23 November - Tulsi Vivah also known as Tulsi Pujan or Tulsi Utsav Hindu festival

 

Tulsi Vivah, also known as Tulsi Pujan or Tulsi Utsav, is a Hindu ceremonial festival that marks the symbolic marriage of the holy basil plant (Tulsi) to Lord Vishnu or his avatar Lord Krishna. The festival usually takes place on the eleventh or twelfth day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Kartik, which typically falls in October or November in the Gregorian calendar.

The Tulsi plant is considered sacred in Hinduism and is believed to be an incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi. The marriage of Tulsi with Lord Vishnu is a significant event in Hindu mythology and is performed with traditional rituals and ceremonies.

Key features of Tulsi Vivah:

1. Rituals: The ceremony involves the performance of various rituals, including the Tulsi Vivaah Puja, in which the marriage of the Tulsi plant to an image or idol of Lord Vishnu or Krishna is symbolically enacted. The marriage ceremony is conducted with great reverence and devotion.

2. Observance: Tulsi Vivah is observed by many Hindu households. Devotees prepare for the festival by cleaning and decorating their homes, and they often create a miniature wedding mandap (canopy) for the Tulsi plant.

3. Significance: The festival is considered auspicious, and it is believed that observing Tulsi Vivah brings blessings, prosperity, and spiritual well-being. It is also believed to ward off evil spirits.

4. Cultural Variations: While the basic rituals are similar, the way Tulsi Vivah is celebrated can vary across different regions of India. In some places, it is celebrated over several days with various ceremonies and cultural events.

Tulsi Vivah marks the beginning of the wedding season in Hindu culture. The festival is not only a religious event but also a cultural celebration that reinforces the significance of nature and its connection to spirituality in Hindu traditions.

23 November - Raj Narain birth anniversary

 

Raj Narain (23 November 1917 – 31 December 1986) was an Indian freedom fighter and politician. He won in a famous electoral malpractice case against the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, which led to her disqualification and imposition of Emergency in India in 1975.He defeated Indira Gandhi during the 1977 Lok Sabha elections. 

23 November - Walchand Hirachand birth anniversary

 

Walchand Hirachand was an Indian industrialist, entrepreneur, and visionary who played a significant role in the development of India's industrial sector. He was born on 23 November 1882, in Solapur, Maharashtra, India.

Walchand Hirachand founded the Walchand Group, a conglomerate with interests in various industries, including shipbuilding, aviation, automobiles, and construction. He was a key figure in establishing several prominent companies, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Premier Automobiles Limited.

One of his notable contributions was the founding of the Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) in 1926, which became a leading construction and engineering firm in India. Additionally, Walchand's efforts in the shipbuilding industry led to the establishment of the Hindustan Shipyard in Vishakhapatnam.

Walchand Hirachand passed away on 08 April 1953. His legacy continues through the various industries and companies he helped establish, contributing to the growth and development of India's industrial landscape. He is remembered as a pioneering industrialist who played a crucial role in laying the foundation for the country's industrial progress.

23 November - HMS Rawalpindi is sunk by the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau in 1939

 

On November 23, 1939, during the early stages of World War II, the British Royal Navy's heavy cruiser HMS Rawalpindi encountered the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau in the waters of the North Atlantic. The engagement took place while Rawalpindi was on patrol in an attempt to locate German merchant raiders.

Despite being heavily outgunned, HMS Rawalpindi engaged the German warships in battle. The British cruiser fought bravely, but it was eventually overwhelmed by the superior firepower of Scharnhorst and Gneisenau. As a result, HMS Rawalpindi was sunk, and a significant number of her crew lost their lives.

This naval engagement was part of the larger naval operations in the early years of World War II, particularly the efforts to control sea routes and protect shipping lanes. The sinking of HMS Rawalpindi highlighted the potency of the German naval forces, especially the Scharnhorst-class battleships, during the early stages of the conflict.

23 November - The first issue of Life magazine was published in 1936

 

The first issue of Life magazine was published on November 23, 1936. Life magazine, a weekly pictorial magazine, quickly became one of the most popular and influential magazines in the United States. The cover of the first issue featured a photograph of the Fort Peck Dam by Margaret Bourke-White, one of the magazine's notable early photographers. Life magazine played a significant role in shaping American journalism and culture through its use of photojournalism and in-depth storytelling. It continued to be published until 1972 and has since had a few revivals in various forms.

23 November - Gary Kirsten birthday

 

Gary Kirsten is a former South African cricketer and a highly regarded cricket coach. Born on November 23, 1967, in Cape Town, South Africa, Kirsten played as a left-handed opening batsman and was known for his solid technique and ability to play long innings.

