National Hugging Day (United States)

National Hugging Day is celebrated every year on January 21. Created in 1986 by Kevin Zaborney in Clio, Michigan, the day was strategically placed between Christmas and Valentine's Day to combat the "post-holiday blues" and encourage people to show more emotion in public. 

Quick Facts & Traditions

• Founder: Rev. Kevin Zaborney, who chose the date because he felt January was a time when emotional energy often drops.
• The "Golden Rule": Always ask for consent before hugging, as not everyone is comfortable with physical touch.
• Health Benefits: Science shows that a 20-second hug releases oxytocin (the "cuddle hormone"), which can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and improve heart health.
• Global Reach: While it started in the U.S., it is now celebrated internationally in countries like the UK, Germany, India, and Australia.
• Most Huggable Person: Each year, the official National hugging Day website names a "Most Huggable Person."

Hindu School was founded in Kolkata, in 1817

 

On January 20, 1817, Hindu School was founded in Kolkata (then Calcutta) as part of the original Hindu College. It is celebrated as the oldest modern educational institution in Asia, established to provide a secular, Western-style education. 

Key historical details regarding its foundation include:

• Original Structure: The institution initially comprised two sections: the Pathshala (school) and the Mahapathshala (college).
• Visionary Founders: It was established through the collaborative efforts of social reformers and philanthropists, including Raja Ram Mohan Roy, David Hare, Radhakanta Deb, and Sir Edward Hyde East.
• Initial Opening: Classes began at a rented house in Garanhata (304 Chitpur Road) with an initial batch of 20 male students.
• Evolution into Presidency: In 1855, the institution was split. The "Mahapathshala" became Presidency College (now Presidency University), while the "Pathshala" became the independent Hindu School.
• Legacy: The school played a pivotal role in the Bengal Renaissance, producing notable alumni such as Satyendranath Bose and Keshab Chandra Sen. 

National Popcorn Day (United States)

 

On January 19th, National Popcorn Day pops onto the scene with a crunch we all love to enjoy! The annual celebration recognizes a treat that satisfies munchies, day or night. 

This time-honoured snack can be sweet or savoury, caramelized, buttered or plain, molded into a candied ball, or tossed with nuts and chocolate. However, it is enjoyed, enjoy it on National Popcorn Day, January 19th.

The word "corn" in Old English meant "grain" or, more specifically, the most prominent grain grown in a region. When Native Americans introduce their most common grain, maize, to early Europeans, they aptly applied the word "corn."

As early as the 16th century, the Aztecs used popcorn in headdresses worn during ceremonies honouring Tlaloc, their god of maize and fertility. Early Spanish explorers were fascinated by the corn that burst into what looked like a white flower.

Popcorn started becoming popular in the United States in the middle 1800s. It wasn't until Charles Cretors, a candy-store owner, developed a machine for popping corn with steam that the tasty treat became more abundantly poppable. By 1900 he had horse-drawn popcorn wagons going through the streets of Chicago.

At about the same time, Louise Ruckheim added peanuts and molasses to popcorn to bring Cracker Jack to the world. Then in 1908, the national anthem of baseball was born. Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer wrote Take Me out to the Ballgame. From that point onward, popcorn, specifically Cracker Jack, became forever married to the game.

 

World Snow Day 2026

World Snow Day is observed on the third Sunday in January each year, and in thus in 2026 it is being celebrated on 18^th January. It was created by the International Ski Federation (FIS). The purpose behind it is to increase children’s participation in snow-related sports like skiing and snowboarding, while bringing together families for a fun-filled frolic in the snow. Countries all over the world can make use of their snowy regions to host winter sports and activities so that more people can get the chance to experience snow. Imagine one great big global snowy fiesta, celebrated around the world over the same weekend — that’s the vision with which World Snow Day was established.

International Mentoring Day

International Mentoring Day is celebrated annually on 17th January. 

The day is observed as a centerpiece of National Mentoring Month (January) to foster global understanding of the mentoring movement and recognize the role mentors play in shaping lives and careers. 

