Mahavir Jayanti: April 5

Mahavira Jayanti is a religious observance for followers of the Jain religion.

Followers of Jainism in India celebrate the birth of Mahavir Jayanti (alternate name, Vardhamana) who set the doctrines and lay the foundation of Jainism. Mahavir Jayanti is considered to be the most important religious holiday among Jains, the name used to refer to the followers of Jainism.

History of Mahavir Jayanti

In Jainism, Mahavira was considered to be the last Tirthankar or the last human to achieve spiritual renewal and enlightenment. He has successfully achieved spiritual purity through an ardent practice of asceticism, abstaining from earthly pleasures and worries for the purpose of attaining absolute spiritual renewal. It is believed that he was born between 599 BC and 615 BC on the 13th day of the rising of the moon on the month called Chaitra. Chaitra is the first month in the Calendar of the Hindus. In the Gregorian Calendar, Chaitra falls on March or April. According to Hindu belief, this month marks the beginning of the creation of the universe.

Mahavir Jayanti: Traditions, Customs and Activities

During the holiday, the temples of Mahavira are decorated with flags. Jains also conduct the traditional ceremonial bath called abhishek to the images of Mahavira in the morning before street procession starts. The procession is usually participated by a great number of people living within the perimeter of the temples. Since the practice of Mahavir Jayanti religion calls for the care for the poor and releasing all forms of inclination to earthly desires, its followers usually engage in charity as an adherence to its teachings. Middle-class and affluent followers offer gifts to the poor such as fruit, rice, milk, water and incense. The Mahavir Jayanti chiefs also organize lectures during this day and may read to its followers a compendium of doctrines making up the principles of their faith which is usually preceded by prayers and meditation in the temples. The temples in the popular Jain temples in India (pawapuri, Parsvanath, and Kundalpur) are filled with devotees coming from different regions in India and other countries. Pilgrims may also visit Jain temples at Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bihar, and Calcutta.

Birthday of Rama of India: March 31

Birthday of Rama is a religious observance for Hindus worldwide.

In the Hindu Calendar, the Birthday of Rama falls on the ninth day of the month of Chaitra which usually falls between the regular month of March and April. The celebration is locally called as Ramnavami or Rama Navami.

He is believed to be a personified reincarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, the preserver. According to Hindu belief, Vishnu creates the Universe and preserves anything within it. The four-armed deity also has the ability to create and destroy all forms of existence at his will.

The Hindu of India celebrates the birth date of the religious deity Rama as described in the popular epic Ramayana. Rama is considered as the great rulers of the Ayodhya according to the legend leading the region with great prosperity and peace during his reign. Mahatma Gandhi once used this idea to describe India after its independence from the British in 1940.

The celebration of Birthday of Rama changes yearly. In 2010, the celebration of Birthday of Rama is scheduled on March 24.

History of Birthday of Rama

The life of Rama is described in the Sanskrit epic Ramayana. The epic has a profound influence on the culture and tradition of ancient and modern India. Ramayana has become the basis of Hindu teachings and traditions and devotional aspects of Hindu worship. The life of the characters in Ramayana is a reflection of human existence which forms part of today’s India’s cultural consciousness.

In Ramayana, Rama is described as Vishnu’s seventh reincarnation. In one of the great tragedies that hit Rama, he was sent into exile by his father as influenced by his father’s wife Kaikeyi resulting to the release of his right to govern Ayodhya.

The worship of the faithful to the sun and Rama are highly intertwined. Some Hindu sects venerate the sun first during Ramanavani and not Rama himself during the occasion. In fact, the descendants of Rama were said to have come directly from the sun which further explains the traditional sun worship during celebration of Rama’s Birthday.

India’s Birthday of Rama: Traditions, Customs and Activities

Public processions showing images (murti) of Rama swarm the street of India during the celebration. But the procession is preceded by ceremonial wedding in a temple priest’s house, and the traditional drinking of a cocktail called ‘Panakam’.

The Hindus begin the celebration with prayer to Rama and Vishnu usually in the form of devotional songs that sings praises to the personified form of Vishnu.

The faithful also observe fasting on this day along with the traditional dipping on the river of Sarayu which is considered sacred among the Hindus. Also, pilgrims to the ancient and important places for Ramnavami festivities such as Ayodhya and Puducherry.

