South Africa, Heritage Day: September 24

Heritage Day is a Public Holiday celebrated in South Africa

Heritage Day, September 24, is a public holiday in which South Africans across the spectrum are encouraged to celebrate their cultural heritage and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions, in the wider context of a nation that belongs to all its people. People of South Africa celebrate this holiday with great enthusiasm and various cultural events are held all across the country.

Heritage Day is one of South Africa’s newly created public holidays and its significance rests in recognising aspects of South African culture which are both tangible and difficult to pin down: creative expression, historical inheritance, language, the food as well as the land.

South Africa Heritage Day History

In KwaZulu-Natal, the September 24 was known as Shaka Day, in commemoration of the Zulu King, Shaka. Shaka was the legendary Zulu King that played an important role in uniting disparate Zulu clans into a cohesive nation. Contrary to western discourse Shaka was not a “chief.”

The Public Holidays Bill presented to the Parliament of South Africa at the time did not have September 24 included on the list of proposed public holidays. As a result of this exclusion, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), a South African political party with a large Zulu membership, objected to the bill. Parliament and the IFP reached a compromise and the day was given its present title and seen as a day “…when South Africans celebrate the diverse cultural heritage that makes up a ‘rainbow nation’.” It is the day to celebrate the contribution of all South Africans to the building of South Africa.

In 2005, a media campaign sought to re-brand the holiday as National Braai Day, in recognition of the South African culinary tradition of holding informal backyard barbecues, or braais. On September 5, 2007, Archbishop Desmond Tutu celebrated his appointment as patron of South Africa’s Barbecue (Braai) Day, affirming it to be a unifying force in a divided country (by donning an apron and tucking into a boerewors sausage). At the end of 2007 National Braai Day changed its name to Braai4Heritage and the initiative received the endorsement of South Africa’s National Heritage Council (NHC). Organiser Jan Scannell announced that the aim is not to have a mass braai, but smaller ones with friends and family.

South Africa, Heritage Day Customs and Activities

South Africans celebrate Heritage Day by remembering the cultural heritage of the many cultures that make up the population of South Africa. Various events are staged throughout the country to commemorate this day.Former Western Cape Provincial Premier Ebrahim Rasool addressed the public at a Heritage Day celebration at the Gugulethu Heritage trail in 2007 in Gugulethu. In Hout Bay, there is an army procession and a recreation of the battle fought there.

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Krishna Janmastami Date: September 1

Nepal celebrates Krishna Janmastami as a public holiday.

Krishna Janmastami is celebrated all over the world. It signifies the birth of Lord Krishna for the exploitation of evil on this earth. Every nation has its own style of respecting any social event. Nepal also celebrates Krishna Jansmastami with great pomp and splendor every year. This festival is reciprocated by beautiful public processions. There is dancing and singing all dedicated to the Krishna ‘avatar’.

Nepal Krishna Janmastami History

Krishna is the eight ‘avatar’ of lord Vishnu. He was born to destroy the incarnation of all evil – the Kansa. Kansa had a sister, Devki, who he married to Vasudev. And it was so believed that the eight sons born to them, one would be the reason of his death. So, he took Vasudev and Devki into custody and destroyed each of their children after their birth. Then the day came when Devki gave birth to her eight children.

That night, Vasudev, concerned about the baby’s safety, went out of the prison and took his son across the waters of Yamuna to reach Gokul. It was raining heavily outside and the waters of Yamuna were also high. However, Vasudev moved forward, there was a snake in the shape of an umbrella above Krishna’s head, which was protecting the God from the rain.

The waters of Yamuna soon dried to help him cross the river. Then finally he placed his child in the home of his friend Nand Dev and exchanged his girl baby. The next morning when Kansa was about to kill the girl she flew high in the sky taking the form of a Devi and announced ‘The one that will kill you has already taken birth. You will not be spared any more.’ This very day is now celebrated as Krishna Janmastami.

Nepal Krishna Janmastami Traditions and Activities

It is also known as Krishna Jayanti or Janmashtami. This day is remembered as his birthday and also his divine deeds. How he turned as a savior to those, who were harassed in the name of religion. He has always freed people from difficulties and will never be forgotten by people. The famous Patan Durbar Square is the main temple in Nepal where Krishna Janmastami is celebrated with added vigor. Devotees gather in large numbers to see the Krishna idol decked up.

The priests celebrate Krishna’s birth after midnight and give Krishna idol the religious bath. After this, He is decked up with many ornaments and beautiful dress. The temple is decorated very beautifully with lights and flowers. The devotees keep vigil throughout the night of his glorious birth. They sit chanting the names of Lord Krishna and enjoy the bath ceremony. Then they move in queue to offer their offerings to the priest seated in front of the idol. They give flowers, coins, and food and wait for a glimpse of the wonderfully adorned Krishna idol.