Origins and History

• Muhammad Ali’s Legacy: The date was specifically chosen to honor the birthday of boxing legend and humanitarian Muhammad Ali (born 17J anuary 1942). His life values—confidence, conviction, and respect—are foundational to the day's spirit.
• Establishment: It was first launched in 2016 through a collaboration between

MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, the Muhammad Ali Center, and other global advocacy groups. 

Key Objectives

• Global Awareness: Highlighting the impact of mentoring across borders, industries, and generations.
• Promoting Inclusion: Emphasizing how mentoring can bridge opportunity gaps and elevate underrepresented voices.
• Call to Action: Encouraging individuals to become mentors, share success stories, or donate to mentoring organizations. 

International Hot and Spicy Food Day

 

International Hot and Spicy Food Day is celebrated annually on January 16th, a day dedicated to exploring and enjoying spicy cuisines from around the world, from mild heat to fiery challenges, encouraging people to try new hot dishes or explore different chili peppers. People celebrate by cooking spicy meals, visiting restaurants, trying new chili varieties, or even participating in chilli-eating contests. 

Foundation Day of Asiatic Society in 1788

The Asiatic Society is a Government of India organisation founded during the Company rule in India to enhance and further the cause of "Oriental research" (in this case, research into India and the surrounding regions). It was founded by the philologist William Jones on 15 January 1784 in a meeting presided over by Justice Robert Chambers in Calcutta, the then-capital of the Presidency of Fort William. At the time of its foundation, this Society was named as "Asiatick Society". In 1825, the society was renamed as "The Asiatic Society". In 1832 the name was changed to "The Asiatic Society of Bengal" and again in 1936 it was renamed as "The Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal". Finally, on 1 July 1951, the name of the society was changed to its present one. The Society is housed in a building at Park Street in Kolkata (Calcutta). The Society moved into this building during 1808. In 1823, the Medical and Physical Society of Calcutta was formed and all the meetings of this society were held in the Asiatic Society.

Key Details of Foundation

• Founder: The society was established by the philologist and scholar Sir William Jones.
• Inaugural Meeting: The first meeting took place at the Grand Jury Hall of the Supreme Court in Calcutta (now Kolkata), then presided over by Justice Sir Robert Chambers.
• Original Name: At its inception, it was named the Asiatick Society.
• Objective: It was created to promote "Oriental research"—specifically to enquire into the history, civil and natural antiquities, arts, sciences, and literature of Asia. 

 

Armed Forces Veterans' Day (India)

 

In India, Armed Forces Veterans' Day is celebrated annually on 14 January. This observance honours the selfless service and sacrifice of the nation’s ex-servicemen.

Key Highlights of the Day

• Significance: The date 14 January was chosen to commemorate the formal retirement of Field Marshal KM Cariappa, OBE, in 1953. He was the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army and led Indian forces to victory in the 1947 war.
• History: The day was first observed in 2017 to reaffirm the bond between serving personnel, veterans, and the nation.
• Welfare Focus: The celebrations include rallies and help desks for the System for Pension Administration - Raksha (SPARSH), the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and grievance redressal counters to assist veterans and their families.
• National Observance: Commemorative events are taking place at 34 Rajya Sainik Boards and 434 Zila Sainik Boards across all States and Union Territories. 

 

Henri Farman Wins the Grand Prix d'Aviation in 1908

 

On 13 January 1908, Henri Farman became the first person to fly an observed circuit of more than 1km, winning the Grand Prix d'Aviation.

He won the Deutsch-Archdeacon Prize and a significant cash prize for his flight in the Voisin-Farman I biplane at Issy-les-Moulineaux, France.

Henri Farman (1874-1958) was a French aviation pioneer and aircraft builder who popularized the use of ailerons, moveable surfaces on the trailing edge of a wing that provide a means of lateral control.  