The Hindus of the Northern India are famous for the highly elaborate Ramnavami procession. Chariots are loaded with images of Rama and people dressed up as Rama’s loved ones such as his Queen Rita, Laxman his brother, and Hanuman, his disciple. Other chariots may also carry individuals dressed up too as Rama’s soldiers.

Other interesting posts:

• Ram Navami is a religious observance for Hindus
• Dussera is a religious observance for Hindus
• Maha Shivratri is a religious observance for Hindus

Malta’s Freedom Day: March 31

Freedom Day is a public holiday in Malta.

Every year on the 31st of March, the people of Malta celebrate the anniversary withdrawal of British troops from the country on March 31, 1979. Freedom Day is locally known in Malta as Jum il-Ħelsien.

History of Malta’s Freedom Day

Malta became a British Colony by virtue of the Treaty of Paris in 1814. From that year, British ruled the archipelago until the agreement expired on 1979. As part of this agreement, the British withdraw their military and navy from the country and closed their bases on April 1, 1979.

Malta’s Freedom Day: Traditions, Customs and Activities

Celebrations are held at Floriana which is located just the near the War Memorial to commemorate this important event in Malta’s history.

The most popular activity held during Freedom Day in Malta is a boat race locally known as regatta. Regatta is a basically a water race manually powered by those who are taking part in the event. However, a separate race using motorboats are also held and is categorically referred to as regatta.

Regatta activities are usually held at Grand Harbour and participated both by the locals and some foreigners unless otherwise prohibited by the organizers. Regatta is a sport where most Maltese citizens compete with the ultimate prize for the much coveted prize called Regatta Shield.

The people of Malta spend this day to visit the War Memorial and a monument located on Birgu waterfront (Vittoriosa) reminding all its citizens of Malta’s rich history.

Other interesting posts:

• Malta Festively Celebrates Republic Day
• Malta Marks St. Paul’s Shipwreck Day
• Malta Honors Our Lady of Victories Day

Ram Navami: March 31

Ram Navami is a religious observance for Hindus.

The Hindu festival of Ram Navani is the celebration of the birthday of Lord Rama, believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The festival falls on the ninth day of the bright phase of the moon, or shukla paksha, in the lunar month of Chaitra, that is April or May in the Gregorian calendar. and it ususally falls on the same day of the Indian New Year celebrations.

History of Ram Navami

Ravan was a demon king feared by all. But he could not be killed by the gods because he had received a blessing from Lord Brahma that he would never die at the hands of a god, or demigods or demons. So Ravan did not fear anyone and ruled with an iron fist over his kingdom and warred with his neighboring kings.

This is when Brahma declared that Ravan would die then at the hands of a man, but there was no man on earth that would dare face Ravan with the thought to kill him. So the gods went to Lord Vishnu and asked for his assistance, their request was that he would be born as a man, son of King Dasarath, who had at the time 3 queens and no born son.

Dasarath was one day praying, and at the end of his prayer a shining figure appeared to him and gave him a drink called payasam for him to give to his wives: Kausalya, Kaikayi, and Sumitra. When the time came, the three women gave birth to four babies. Kausalya gave birth to Rama, Kaikayi to Bharat and Sumitra to Laxman and Shatrugna.

Rama is considered one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, along with Krishna he is one of the most popular ones. Much later when it came the time for Rama to be crowned, his stepmother asked the father of Rama to send him and his wife, Sita, to the forest for 14 years, and so Dasarath did, and sent the two away. Rama, Sita and his brother Lakshmana stayed in the forest.

Ravan did not like Raman because the young prince was beautiful and perfect in every way, he hated the prince and desired him dead. One day Ravan looked for Rama in the forest and found Sita, who he kidnapped and brought to his kingdom in Lanka. Rama went after Ravan to free his wife Sita. The battle between the two was near.

Rama entered the city of Ravan and waited for him, Ravan came to meet his opponent followed by hordes of followers that at the sight of Raman abandoned Ravan alone in the open ground where he would finally meet his death. Rama fights with Ravan and in a stroke of mercy against his opponent he fires an arrow straight to his heart and Ravan dies at the hands of a man. Rama frees his wife and returns home to be crowned king.