Thus, the lovers of Krishna get a chance to show their love through Krishna Janmastami. They also keep fasts throughout the day to please the lord. At night, they perform the rituals and celebrate the festival. They move out of the temple only when the offering (prasada) is distributed amongst them.

Moldova Limbra Noastra Day Date: August 31

Limbra Noastra Day is a public holiday in Moldova.

Limba Noastra literally translates to our language. On August 31, every year Moldova celebrates Limba Noastra or its language day. The day is celebrated to honor the passing of the language law, which proclaimed the Moldovan language written in Latin script to be the official language of Moldova. The law also established its identity with the Roman language. The day is considered to be a milestone in Moldova’s progress towards its independence.

History of Moldova Limbra Noastra

The language spoken in Moldova has been a political issue since a very long time. Majority of Moldovans speak a dialect of Romanian that has been dubbed Moldavian by the Russians in the 19th century and the Soviet Union in the 20th century. This local language was forbidden to be used in administration and public documents by the Russian Empire as far back as in 1829. Russians tried to replace Romanian with Russian.

This was viewed as an attempt of Russification of the Moldovan culture. Moldovan was banned from schools. The attempts of Russification continued in public administration, church and education with Moldovan being replaced with the Russian language. This continued till the collapse of Russian empire in 1917. The process of Russification had a brief interlude in the period between 1918 and 1940, when Moscow had relinquished its control over the Moldovan territories. However, at the outbreak of World War II, Moscow again seized control of the Moldovan territories and the Russian language once again returned as the official language in the newly founded Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic.

It was asserted by the official Soviet policy that the language that was spoken by the Moldovans was distinct from the Romanian language. To distinguish between the two, the Soviet authorities promoted Moldovan written in Cyrillic script as opposed to Romanian, which is written in Latin alphabet. All these are viewed as attempts of the Soviet Union to promote a Moldovan ethnic identity that was completely distinct from that of the Romanians.

From 1988 onwards, Moldova along with several other republics of the former Soviet Union began to step forward towards its independence. On 27th of August 1989, a mass demonstration was organized by the nationalist Popular Front of Moldova. This mass demonstration which later came to be known as the Great Assembly forced the Soviet Authorities to pass a language law. Finally on 31st August, 1989, the Supreme Soviet of the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic passed the language law that established Romanian as the official language of the country. It also witnessed the return of the Latin script. Since 1989, this date of 31st August came to be known as the Limba Noastra Holiday or the Language day of Moldova.

Moldova Limbra Noastra Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Celebration of this day is synonymous with the celebration of the cultural independence of Moldova. Language is one of the most important national symbols for the people of the country and this day is the celebration of the most important national symbol of the Moldovans. Limba Noastra is a public holiday in Moldova. On this day, play, poetry readings and such other events are organized all across the state of the nation.

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Trinidad & Tobago Independence Day Date: August 31

Independence Day is a public holiday in Trinidad & Tobago.

Trinidad and Tobago were one of those countries in the British colony who became a part of the post war, decolonization process. They got their independence on 31st August 1962. Once a British Colony, it is very much a part of Commonwealth now. It was the 31st August when the Union Jack was lowered to declare Trinidad and Tobago an independent nation. The whole week was rejoiced with a lot of celebration and events. This day goes down in the history of Trinidad and Tobago as a very important day.

History of Trinidad & Tobago Independence Day

Speaking of history, the American troops stationed at Chaguaramas and Cumuto deeply affected the social structure of the nation during the Second World War. Christopher Colombus got Trinidad noticed to the world in 1498. That is when the Trinidad became a colony of Spain. As far as Tobago is concerned, the Dutch had claim to fame in invading this island. Tobago also saw French invasion with Spain as its allies. Later British colonies were settled in Trinidad in 1802 and in Tobago in 1814. It was in 1888 that Trinidad and Tobago was made a single entity. This country was so prone to colonization because of the rich minerals not forgetting crude oil. However, a single country with a history of so many countries trying to build their colonies takes a toll on the common people. The independence on 31st August brought a sigh of relief in the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

Trinidad & Tobago Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

This day is celebrated with lot of festivity and spirit. The military styled parade in the day in Queens Park is inspected by the Chief Secretary in Tobago and by the Head of the State in Trinidad. The evening sees a lot of National Award presentation ceremony at the President’s house. These awards are recognition for the local people for their achievements in various occupations. The evening in Queens Park, Savannah displays a lot of firework to celebrate the occasion. These shows are quite popular with the crowd that starts coming in early to get the best sight. Independence for any country is a gift to its citizens.

