Eid al-Adha 2024

In the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of the twelfth and final month of Dhu al-Hijja, and celebrations and observances are generally carried forward to the three following days, known as the Tashreeq days. This year, Eid al-Adha falls on June 17.

Eid-ul-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, is traditionally celebrated by sacrificing an animal. It commemorates the act of a father, Prophet Abraham, obeying the diktat of God, who tests his devotion by asking him to sacrifice that which is dearest to him. Abraham prepares to offer his dear son; angel Gabriel intervenes at God's behest, and a goat is sacrificed, instead.

The animal sacrifice is not a propitiatory ritual; the focus is not on animal sacrifice but on the message behind it. The festival is a celebration of the test of faith. It is a celebration of a kind and merciful God who acknowledges man's devotion and obedience.

This Eid also marks the culmination of the rites of Haj, one of the pillars of Islam, which involves a visit to Mecca and re-enacting the events carried out by Prophet Abraham. It marks the end of the Islamic calendar and the beginning of a new year. As they say, every ritual, if performed with imagination and care, enables people to enter a different, timeless dimension. As we celebrate the sacred rituals of our faiths, we must never forget the stories behind them. We should endeavour to abide by all that is good in our faiths. Real sacrifice in these frenetic times when the pursuit of happiness keeps us busy would mean giving a little bit of our time and money for the greater good of society.

Global Garbage Man Day

 

Global Garbage Man Day is observed on June 17th every year in commemoration of sanitation workers who work hard to keep the environment clean.

Significance

Studies have shown that sanitation work is among the most dangerous and hazardous work.

The foul odours could make workers sick, a broken glass lead to injuries, and inhaling dust may cause respiratory problems.

Medical waste also poses a serious risk to sanitation workers. Despite the dangers, the workers continue their task in order to make the environment safer and more sanitary for us.

History

Global Garbage Man Day was the brainchild of John D. Arwood, the owner of a specialist waste management and portable sanitation firm.

He launched his business in 1997 and then used the internet as a way to expand it.

Several years into his business venture, Arwood realized that there was a dearth of public recognition for the work that his waste disposal staff were doing.

In 2011, he personally funded the first Global Garbage Man Day in 2011 to appreciate the workers in this line.

Global Garbage Man Day was officially renamed Waste and Recycling Workers Week in 2019.

 

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

 

On June 17th, the world celebrates the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. This important day aims to raise awareness about the pressing issue of land degradation and its devastating effects on the environment and communities around the globe.

Recognizing the Challenges

The Rio Earth Summit in 1992 brought global attention to the pressing challenges of desertification, loss of biodiversity, and climate change, recognizing them as significant threats to sustainable development. In response, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was established in 1994 as a legally binding international agreement linking environment, development, and sustainable land management.

Furthermore, the United Nations Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification (2010-2020) was declared by the UN General Assembly, underscoring the importance of this issue on a global scale.

The Significance of Combating Desertification and Drought

According to the United Nations, “Growing populations coupled with unsustainable production and consumption patterns fuel demand for natural resources, putting excessive pressure on land to the point of degradation. Desertification and drought are driving forced migration, putting tens of millions of people each year at risk of displacement.”

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought serves as a powerful reminder to take necessary actions against these pressing issues and reverse the damage inflicted upon our environment. It urges individuals, communities, and nations to unite in their efforts to combat desertification and drought, preserving our land for future generations.

By raising awareness and promoting sustainable land management practices, this day encourages us to protect our land, which is a fundamental resource for human survival and prosperity. It reminds us that the health of our land is intrinsically tied to the well-being of our communities and the planet as a whole.

As we celebrate the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, let us renew our commitment to protecting our land, fostering sustainable practices, and leaving a legacy of environmental stewardship for generations to come.

 

 

Iceland National Day

 

June 17 holds a special place in the hearts of the people in Iceland as the day is filled with cultural festivities and national pride. Its formal name is "Thjodhatidardagurinn" in Icelandic, which translates directly to "the day of the nation's celebration. It commemorates the foundation of The Republic of Iceland on 17 June 1944. This date also marks the end of Iceland's centuries old ties with Denmark. The date was chosen to coincide with the birthday of Jon Sigurdsson, a major figure of Icelandic culture and the leader of the 19th century Icelandic Independence movement.

There is nothing like the joyous spirit of an Independence Day celebration. Parades and flag-waving. Adorable children in national costumes, traditional music, and stirring speeches. From parades to traditional music, the festivities are a testament to the Icelandic people's unwavering spirit and determination to preserve their heritage and independence.

World Crocodile Day

Every year on June 17, World Crocodile Day draws attention to the plight of endangered crocodiles and alligators around the world. It encourages you to learn more about these amazing reptiles.

Crocodiles can easily be confused with alligators, but there are certain differences between the two. The primary difference is the shape of their snouts. Crocodile snouts have a long-pointed shape resembling the letter V, while alligator snouts are more rounded and shaped like the letter U. Additionally, crocodiles are usually much larger than alligators, with an average weight of up to a ton. Crocodiles are also more aggressive, making them more dangerous.

Crocodiles can be found in almost every corner of the world. They originate from both North and South America and are also found in Africa, Australia, and Asia. However, the Florida Everglades is the only place in the world where crocodiles and alligators coexist.

Some facts about crocodiles include their incredibly strong bite, with the strongest bite force among all animals. There are 15 species of crocodiles, and they can live in both freshwater and saltwater. They feed on fish, birds, and other animals, and can live up to 100 years, with the oldest crocodile in the world reaching 140 years.

There is concern that some species of reptiles, including crocodiles, are on the path to extinction due to human activities. Hunting, pollution, and habitat destruction are the main reasons why crocodiles are endangered.

Every year, zoos around the world participate in World Crocodile Day. Activities in zoos include talks about crocodiles, crocodile exhibitions, face painting, arts and crafts, crocodile feeding, educational seminars, and photography.

Other ways to participate in World Crocodile Day include visiting a crocodile exhibition in your local zoo, learning about the threats faced by crocodiles in the wild, donating to organizations that protect crocodiles, watching online videos about these majestic creatures, reading books about crocodiles to children, and sharing the day on social media with the hashtag #WorldCrocDay.