Important Days And Dates In January
According to the Julian and Gregorian calendars, January is the initial month of the year, comprising a total of 31 days. The onset of January is marked by the global celebration of New Year's Day. In the Northern Hemisphere, January is the coldest month of the year, and in the Southern Hemisphere, it is the warmest month. It is named after Janus or Lanus, the Roman god of passage and new beginnings.
India is renowned for its vibrant festivals representing its rich cultural diversity, heritage and traditional customs. Therefore, January brings forth a plethora of festivals in India, including New Year, Lohri and many more. Here is the list of festivals celebrated in January; let's have a look.
Swami Vivekananda Jayanti
Every year, January 12 is observed as National Youth Day. The day is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Hindu saint Swami Vivekananda. This day is celebrated as National Youth Day because Vivekananda believed that youth are the pillars of society. Vivekananda was born in West Bengal and was a great disciple of Saint Ramakrishna. He is known for his immense contribution to the betterment of society and the independence of India. Swami Vivekananda Jayanti is majorly celebrated in West Bengal with various programs, events, blood camps, etc. This prestigious event is not only celebrated enthusiastically in India but also abroad in a very determined manner.
Lohri
Lohri, also known as Lohadi or Lal Loh, is a much-awaited festival celebrated enthusiastically among Punjabis. The festival signifies harvesting Rabi crops, the culmination of the winter season and the onset of longer days. Lohri is celebrated by igniting a bonfire where people gather around it and offer various treats to seek blessings from the Sun God. Along with this, various special programs are organised in honour of this festival. The celebration of Lohri is associated with a decoit man Dulla Bhatti and two girls, Sundari and Mundari. The festival brings people together and spreads joy and happiness all around.
Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Uttarayan, or Magh Bihu
Makar Sankranti is the first festival of the year for Hindus, celebrated enthusiastically in January every year across India. On this day, people express their devotion to Surya Dev and take sacred baths early in the morning. On this auspicious day, the Sun enters the Northern Hemisphere from the Southern Hemisphere, which marks the end of winter and the beginning of summer. According to the Hindu folklore associated with Makar Sankranti, the day also marks the victory of good over evil. Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great pomp not only in India but also abroad. Makar Sankranti is known by different names in every region of India, like Pongal, Uttarayan, Maga Bihu, etc.
Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti
Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti is one of the important national events in India, celebrated annually on 23 January. The day marks the birth anniversary of Subhash Chandra Bose, and since 2021 the day has been designated as Parakram Diwas in India. Netaji was born on 23 January in a Bengali family in Orissa. He was the key figure in establishing the first Indian National Army known as "Azad Hind Fauj". Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti is celebrated enthusiastically in some regions of India like West Bengal, Tripura etc. Various events and programs are organised on this day, including flag hoisting, patriotic song singing, etc.
Republic Day
Republic Day, also known as Gantantra Diwas, is one of the significant national events in India. The day is celebrated enthusiastically all over India on 26 January every year. Republic Day is celebrated as, on this day in 1950, the Constitution of India was enforced. On this day in 1930, the INC revealed Purna Swaraj, India's independence from British rule. A great event takes place in New Delhi where several programmes are organised such as Flag hosting, Parade, awards ceremony, and many more. Republic Day is a supreme law which is a symbol of independent India and is mandatory for the citizens of India.
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