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Malaysia Independence Day Date: August 31

Independence Day is a public holiday in Malaysia.

Malaysia got its independence on August 31, 1957. Though it has a long history of invasion, it was the British colonies, from whom they got their independence. Since then Malaysia has come up the economic growth curve quite well. Now it is well known for its tourism industry. It is one of those destinations, which make people get the whole Asia experience. As their tagline says ‘truly Asia’.

History of Malaysia Independence Day

Malaysia is known to be a complete experience of Asia in itself. The main reason for this lies in the fact that people from Japan, China and India have invaded it. However, the recent past has seen the British invading this country. The independence from the British rule was a peaceful one opposed to the other British colonies that got its independence after much struggle and sacrifice. The major problem a nation faces after the independence is the shift of power from the country, which invaded, to its own people. Though Malaysia did not face much of those, however it did face the racial discrimination and conflicts related to those. These things apart independent Malaysia took the political system and the economy and social system far ahead of what it started from during the initial independence days. The best part about the Malaysian independence is there was no bloodshed. The whole process of declaring independence happened after just holding discussions.

Malaysia Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

The event is celebrated with lot of concerts and processions. The schools and other education institutions organize their celebrations. Lot of folk dance and traditional clothes are a part of the celebrations. Malaysia is a vibrant country with vibrant people. They make the whole atmosphere come alive with their energy and spirit.

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Kyrgyzstan Independence Day Date: August 31

Independence Day is a public holiday in Kyrgyzstan.

August 31, 1991 is the day when Kyrgyzstan got independent from the Soviet Union. The age-old Soviet pressure took a long time to shrug off. Although the country was declared a republic and went through a name change several times after 1990, it was far from being independent from the Soviet clutches. The decision of Independence on 31st August 1991 was welcome by the common people as it was in their interest.

History of Kyrgyzstan Independence Day

The Soviet influence started in Kyrgyzstan in early 1919. The major oppression was experience during the Stalin days though. Though they were under the Soviet bear hug they still managed to retain and develop lot of social, cultural and educational aspect. The urge to preserve their culture maintained the tension among the all-Union authorities. The Soviet hold on Kyrgyzstan was not exactly like a typical colony these European countries had in Asia, Africa and other parts of the world however, they were far from being independent. The Soviet influence was quite visible in their political system. The independence of Kyrgyzstan would have taken longer if the mass resignation of the secretariat and bureau would not have happened. It was this move, which made the Supreme Soviet vote in favor of Kyrgyzstan’s independence. Another problem following independence was the fight to get to power. Lot of political instability was experienced after independence.

Kyrgyzstan Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

The struggle to reinforce a stable and able government never stops the people of Kyrgyzstan from celebrating their Independence Day. The typical celebration includes Independence Day parades with people attending it in their traditional wear. The evening sees many fireworks to celebrate the occasion. The fireworks light up the sky and make it look like a supernova explosion somewhere.

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Kazakhstan Constitution Day Date: August 30

Constitution Day is a public holiday in Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan is one of the last Soviet republics to get freedom in December 1991. Its Constitution was adopted on August 30, 1995 — almost four years after their independence. On August 30, the entire political system became a democracy, replacing communism. The change in the political system marks a very important era as an independent Kazakhstan became a sovereign and economically liberal republic.

History of Kazakhastan Constitution Day

The history of August 30, 1995, started before Kazakhstan’s independence. It became a sovereign republic within the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic in October 1990. August of 1991 saw an aborted coup effort in Moscow, which resulted in Kazakhstan gaining its independence on December 16, 1991.

Though Kazakhastan got its independence in December 1991, the economy and political system was the old one from the Soviet Union days. It was on Constitution Day, August 30, 1995, the constitution was given a new facelift in an attempt to make Kazakhstan a democratic republic.

An exception to making Kazakhastan a democracy is the fact that President Nursultan Nazarbayev has been granted lifetime power. Nursultan Nazarbayev started out as the head of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan in 1989. Democracy in Kazakhstan is fighting against the early communist perception. However, it is still an improvement over the previous system. The major thing that changed following the new constitution was the economy. Kazakhstan is a mineral rich country with abundant resources of uranium, chromium, zinc, oil, natural gas and diamonds.

Kazakhastan Constitution Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

August 30the, gives the people of Kazakhstan a big reason to celebrate its history. The Constitution Day is celebrated all over Kazakhstan. It is not only a mark of a free country but a free country with lots of economic growth, which is worth celebrating.