Kirsten represented the South African national cricket team from 1993 to 2004, earning a reputation as one of the country's most successful and consistent batsmen. He played a key role in South Africa's return to international cricket after the end of apartheid.

After retiring from international cricket, Gary Kirsten transitioned to coaching. One of his notable coaching achievements was guiding the Indian cricket team to the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup victory. His coaching philosophy is often praised for its emphasis on player development, mental strength, and fostering a positive team culture.

Gary Kirsten has been involved in coaching various teams around the world, including the South African national team and Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises. His contributions to the sport, both as a player and a coach, have left a lasting impact on cricket.

22 November - Independence Day Lebanon

 

Lebanon celebrates its Independence Day on November 22nd each year. This day marks the country's liberation from the French Mandate, which began after World War I. On November 22, 1943, Lebanon gained political independence and the end of the French administration.

Lebanon's road to independence involved political negotiations and diplomatic efforts, culminating in the withdrawal of French troops and the recognition of Lebanon as a sovereign and independent nation. The achievement of independence allowed Lebanon to establish its own government and institutions.

Independence Day is a national holiday in Lebanon, and the occasion is marked with various events and celebrations across the country. People participate in patriotic activities, attend official ceremonies, and reflect on the significance of the day in the history of Lebanon.

The Lebanese flag, with its distinctive red and white stripes and cedar tree in the center, is prominently displayed during Independence Day celebrations. It is a time for the Lebanese people to come together, express national pride, and commemorate the struggles and sacrifices that led to the establishment of an independent Lebanese state.

 

22 November - Rani Jhalkaribai birth anniversary

 

 

Rani Jhalkaribai, also known as Jhalkari Bai, was a courageous woman who played a significant role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the First War of Independence or the Sepoy Mutiny. She was born on 22 November 1830 in the village of Bhojla in Uttar Pradesh, India.

Jhalkaribai's story is intertwined with the life of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, who is one of the most iconic figures of the rebellion. Jhalkaribai served as a trusted warrior and confidante of Rani Lakshmibai, supporting her in the fight against British colonial rule.

Jhalkaribai's bravery and skills as a warrior were renowned. She was said to resemble Rani Lakshmibai in appearance, which she used to her advantage. During battles, Jhalkaribai would dress as the queen, deceiving the British forces and diverting their attention from the real Rani Lakshmibai.

Her most notable contribution came during the Battle of Jhansi in 1858 when the British attacked the city of Jhansi. Jhalkaribai led a fierce defense, displaying remarkable valor and strategic acumen. Her leadership and bravery inspired the soldiers fighting alongside her.

Unfortunately, Jhalkaribai's story is often overshadowed by the more prominent accounts of Rani Lakshmibai. Nevertheless, her role as a warrior and her unwavering commitment to the cause of independence remain significant.

Jhalkaribai's exact fate after the Battle of Jhansi is unclear. Some accounts suggest that she continued to fight against the British in other regions, while others claim that she was captured and imprisoned. Regardless, her legacy as a fearless warrior and a symbol of resistance lives on.

Jhalkaribai's story serves as a reminder of the numerous unsung heroes and heroines who fought for India's independence. Her courage and determination continue to inspire generations, and she is revered as an icon of bravery and defiance against colonial oppression.

 

21 November - Pope Benedict XV was born in 1854

 

Pope Benedict XV born Giacomo Paolo Giovanni Battista della Chiesa (21 November 1854 – 22 January 1922), was head of the Catholic Church from 1914 until his death in January 1922. His pontificate was largely overshadowed by World War I and its political, social, and humanitarian consequences in Europe.

21 November - First Stamp of Independent India issued in 1947

 

The first stamp of independent India was issued on November 21, 1947, shortly after India gained independence from British colonial rule. The stamp was released to commemorate the inauguration of the Constituent Assembly of India, which marked a significant milestone in the country's journey towards establishing a democratic republic.

The stamp featured an image of the Indian national flag, which consists of three horizontal stripes of saffron, white, and green, with the Ashoka Chakra (a 24-spoke wheel) in navy blue at the center of the white stripe. The stamp was inscribed with the words "Jai Hind" (meaning "Victory to India") and "Constituent Assembly of India."

The stamp was denominated at three and half annas, which was a common currency unit used in the British Indian rupee system at the time. It was a definitive stamp, meaning it was intended for everyday postal use rather than being issued for a specific event or occasion.

The issuance of this stamp was a significant moment for independent India, symbolizing the country's emergence as a sovereign nation. It marked the beginning of a new era in Indian philately, with subsequent stamps reflecting various themes, historical events, cultural aspects, and achievements of India over the years.