International No Diet Day is celebrated all over the world on May 6. On this day, people are made aware of body acceptance, leaving aside behaviour like body shaming, which includes people of all shapes and sizes. Forgetting problems like obesity, increasing weight, weakness, and belly fat, people express their love towards themselves on this day.
In the year 1992, International No Diet Day was celebrated for the first time in the UK by British lady Mary Evans. Mary's purpose was to convince people that they should accept themselves as they looked. Mary wanted people to become aware of the harm caused by dieting.
May 05, 2023
Buddha Purnima
Buddha Purnima, also known as Buddha Jayanti, is one of the most significant festivals in Buddhism. It commemorates the birth anniversary of the religion's founder, Gautama Buddha. This auspicious occasion falls on the full moon day in the month of Vaisakh (May) according to the Hindu calendar and this year (2023) the festival was celebrated on May 5.
Buddha Purnima is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm around the world. People honour the teachings and life of Gautama Buddha and perform acts of charity on this day.
It is believed that a full moon day is auspicious for Buddhists because three major events in the life of the Gautam Buddha took place on this day. The full moon in May holds the most importance as Prince Siddhartha was born at Lumbini Grove. Secondly, after six years of hardship, Prince Siddhartha Gautam attained enlightenment under the shade of the Bodhi tree and became Gautama Buddha at Bodh Gaya. Thirdly, after 45 years of teaching the Truth, when he was eighty, at Kusinara, he passed away to Nibbana (Nirvana) - release from the cycle of rebirth.
May 04, 2023
International Firefighters' Day
International Firefighters' Day (IFFD) is observed on May 4 every year to honour the firefighters who put their lives at risk when they go out on a call. The main purpose of celebrating this day is to thank firefighters for the services they all provide.
In Ancient Egypt, the first organised professional firefighter was to combat structural fires, but at at that time, firefighters worked for private companies and provided the services only to those who could afford them. Later, in Ancient Rome, Caesar Augustus revolutionised fire fighting by calling for the creation of fireguards, which were known as Vigiles. They were trained, paid, and equipped by the state.
In 1999, Firefighters' Day was created when five firefighters died tragically during a wildfire at Linton in Victoria, Australia.
It is celebrated on May 4 because it is also Saint Florian's Day. Saint Florian, who was said to be one of the first commanding firefighters of an actual Roman battalion and saved many lives, is the patron saint of firefighters.
Coal Miners Day
Coal Miners Day is observed every year on May 4 to recognise and honour the tireless efforts and significant contribution of coal miners in extracting coal, which is one of the most important fossil fuels used for various purposes, including power generation and industrial production. Demand for coal is also increasing for its use in cement and steel manufacturing.
Although the first coal mine was opened in Scotland in 1575, India's first coal mine was established much later in 1774. The Raniganj Coalfield, situated on the banks of the Damodar River, was the site of this mine, which was operated by John Summer and Suetonius Grant Heatly of the East India Company. After India gained independence, the country's demand for coal increased, and the new government established a 5-year development plan to meet the growing demand for energy.
May 03, 2023
World Press Freedom Day
World Press Freedom Day is celebrated annually on May 3 to raise awareness about the importance of a free and independent press. This day highlights the need for free and independent journalism and promotes the principles of freedom of expression.
The idea of World Press Freedom Day was first proposed in 1991 by the UNESCO General Conference, which recognised the need to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom and to promote its defence. In 1993, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution to declare May 3 as World Press Freedom Day.
Since then, the day has been celebrated every year to raise awareness about the importance of press freedom and to remind governments of their obligation to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression. It is also a day to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty and to support the safety and independence of journalists who work to bring information to the public.
The theme for 2023 World Press Freedom Day, 'Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for All Other Human Rights,' highlights the crucial role of freedom of expression in ensuring all other human rights are enjoyed and protected.
World Press Freedom Day 2023 marked its 30th anniversary since the United Nations General Assembly's decision proclaiming an international day for press freedom.
May 02, 2023
World Asthma Day (First Tuesday of May)
World Asthma Day is an annual event celebrated globally on the first Tuesday of May. Its purpose is to bring attention to asthma and educate people about this chronic health condition and its treatment.
World Asthma Day is an annual event that has been established by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) since 1993. Its purpose is to increase global asthma awareness and improve patient care worldwide.
The theme for World Asthma Day 2023 was "Asthma Care for All," building on the theme of the previous year, "Closing Gaps in Asthma Care," and the 2019 theme, "STOP for Asthma."
World Tuna Day
On May 2, the world's coastal regions celebrate World Tuna Day every year. To conserve tuna schools around the world and to contribute to the development of a sustainable fishing model, fishing communities, scientists, and environmentalists collaborated to achieve this date.
The history of World Tuna Day can be traced to 2016, when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the day. The purpose of this was to throw light on the issue of tuna overfishing. Here are more details about the history of World Tuna Day.