Independence Day, also known as National Day, is a Sri Lankan national holiday celebrated annually on 4th February to commemorate the country's political independence from British rule in 1948. It is celebrated all over the country through a flag-hoisting ceremony, dances, parades and performances. Usually, the main celebration takes place in Colombo, where the President raises the national flag and delivers a nationally televised speech.
For the first time since 2016, there will be no Tamil national anthem at the 72nd Independence Day celebrations in Sri Lanka and it will only be rendered in Sinhalese, the government announced, amply demonstrating the administration's priority for the majority Sinhala community.
Sri Lanka's Constitution provides for the singing of the national anthem in both Sinhala and Tamil.
World Cancer Day
World Cancer Day is celebrated on 4th February to raise awareness about the disease cancer, its prevention, and treatment.
According to WHO, 17 people die every minute from cancer in the world. Every year, World Cancer Day is observed with a particular theme. The day is organised by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). WHO has designed a guide to cancer early diagnosis.
First World Cancer Day was celebrated in 1993 in Geneva, Switzerland under the direction of Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). This was organised by the support of some well-known cancer societies, research institutes, treatment centers, and patient groups.
The 2020 World Cancer Day theme is 'I am and I will'.
Feb 02, 2020
World Wetlands Day
World Wetlands Day occurs annually on February 2, marking the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971 when a small group of environmentalists signed an international agreement at the Ramsar Convention in Iran.
Established to raise awareness about the value of wetlands for humanity and the planet, WWD was celebrated for the first time in 1997 and has grown since then. Each year, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and groups of citizens at all levels of the community have taken advantage of the opportunity to undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits such as conservation. Some of these benefits include: biologically diverse ecosystems that provide habitat for many species, serve as buffers on the coast against storms and flooding, and naturally filter water by breaking down or transforming harmful pollutants.
Each year a theme is selected to focus attention and help raise public awareness about the value of wetlands.
The theme for 2020 is 'Wetlands and Biodiversity'.
Feb 01, 2020
Indian Coast Guard Day
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) celebrates its foundation day on February 1, 2020.
The ICG is an armed force of India which protects maritime interests and enforces maritime law, with jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India.
The ICG works in close cooperation with the Indian Navy, the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Revenue (Customs) and the Central and State police forces.
The interim Indian Coast Guard was established on 1 February, 1977 to prevent sea-borne smuggling of goods which were hampering India's domestic economy.
Jan 31, 2020
Bengaluru Hosts Transporters Meet
Transporters Meet, an event for the transporter sector, organised by BusinessLine in association with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) and Mahindra Small Commercial Vehicles, was held in Bengaluru.
This one-of-its-kind event brings together various stakeholders involved in the transport sector to discuss issues, share best practices and suggest solutions to the problems faced by them.
Jan 30, 2020
Surajkund International Crafts Mela to be Themed on Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh will be the ''theme state'' of the 2020 Surajkund International Crafts Mela organised by the Haryana government at Surajkund on the outskirts of Delhi where the hill state will showcase its cultural heritage, handicrafts and tourism potential.
The 34th Surajkund International Crafts Mela will be held from February 1-16.
The department has constructed a replica of Ram Bag Gate, Manali, a permanent replica of Bhimakali Temple, Sarahan, one Apna Ghar in traditional Himachali style and five temporary gates have also been set up at different entry points of the crafts mela ground to reflect the culture of the hill state.
A fashion show will be organised on February 9 on the theme ''Unforgettable Himachal'' by famous designer Ritu Beri at the crafts mela ground.
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur will be present in the inauguration ceremony on February 1 and the governor will attend the closing ceremony on February 16.
Mahatma Gandhi's Martyrdom Day (Martyrs Day)
In India, five days are declared as Martyrs Day in honour of those who laid down their lives for the nation. Of these, the first falls on January 30, the day when Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse in 1948.
Mahatma Gandhi was shot in Birla House compound in New Delhi at the age of 78.
Martyrs Day or Shaheed Diwas sees the President, Vice President, Prime Minister and Defence Minister gather at Mahatma Gandhi's Samadhi at Raj Ghat.
The top-most leaders of the country lay wreaths in remembrance of the Mahatma. They are joined by three service chiefs as well.
The other Martyrs' Day observances in India
March 23 is celebrated as Martyrs' Day to remember the deaths of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar and Shivaram Rajguru.
October 21, which is the Police Martyrs Day, is observed by police departments nationwide. This day marks the ambush of a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) patrol party at the Indo-Tibetan border in Ladakh by the Chinese forces.
The death anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai, another well-known Indian freedom fighter, which falls on November 17 is also observed as Martyrs Day.
November 19 celebrates the birthday of Rani Lakshmibai and honours those who gave their lives in the rebellion of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence.