Every year on August 19, the world celebrates World Photography Day, a global tribute to the art, science, and impact of photography.
The celebration traces its origins to August 19, 1839, when the French government made the daguerreotype, an early photographic process developed by Louis Daguerre, freely available to the public. This invention marked the beginning of modern photography and paved the way for its widespread use.
The 2025 theme is 'My Favourite Photo', encouraging photographers and enthusiasts alike to share the image that holds the most meaning to them, along with the story behind it.
World Humanitarian Day
World Humanitarian Day is observed annually on August 19 to honour aid workers who dedicate their lives to humanitarian service and to advocate for the protection of civilians in conflict zones. The day was designated by the UN General Assembly in 2009 to commemorate the 2003 bombing of the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, which killed 22 humanitarian aid workers, including the UN Special Representative for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello.
The theme for World Humanitarian Day 2025 is 'Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities'.
Aug 17, 2025
Indonesia Independence Day
On August 17, 2025, Indonesia celebrated 80 years of its independence. This is a significant national holiday was accompanied by numerous events across the country.
Indonesia celebrates its independence from Dutch colonial rule, declared on August 17, 1945. The declaration took place in Jakarta, in front of Sukarno's residence, marked by the first ceremonial raising of the red-and-white flag — bendera Merah Putih. This moment has become a cornerstone of national identity, and its spirit echoes through every street and schoolyard each August.
Aug 15, 2025
National Mourning Day (Bangladesh)
The caretaker Govt. of Bangladesh announced that August 15 will not be observed as a national holiday, but instead will be marked as National Mourning Day to commemorate the assassination of the country's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. "The decision was taken unanimously after a discussion with the council of advisers and political parties.
Often referred to as 'Mujib' or 'Sheikh Mujib', he is regarded as the prime architect of the independent nation, Bangladesh.
Mujib began his political career in 1949 as a co-founder of the Awami League. In January 1972 Mujib became the country's first Prime Minister. Mujib and most of his family members were assassinated during a military coup on August 15, 1975. One of his daughters Sheikh Hasina Wazed survived, who was the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
The 79th Independence Day
India marked its Independence Day on August 15, 2025. As per tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the Tricolour and delivered his address to the nation from the Red Fort. This was Modi's 12th consecutive Independence Day speech and his second since beginning his third consecutive term in office.
This year's (2025) Independence Day theme was "Naya Bharat", symbolising the country's vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047 under the Government's Viksit Bharat mission.
Aug 13, 2025
World Organ Donation Day
World Organ Donation Day is observed each year on August 13 and is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of organ donation and to educating and encouraging people to register as donors. The day also honours organ donors and their families for their selfless contribution to help another person live.
The history of World Organ Donation Day dates back to the early 2000s, when it was first observed to promote the idea of organ donation by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Society for Organ Donation (ISOD).
The theme for World Organ Donation Day 2025 is 'Answering the Call'.
Aug 12, 2025
World Elephant Day
World Elephant Day is celebrated every year on August 12 to raise global awareness about the protection and preservation of elephants.
World Elephant Day was first observed in 2012; initiated by Canadian filmmakers Patricia Sims and Michael Clark, along with the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation of Thailand. Since its inception, the day has grown into an internationally recognised event that focuses on the urgent need to protect African and Asian elephants.
International Youth Day
International Youth Day is observed on August 12 every year. It is celebrated to mark the contributions of the youth in the development of society alongside understanding the challenges faced by them.
The United Nations declared in 1999 that August 12 would be the annual International Youth Day. It was based on a suggestion to the UN General Assembly made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in Lisbon on December 17, 1999. It was first celebrated on August 12, 2000, and since then, the day has been used to educate the general public.
The theme of International Youth Day 2025 is 'Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond'.