Harika Dronavalli's Birthday

Harika Dronavalli, born on 12 January 1991, in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India, is an Indian chess grandmaster. She was part of the gold winning women's team at the 45^th Chess Olympiad in 2024.  She has won three bronze medals in the Women’s World Chess Championship, in 2012, 2015 and 2017. Harika was honoured with the arjuna Award for the year 2007–08 by the government of India. In 2016, she won the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix event at Chengdu, China and rose up from world no. 11 to world no. 5 in FIDE women's ranking. In 2019, she was awarded the Padma Shri for her contributions towards the field of sports.

 

International Thank You Day

International Thank You Day celebrates gratitude worldwide on January 11. While its origins are unclear, the tradition likely started in the 1900s. Historical records suggest gratitude has been expressed for centuries—beginning with early Egyptian and Chinese dynasties, evolving through the Middle Ages, and becoming widespread in Europe by the 16th century. Today, it is celebrated globally as a reminder of the significance of a simple “thank you."

Importance

This day highlights the transformative power of gratitude in fostering stronger relationships and improving well-being. Research confirms that gratitude reduces stress, enhances mental health, and promotes resilience. By recognizing the efforts of those who positively impact our lives, we foster a culture of kindness, empathy, and mutual respect. It reminds us to pause, reflect, and appreciate even the smallest acts of kindness in our daily lives.

Why do we celebrate?

International Thank You Day offers an opportunity to express gratitude to those who enrich our lives. It fosters empathy, understanding, and peace, encouraging individuals and communities to strengthen bonds. Celebrating gratitude cultivates a positive environment and emphasizes the importance of kindness as a tool for social harmony and personal growth.

Constantine II Death Anniversary

 

Constantine II, the last king of Greece from 1964 to 1974, passed away on 10 January 2023, in Athens, Greece, aged 82.

After spending World War II in exile in South Africa, Constantine returned to Greece in 1946. When his father became King Paul I in 1947, Constantine became crown prince; he succeeded to the throne upon his father’s death on 6 March 1964. Fearing leftist infiltration of the army, he dismissed Georgios Papandreou in July 1965 and appointed Interim premiers until April 21, 1967, when a military coup forestalled the election, he was planning for May of that year. He attempted a countercoup from northern Greece on 13 December 1967, but had few sympathizers and almost immediately fled to Rome with his family. The military regime retained control of the monarchy and appointed a regent in Constantine’s place, granting the king a free return if he desired.

On 1 June 1973, the military regime ruling Greece proclaimed a republic and abolished the Greek monarchy. A referendum on 29 July 1973, confirmed these actions. After the election of a civilian government in November 1974, another referendum on the monarchy was conducted on December 8. The monarchy was rejected, and Constantine, who had protested the vote of 1973, accepted the result.

International Choreographers Day

 

International Choreographers Day is celebrated annually onJanuary 9. It is dedicated to honouring the creative visionaries who design and arrange the dance movements seen in theatre, film, music videos, and sports. 

History and Significance

• Establishment: The day was officially earmarked in 2018 by the International Association of Choreographers.
• Date Origin: January 9 was chosen to honour the birth anniversary of George Balanchine, the "Father of American Ballet". While his modern birthday is January 22, the 9th corresponds to his birth date on the "Old Style" Julian calendar.
• Terminology: The word "choreography" literally means "dance-writing," derived from the Greek words khoros (dance) and grapho (to write). The term "choreographer" was first used for stage credits in 1936 to recognize Balanchine's work on Broadway. 

Key Figures in Choreography

• George Balanchine: A pioneer of neoclassical ballet and co-founder of the New York City Ballet.
• Martha Graham: Known as the "Picasso of Dance," she revolutionized modern dance with the Graham technique.
• Alvin Ailey: A major activist for African American participation in modern dance and founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre.
• Fred Astaire: Credited with transforming how choreography is integrated into film plots during his 76-year career.
• Saroj Khan: A legendary Indian choreographer known as the first woman choreographer in Bollywood. 