Ram Navami Traditions, Customs and Activities

Ram Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Shivnu as prince Rama, who killed the demon king Ravan. It is celebrated with great joy by all devotes of Lord Rama, who usually hold fasting for nine days.

On the day of Ram Navami everybody wakes up very early to take bath and pray to the God Sun. In the morning there are mantra prayers and offering of fruits and flowers to Lord Rama. Homes are cleaned and pictures of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshman are held in the walls and the offerings are placed in front of them with lightened candles.

A special ritual is done on his day, a puja to Lord Rama. The youngest female member of a family will apply teeka to all the males in the family, and a red bindi is applied on the foreheads of the males. Everyone then sprinkles water, roli and aipun to the images of the gods on the walls, and then hands filled with rice are showered unto the deities. Everyone then stands and performs the arti, and at the end water is sprinkled over the whole family. Singing of bhajans is done while performing the puja, and finally prasad, some food that literally means a generous spirit, is offered to everyone who was present during the puja. Puja is a religious ceremony of gratitude done in the home of a family.

Other interesting posts:

• Nyepi is a religious observance for Hindus in Indonesia
• Maha Shivratri is a religious observance for Hindus
• Vasant Panchami is a Hindu religious observance

Death of Barthelemy Boganda: March 29

Death of Barthelemy Boganda is a public holiday in Central African Republic.

Central African Republic, a landlocked country in central Africa, celebrates the anniversary of the death of Barthelemy Boganda, a nationalist and a politician.

History of Central African Republic’s Death of Barthelemy Boganda

Barthelemy Boganda served as Ubangi-Shari’s (now Central African Republic) first prime minister in December 1958 when the country was still under an autonomous status. He served the French Fourth Republic, the government of France from 1946 to 1958.

As a premier politician and member of the French National Assembly, he rallied against racism against the Oubanguians by the French and the independence of Ubangi-Shari. His call for national unity and independence from France paved the way for the establishment of Movement for the Social Evolution of Black Africa (MESAN).

His efforts were granted by Charles de Gaulle, the then Prime Minister of France during the French Fourth Republic in 1958 when the head of France accepted Boganda’s proposal to create an independent Central African Republic. However, he was killed in a plane crash on March 29, 1959.

Various theories were formulated for the reason of his death but none of them were confirmed but there were proof that Boganda was assassinated when traces of explosives were found in the crash site.

A year later, full independence was realized when the French government granted Central African Republic’s full independence from French rule.

Central African Republic’s Death of Barthelemy Boganda: Traditions, Customs and Activities

Public speeches abound during the anniversary of Boganda’s death with prominent politicians giving talks about the future of the country and the vision shared by Boganda to the establishment of a free Central African state. Since Boganda’s death is a public holiday, public offices are closed.

Other interesting posts:

• Central African Republic Independence Day
• Central African Republic Celebrates Republic Day
• Chad Remembers the Proclamation of the Republic

Taiwan’s Youth Day: March 29

Youth Day is a public holiday in Taiwan.

Taiwan, or Republic of Taiwan (ROC), observes Youth Day every year on the 29th of March. Taiwan’s Youth Day commemorates the death of 72 youth in the class against the government forces in the Canton Uprising (Guangzhou Uprising) in 1911.

History of Taiwan’s Youth Day

Taiwan’s Youth Day replaced Martyr’s day which commemorates the anniversary of the death of 72 young members of revolutionary army in China in the early 20th century. These protesters were hailed as martyr’s and reminds all Taiwanese about the heroic deeds of the young in fighting for freedom. Dr Sun Yat Sen led the toppling of the then government of China (Ching) and conducted de-stabilization attempts. The events that followed encouraged the youths to engage in the demonstration.

The military government of China, Huang Hsing, violently dissolved the mounting resistance, killing thousands, mostly youths (Guangzhou Uprising). The 72 young men who perished in the uprising were named e 72 Revolutionary Martyrs of Huanghuakang. It got its name from the hill where they were buried – Huanghuakang.

Taiwan’s Youth Day: Traditions, Customs and Activities

During the holiday, various youth organizations, mostly from educational institutions conduct fee-based and free concerts to mark the celebration of the holiday. Public offices remain close during the holidays while most private establishments remain open.

