares a special significance in many parts of the world.

The first International Day of Yoga created a record for the largest yoga class, and another for the largest number of participating nationalities.

Origin :
The idea of International Day of Yoga was first proposed by the current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), on 27 September 2014. He stated:

Yoga is an invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help in well being. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.
— Narendra Modi, UN General Assembly

Following this initial proposal, the UNGA held informal consultations on the draft resolution, entitled "International Day of Yoga", on 14 October 2014. The consultations were convened by the delegation of India.

21 June - World Music Day

World Music Day is a celebration of all things related to music. It originated in France, where there is an event called La Fête de la Musique (Music Festival).

On Music Day the citizens of a city or country are allowed and urged to play music outside in their neighborhoods or in public spaces and parks. Free concerts are also organized, where musicians play for fun and not for payment.

The first all-day musical celebration on the day of the summer solstice was originated by Jack Lang, Minister of Culture of France, as well as by Maurice Fleuret; it was celebrated in Paris in 1982. Music Day later became celebrated in 120 countries around the world.