 

 

African National Congress (ANC) Foundation Day

The African National Congress (ANC) Foundation Day is observed annually on January 8 to commemorate the party's establishment in 1912. 

Key Historical Facts

• Founding Date: January 8, 1912.
• Original Name: Founded as the South African Native National Congress (SANNC); it was renamed the African National Congress in 1923.
• Founding Location: Bloemfontein, South Africa.
• Founding Leaders: The primary founders included John Langalibalele Dube (the first president), Pixley ka Isaka Seme, and Sol Plaatje.
• Purpose: The movement was created to unite African people and spearhead the struggle for fundamental political, social, and economic change against racial segregation and the dispossession of land. 

Significance and Modern Observance

• Oldest Movement: The ANC is the oldest liberation movement in Africa.
• The January 8th Statement: It is a long-standing tradition for the ANC President to deliver a major policy speech on this day, known as the "January 8th Statement". This address outlines the party’s priorities and vision for the coming year.
• Recent Anniversary: On January 8, 2026, the ANC marked its 114th anniversary. In the preceding year (2025), the 113th anniversary was celebrated with a major rally at Nelson Mandela Park in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.
• Current Status: Since South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994, the ANC has been the governing party of the Republic of South Africa. However, following the May 2024 general elections, the party currently governs as part of a coalition Government of National Unity after failing to secure an outright majority for the first time. 

 

 

 

 

Indian National Science Academy's Foundation Day

 

The Indian National Science Academy (INSA) celebrates its Foundation Day on January 7th, marking the day it was inaugurated as the National Institute of Sciences of India (NISI) in Calcutta in 1935, with Sir Lewis Fermor as its first president. This day commemorates the establishment of India's premier scientific body, dedicated to promoting science, advising the nation, and fostering international scientific cooperation, and they often hold events to honour scientists and celebrate scientific achievements. 

 

Key Details:

• Date: January 7, 1935.
• Original Name: National Institute of Sciences of India (NISI).
• Founder President: Sir Lewis Fermor.
• First Indian President: Professor Meghnad Saha (1937-1938).
• Current Name (INSA): Adopted in 1970. 

Significance:

 

• Premier Body: Recognized by the Government of India as the representative scientific body.
• Objectives: Promotes science, safeguards scientists' interests, and links with international scientific bodies.
• Celebrations: Events often feature lectures, recognition of fellows, and discussions on India's scientific future.

Birth of Electrical Messaging in 1838

January 6, 1838, is a significant date for Morse code because it's when Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail publicly demonstrated their telegraph system and code for the first time at the Speedwell Iron Works in Morristown, New Jersey, using electrical pulses to send messages, revolutionizing long-distance communication. They sent the message “A patient waiter is no loser,” marking the beginning of the world's first practical electrical messaging system. 

Key Details:

• The Invention: The system used electrical currents (dots and dashes) to operate an electromagnet, which made markings on paper, forming the basis of Morse Code.
• The Message: The first public message, "A patient waiter is no loser," proved the viability of the technology.
• Impact: This demonstration led to the widespread adoption of the telegraph and Morse code, transforming communication before being replaced by the telephone. 

In essence, January 6th marks the birth of electrical messaging, showcasing dots and dashes that would connect the world for decades to come. 

National Whipped Cream Day (United States)

National Whipped Cream Day is celebrated annually on January 5.

History and Significance

• Founder's Birthday: The date was chosen to honor Aaron "Bunny" Lapin, the founder of Reddi-wip, who was born on January 5, 1914.
• Innovation: Lapin invented Reddi-wip in 1948, revolutionizing the dessert world by introducing real whipped cream in aerosol cans.
• Historical Origins: While the modern aerosol version is recent, whipped cream recipes date back to the 16th century. It was historically known as "milk snow" or "snow cream" in Italy and France.
• Observance: The holiday has been recognized in the United States since at least 1984.

 

Foundation Stone of Victoria Memorial Hall laid in 1906

 

The foundation stone of the Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata was laid on January 4, 1906. 