The government also holds special congress and meeting which discusses the role of youth in nation building, and the various legal and national issues affecting the young population. The president of Taiwan usually presides in public speech held at the shrine dedicated to the Martyrs’ of the Revolution along with other soldiers whose lives were perished during the incident.

During this day, the government also honors the Ten Outstanding Youth who displayed exemplary performance in their chosen field. The holiday is also a time to reveal government initiatives on the development of the youth and a chance to immerse the youth leaders in Taiwan’s political environment.

Other interesting posts:

• Sun Yat-sen Is Remembered in Taiwan
• Taiwan Armed Forces Day
• Republic of Congo Celebrates Youth Day

Madagascar’s Memorial Day: March 29

Memorial Day is a public holiday in Madagascar.

Madagascar, an island state in the southeastern portion of the African continent, celebrates annual Memorial Day annually on the 29th of March. Memorial Day is also known as Martyrs’ Day or Commemoration Day. The day is set to commemorate the death of more than 11,000 in the Revolt of 1947 of the armed militants of Democratic Movement for Malagasy Restoration (MDRM) in 1947 during the occupation of the French imperial forces in the land.

History of Madagascar’s Memorial Day

The first major conflict between Madagascar’s colonial French rulers and Malagasy’s of the MDRM started in the 19th century when Queen Ranavalona III resisted French foreign rule on the island. A year after both her and the prime minister of Madagascar were exiled to Reunion and subsequently to Algeria.

Putting the monarchy and the government in exile did not stop the Malagasys to mount protest against the French colonial forces in the area. Malagasys’ demand for labor equality and discrimination were largely fueled by France’s refusal to confer French citizenship to the Malagasy people who were involved in the First World War. Although citizenship was eventually awarded in the creation of the French Fourth Republic in 1946, the growing discontent among the Malagasys were not enough to quench their call for Madagascar’s full independence from France.

A war broke out in March 29, 1947 between the two forces but the Malagasy suffered a heavy loss of more than 11,000 men. The brains of the revolution were later tried in military courts where some (around 20) were executed, and others were imprisoned.

Madagascar’s Memorial Day: Traditions, Customs and Activities

Local officials deliver speeches to remember those who perished in the violent revolution of 1947 by the Malagasy nationalists and lay wreath on memorials dedicated to the martyrs.

People in Madagascar treat this holiday as a family day. Little activities are held during the holiday other than families going to the movie houses or nearby parks to relax on a long weekend.

Other interesting posts:

• Madagascar Remembers Its Independence
• Republic Day Observed in Madagascar
• Japan Celebrates Constitution Memorial Day

Zorastrian Khordad Sal: March 28

Zorastrian Khordad Sal is a holiday in India.

Zorastrian Khordad Sal is a holiday that celebrates that birthday of Zarathushtra or Zoroaster, the founder of Zoroastrianism. The celebration of the holiday changes from year to year and may either fall between August and September because a different calendar is used to mark the date of the celebration. However, the Gregorian calendar either point to the anniversary celebration as either on March 26 or 28.

Zoroastrianism is a monotheistic religion, that is, a religion that believes in one God called Ahura Mazda (‘Ahura’, meaning Lord; ‘Mazda’, wisdom). The evil spirit Angra Mainyu opposes the will of the righteous but in the end, Ahura Mazda, the one God; ultimately emerge as triumphant over the battle between good and evil.

Just like the Roman Catholic religion, Zoroastrians believe in the concept of heaven and hell. The sacred writings among Zoroastrians are accounted for on the holy book called Avesta.

History of Zorastrian Khordad Sal

In the Parsi calendar, the date of Zoroaster’s birthday falls on the 6th day of the calendar. The calendar consists of 12 months having the same number of days per month and five festive days. The word ‘Parsis’ refers to people comprising the Zoroastrian communities in India. The term was used to refer to Iranians.

The exact date as to which Zoroaster was born was not known. However, various literatures point out and many believe that the founder of the religion was born on the first millennium before the birth of the Christ Jesus. The celebration of Khordad Sal is treated much like of a new year’s day. In fact, the celebration of this holiday is set on the 6th day of Farvardin, the first month of the Parsi calendar.

