Sant Namdev's Birth Anniversary

 

Namdev, transliterated as Nam Dayv, Namdeo, Namadeva, born on c. 26 October 1270, was a Marathi Vaishnava saint from Narsi, Hingoli, Maharashtra, Medieval India within the Varkari tradition of Hinduism. He was as a devotee of the deity Vithoba of Pandharpur.

Namdev was influenced by Vaishnavism and became widely known in India for his devotional songs set to music (bhajan-kirtans). His philosophy contains both nirguna brahman and saguna brahman elements, with Vedanta themes. Namdev's legacy is remembered in modern times in the Varkari tradition, along with those of other gurus, with masses of people walking together in biannual pilgrimages to Pandharpur in Maharashtra.  He is also recognised in the North Indian traditions of the Dadu Panthis, Kabir Panthis and Sikhs.

Some hymns of Namdev are included in the Guru Granth Sahib.

National Hug a Sheep Day 2024

National Hug a Sheep Day is celebrated annually on the last Saturday in October. This year, it falls on October 26. This unconventional holiday has been around since 2010. Sheep have been around forever and are out there offering you the coziest socks, the warmest sweaters, and some of the tastiest cheese outside of a cattle farm. It’s no wonder sheep get a day all to themselves. National Hug a Sheep Day encourages you to appreciate sheep for all the good things they bring into your life. You don’t need to own sheep to join the celebration. Visit a petting zoo or ask your farmer friend to invite you over for some quality hugging time.