Key Facts of the 1906 Foundation Ceremony

·       Officiating Official: The stone was laid by the Prince of Wales, who later became King George V.

·       Location: The ceremony took place on the Maidan in central Calcutta (now Kolkata), where the monument stands today.

·       Conception: The memorial was the brainchild of Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India, who proposed it in 1901 following the death of Queen Victoria.

·       Architect: Sir William Emerson, then President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, designed the structure in an Indo-Saracenic revivalist style.

·       Timeline: While the foundation stone was laid in 1906, construction continued for 15 years, and the building was formally opened to the public on December 28, 1921. 

Building Specifications

·       Material: The hall is constructed of white Makrana marble from Rajasthan, the same material used for the Taj Mahal.

·       Dimensions: The building is approximately 338 feet by 228 feet and reaches a height of 184 feet.

·       Cost: It was built at a cost of approximately Rs. 1.05 crore, funded entirely through voluntary subscriptions from Indian princes and the public. 

Festival of Sleep Day

The Festival of Sleep Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated annually on January 3rd. It is designed to encourage people to catch up on rest and relaxation after the busy and often exhausting December holiday season.

Key Facts and Celebration Ideas

• Purpose: The day emphasizes the importance of a good night's sleep for physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.
• How to Celebrate:
• Sleep In: Turn off your alarm and wake up naturally.
• Take a Nap: Treat yourself to a 20–30-minute power nap to boost your mood.
• Cozy Environment: Spend the day in pajamas, using soft blankets and comfortable pillows.
• Unplug: Disconnect from electronic devices to reduce blue light exposure before resting.
• Origins: While its exact creator is unknown, it likely originated as a practical way to recover from "sleep debt" accumulated during New Year's celebrations.

Why Sleep Matters

Proper rest is linked to several vital health benefits: 

• Cognitive Function: Improves memory consolidation, focus, and problem-solving skills.
• Physical Health: Supports a healthy immune system and can lower the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
• Mental Health: Helps regulate emotions and reduces stress, anxiety, and irritability. 

 

 

 

Dada Bhagwan's Death Anniversary

 

Dada Bhagwan, also known as Dadashri, born Ambalal Muljibhai Patel, who passed away on 2 January 1988, aged 79, was an Indian spiritual leader from Gujarat who founded the Akram Vignan Movement. He was spiritually inclined from an early age. He worked as a contractor for a company maintaining dry docks in Bombay before attaining "self-realization" in 1958. He left business and focused on his spiritual goals. The movement around his teaching grew into the Akram Vignan movement gaining followers in western India and abroad. Ahimsa (non-violence) and vegetarianism are an important part of Dada's teachings.

 

Nepali Dress and Topi Day

 

Nepali Dress and Topi Day (Rastriya Poshak Diwas tatha Topi Diwas) is celebrated annually on January 1st. This day is observed by Nepali people around the world to promote and celebrate traditional Nepali attire as a symbol of national identity and cultural pride. 

About the Celebration

The celebration was initiated by youth activists in 2014 (2070 BS) as a voluntary campaign after the government of Nepal removed the traditional attire from the list of official national dress. The event has since grown into a widely recognized cultural celebration, with activities organized by various community groups both in Nepal and abroad.

Cultural Significance

Symbol of Identity and Unity: The primary goal is to encourage the use and preservation of traditional attire, such as the Daura Suruwal (men's traditional top and trousers), Gunyo Choli (women's traditional dress), and especially the Dhaka or Bhaad-gaaule Topi (traditional Nepali hats). These items are seen as symbols of national pride that unite the diverse ethnic groups within Nepal.

Cultural Promotion: On this day, many individuals proudly wear traditional dress and share photos on social media. Special events, rallies, and cultural programs are held in public places like Basantapur, Kathmandu, to highlight Nepal's rich cultural heritage.

Revival of Tradition: The movement is credited with contributing to the resurgence of interest in traditional dress, not just on this specific day but also for other festivals and special occasions.