The educational institutions reinforce this day as an important lesson in their history and their rule of law. The media plays its part in educating the citizens about the constitution and the constitutional developments. The Supreme Court spreads awareness about the importance of judiciary system in the country. It also tries to bring forward the facts about how constitution encourages and protects the country’s sovereignty, human rights and the benefits of independence.

The Supreme Court conducts seminars in high schools. The atmosphere is full of festivity and lot of special performances and events are organized by the citizens to celebrate this day. After all, it is the constitution, which brings about changes and protects the interest of the common mass of a country.

august 30, august calendar

UK and Wales Summer Holiday Date: August 30

Summer Holiday is a public holiday in the UK and Wales.

Summer holidays, alternatively termed as summer vacation or summer break, is a holiday session in the summer time taken mostly in the schools. Its timings mostly depend on the country and the district. In United Kingdom that is England and Wales, the last Monday in August is a bank holiday called the Summer Bank Holiday. For majority of the people of England and Wales, who are not employed in any kind of essential service, this day is received as a holiday. This year the Summer Bank Holiday falls on 31st of August.

History of UK and Wales Summer Holiday

In Britain, Bank holidays are public holidays. On these days, banks are shut and no trading can take place on this day. The Bank Holidays are being recognized since 1871. The Bank Holidays were introduced by the Bank Holiday Act in 1871. This act designated four bank holidays or public holidays in United Kingdom that is in England and Wales and Northern Ireland. Before 1834, there were thirty three saint’s days and religious festivals observed as holidays by the Bank of England. However, in 1834, it was reduced to just four holidays. Sir John Lubbock, an English banker, politician, naturalist, archeologist and also an enthusiastic supporter of cricket, who believed that the bank employees should have an opportunity to attend and participate in cricket matches, introduced the act in 1871.

Initially the four holidays, those were declared in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 1871, were the Easter Monday, the Whit Monday, the first Monday in the month of August, also called the Summer Bank Holiday, and the Boxing Day or St. Stephen’s day on 26th of December. These dates of Bank Holidays included the dates on which cricket was played between villages in the region where Sir John Lubbock was raised. From 1972 onwards, the date of the Summer Bank Holiday was changed from the first Monday of August to the last Monday of August. It is however interesting to note that there were some years in which the Summer Bank Holiday fell on September instead of August. However, possibly to due a change in the method of determining the day, this no longer occurs.

UK and Wales Summer Holiday Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

On the Summer Bank Holiday, banks are not allowed to operate and hence the name Bank Holiday. Traditionally most of the shops and museums and several other places of public interest such as historic houses and sports centres remain closed. However, it has been observed in recent times that some of the shops remain open even on a Bank Holiday. Traditionally, most of the businesses too remain closed on the Summer Bank Holiday. This time enables the employees to spend time with their families. People spend this time on mini breaks and outings. The significance of Bank Holidays over any other kind of holiday is that the Bank Holidays are secular and perpetual holidays. This is especially true in case of the Summer Bank Holiday which indeed has no religious bindings.

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Turkey Victory Day Date: August 30

Victory Day is a public holiday in Turkey.

The 30th day of August is marked as the final step to Turkish war of independence. This day is registered in history as the Victory Day of Turkey. The Battle of Dumlupinar ended on 30th August 1922, subsequently ending the Greek invasion of Turkey. This day is celebrated throughout Turkey in the honor of those whose who got them independence.

History of Turkey Victory Day

The history of the Greeks and Turks and their wars dates back to the Troy days. Earlier the Turks invaded Greece. However, with the end of First World War the Ottoman Empire saw its downfall. They saw most of their provinces going in the hands of the allies. There came a time when the Greeks were stationed at Izmir and General Mustafa Kemal was sent to Anatolia. General Mustafa Kemal is known as the prime person under whole leadership Turkish war of independence was won. He was the one who tried uniting the country against the people trying to take over. There were several battles fought with different outcomes. Eventually Turkey started taking over from the time the Greeks’ withdrew from one of these battles for independence. The last battle (as opposed to the previous one) not just made Greeks lose but also made them leave their land. Therefore, it was Victory Day on 30th August, which made Turkey the republic it is today.

Turkey Victory Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

This 30th day of August is celebrated with élan throughout the country. It is a public holiday in Turkey. People hoist the national flag on this day. This day is called Zafer Bayramı in the local language. The importance of this day can be well explained and understood by people who have fought for it or the ones who have seen it all. The armed forces also celebrate this day with march-pasts. 30th August give people of Turkey to breath and live in fresh air, air that smells of independence and victory.

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