Many people mark this day as a symbolical representation of Zoroaster’s date of birth considering it as a symbol of hope, goodness, and love.

Zorastrian Khordad Sal: Traditions, Customs and Activities

Members of the Zoroastrian community feast during this day. As part of the tradition, they wear new clothes and the house is cleaned much like that of Iran’s Nowrūz, or the traditional Iran New Year’s Day. The faithful also gathers around the traditional Fire temples to say a prayer before they celebrate the birthday of their religion’s founder with a lavish feast.

Libya’s British Evacuation Day: March 28

British Evacuation Day is a public holiday in Libya.

Libya, a country in North Africa, bordering Egypt (east), Chad and Niger (south), and Algeria and Tunisia (west), and Sudan (southeast), and Mediterranean Sea (north), celebrates the anniversary of the evacuation of British military forces in the country in 1970 after the British government agreed to pull out its troops from Tobruk “Al Adam” (present day, Jalal Abdulnasir Base), the air base they established after the Second World War broke out.

History of Libya’s British Evacuation Day

At the end of the Second World War, Libya associates much of its foreign policies in the West especially the United States and Great Britain while maintaining full diplomatic relations with Italy, Greece and France, including the dissolved Soviet Union (1955).

The military coup led by Muammar al-Gaddafi in 1969 resulted to the decision to close the American and British military bases in Libya and hoped to nationalize most of government’s properties including the fossil fuels resources and other commercial businesses in the country.

Moreover, Gaddafi’s temporarily embargoed the transport of oil to the US and other countries in the west as a means to convince the Western nations to halt the political and military support they’re giving Israel in 1973.

The last British troops left Libya in 1970 marking this day as one of the important turning points in Libya’s colonial history. Today, this is celebrated as British Evacuation Day.

Libya’s British Evacuation Day: Traditions, Customs and Activities

British Evacuation Day is considered to be one of the most important holidays in Libya but it isn’t celebrated with festivities inasmuch as how religious holidays in Libya are celebrated. The employed consider this day as a time off from work.

Other interesting posts:

• Libya Commemorates American Evacuation Day
• Egypt Commemorates Evacuation Day
• Libya Stages Revolution Day Parades

Myanmar Armed Forces Day: March 27

Armed Forces Day is a public holiday in Myanmar.

Myanmar observes the celebration of Myanmar Armed Forces Day on the 27th of March each year. This day is locally known as ‘Tatmadaw Nay’ and it commemorates the resistance of Burma’s military against the Japanese forces at the height of the Second World War in 1945.

To date, the Tatmadaw is the most powerful, stable, and disciplined institution in Burma (present day Myanmar).

History of Myanmar Armed Forces Day

Even in the midst of fighting against the British for freedom, when World War II erupted, the Burmese Army helped the British against the invading Japanese forces. After Myanmar received its independence from Great Britain on January 4, 1948, it took a new name, Union of Burma, under the leadership of Sao Shwe Thaik serving as the first president of the country. Parliamentary elections were held in 1951, 1952 and in the 1960. During the country’s parliamentary state of government, a popular diplomat named U Thant became the United Nation’s first non-Westerner Secretary General.

The experimental parliamentary government of Burma was halted when the General Ne Win led a coup d’état leading to the dissolution of the parliament.

Between 1974 and 1988, Burma functions politically under a one-party system Burma Socialist Programme Party (BSPP). Widespread protests followed but the government was well prepared in cracking down democratic protests in a very violent way especially when thousands of demonstrators were killed in the 8888 uprising.

The first free national election in Myanmar was held on May 1990 which won by the National League for Democracy (NLD) party under Aung San Suu Kyi but the current State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) refuse the transfer of power.

To date, Myanmar is still under the control of military junta and protesters demanding for the restoration of a democratic society are still prosecuted.

Myanmar Armed Forces Day: Traditions, Customs and Activities

The holiday is celebrated with military marches in parade grounds in the country’s capital, Naypyidaw, including the laying of wreath on famous memorial posts dedicated to the heroes of the revolution against the imperial Japanese forces. This is also the day when members of the troops are reviewed in terms of loyalty to the military.

Other interesting posts:

• Liberia Celebrates The Armed Forces Day
• Sao Tome salutes Armed Forces Day
• Zimbabwe Armed Forces Day