Opera Day is celebrated every year on February 8. It is a day to recognise the importance of opera as a form of art and entertainment. The day also serves as an opportunity to promote the work of opera composers and singers.
The history of opera dates back to the 1630s when the first season of opera took place in Venice. The opera quickly became a popular form of entertainment, and its popularity continued to grow throughout the 18th century. In the 18th century, opera was given new life by Mozart and Verdi, who developed innovative concepts such as batonality and dissonance.
Feb 07, 2024
World Interfaith Harmony Week
Every year, from February 1 to 7, the world commemorates World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), a time dedicated to fostering mutual understanding, peace, and harmony among people of different faiths. Instituted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010, this week-long observance highlights the crucial role of interfaith dialogue in building a culture of peace and nonviolence.
The concept of World Interfaith Harmony Week was first proposed by King Abdullah II of Jordan at the United Nations in 2010. Recognizing the urgent need for fostering better relationships between diverse religious groups, the proposal was swiftly adopted by the UN General Assembly through resolution A/RES/65/5. This initiative calls upon governments, institutions, and civil society to promote the objectives of WIHW through various programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation.
The theme for World Interfaith Harmony Week 2024, as organised by the UNGA, is 'Uniting for Peace'.
Feb 06, 2024
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
February 6, marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a pivotal moment for communities worldwide to unite against a practice that infringes on the rights, health, and well-being of millions of women and girls. This day serves not only as a call to action but also as a reminder of the progress made and the challenges that remain in the fight to eradicate FGM.
In the year 2012, the UN General Assembly designated February 6 as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. The need is to amplify and direct the efforts to eliminate this practice.
Each year, the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM is commemorated with a theme that highlights a specific aspect of the fight against this harmful practice. The theme for 2024 focuses on 'Her Voice. Her Future', emphasising the crucial role that community-led initiatives play in achieving lasting change.
Safer Internet Day
Safer Internet Day is celebrated on February 6, every year. It is a platform to raise awareness about internet safety and encourage people to take steps to protect themselves from online threats.
The annual event promotes the safe and responsible use of digital technology. It helps to raise awareness about online threat and ways to stay safe.
The day was first initiated by EU Safe Borders in 2006. It was later expanded by the Insafe Network of Awareness Centres to promote the importance of internet safety for individuals, families, and communities.
In 2012, the United States officially adopted the concept of Safer Internet Day, and it quickly spread all over the world.
The theme for Safer Internet Day 2024 is 'Together for a Better Internet', which revolves around promoting a secure online environment for all users, with a special focus on safeguarding children and young people. The initiative underscores the importance of staying safe and informed in the digital age.
Feb 04, 2024
Sri Lanka Celebrates 76th Independence Day
Sri Lanka celebrated its 76th Independence Day on February 4. Sri Lanka got independence from British rule on February 4, 1948. This day holds immense significance for the people of the country as it marks the culmination of decades of struggle and aspirations for self-determination. Sri Lankans led a number of movements and legislative actions to achieve freedom from colonial rule.
Sri Lanka became a British colony in 1796. The Independence Movement began in the early 20th century and gained momentum through boycotts, strikes, and other forms of nonviolent resistance.
World Cancer Day
World Cancer Day is observed on February 4 every year. The day aims to promote awareness about cancer.
World Cancer Day was established on February 4, 2000 at the World Cancer Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium, which was held in Paris.
The theme for World Cancer Day 2024 is 'Close the care gap: Everyone deserves access to cancer care.'
Feb 02, 2024
RA Awareness Day
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Awareness Day, observed annually on February 2, aims to raise awareness about this chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions worldwide. It highlights the importance of early diagnosis, effective management, and ongoing research for a cure.
The history of World Rheumatic Arthritis Awareness Day dates back to 2011, when a group of patients founded the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation.
The foundation's mission is to raise public awareness about the disease and its available treatments. It was in 2013 when the Rheumatoid Awareness Day was first established.
The official theme for RA Awareness Day 2024 is 'Living Well with RA: Early Diagnosis, Effective Management, and a Brighter Future'.
World Wetlands Day
World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2, every year.
It is an international day dedicated to promoting the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands. Wetlands are defined as any area of land that is primarily covered by water, either permanently or seasonally.
In 1971, the Ramsar Convention was adopted, and in 2021, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 75/317, which established February 2 as World Wetlands Day. The day has been established in order to draw attention to the importance of wetlands for human health and the planet.
The theme for World Wetlands Day 2024 is 'Wetlands and Human Wellbeing'.