Events and festivals are integral components of culture, serving as vibrant and dynamic expressions of a community’s identity, values, and heritage. Events and festivals can encompass a wide range of activities, such as religious ceremonies, artistic performances, sporting competitions, seasonal celebrations, and commemorative occasions.
In January, we attended a wedding in Varanasi and fulfilled my mother's wish to bathe in the Triveni Sangam during Mauni Amavasya. This brought back memories of our 2013 pilgrimage to the Maha Kumbh Mela. The Mela, recognized by UNESCO, attracts millions seeking spiritual purification. Our experience was enriched by the inclusive participation of the Kinnar Akhada. The massive event showcased a seamless blend of tradition and modernity, leaving a profound impact on our spiritual journey.
The Dar es Salaam Festival in Baghdad symbolizes resilience and hope amid challenges faced by the city. Originating in 2011 to celebrate International Peace Day, it has grown into a cultural renaissance, featuring music, art, and community dialogue. This annual event, situated by the Tigris River near iconic statues, unites diverse attendees in pursuit of peace, celebrating Baghdad’s rich heritage and future potential beyond past conflicts.
As a freshly minted MBBS intern, I attended a National Seminar on Hemorrhagic and Ischemic Stroke at Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences. The seminar provided a comprehensive overview of strokes, emphasizing the urgent need for timely intervention to minimize neurological damage. It also highlighted advancements in stroke management, including the use of minimally invasive techniques, and underscored the importance of public awareness and swift action in saving lives.
Today marks the anniversary of Pi Day, celebrated on March 14 (3.14) in honor of the mathematical constant π, the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. Pi is essential in various scientific fields and is known for its irrationality. The concept of pi has ancient roots, with notable contributions from mathematicians like Archimedes and Aryabhatta. Pi Day gained recognition in 2009, with official support from the U.S. Congress.
Nowruz, meaning "New Day" in Persian, is an ancient festival with its origins dating back thousands of years, rooted in Zoroastrianism. It marks the beginning of the Persian New Year and the arrival of spring. The exact origin of Nowruz is not definitively known, but it is believed to have been celebrated for over 3,000 years in the regions of modern-day Iran, Central Asia, and parts of the Middle East.
India's Republic Day is celebrated on January 26th, commemorating the date when the Indian Constitution came into force. The constitution was adopted by the Indian Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, and enacted on January 26th, 1950, marking India's transition to a democratic republic. This special day also symbolizes the rejection of the Dominion status offered by the British Regime in favor of complete independence.
Being observed as India’s Independence Day, August 15 is celebrated across the nation with great patriotism and enthusiasm. The UK Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act in 1947 on July 4, 1947 and transferred legislative sovereignty to the Indian Constituent Assembly. This was the end of the British rule in India and on August 15, 1947, India got its independence but by establishing two Dominions, India and Pakistan. Indian national flag was hoisted in the morning on this occasion at the residence of the Indian ambassador in Baghdad.
Jamai Shoshthi is a cherished Bengali festival celebrating the son-in-law, highlighting familial love and togetherness. Held on the sixth day of the waxing moon in Jyestha, it symbolises respect and gratitude among families, featuring festive feasts centred around traditional dishes like Ilish maach. The festival reflects deep cultural bonds, though personal experiences can bring unexpected challenges. Ultimately, Jamai Shoshthi serves as a reminder of the importance of family and love through both joyous and trying moments.
The Ram Navami festival in Ranchi embodies a vibrant communal celebration of Lord Rama's birth, marked by the spirited Ratha Yatra and martial displays from local akharas. The city transforms, adorned with saffron flags and lively hymns, drawing people together across diverse backgrounds. At the heart of festivities is Albert Ekka Chowk, where unity and devotion flourish, culminating in a profound experience that highlights the enduring legacy of faith and righteousness.
Saraswati (also Sarasvati) is the Hindu goddess of learning, wisdom, music, and aesthetics. She is also known as Bharati (eloquence), Shatarupa (existence), Vedamata (‘mother of the Vedas’), Brahmi, Sarada, Vagisvari, and Putkari. Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and arts, represents the free flow of wisdom and consciousness. Saraswati represents vak or the divine word, but the same inspiration she reflects extends to all Hindu goddesses as arising from chit-shakti, the power of consciousness.
