Walt Disney's Birth Anniversary

 

Walt Disney, born on 5 December 1901, was an American entrepreneur, animator, voice actor and film producer. A pioneer of the American animation industry, he introduced several developments in the production of cartoons. As a film producer, Disney holds the record for most Academy Awards earned by an individual, having won 22 Oscars from 59 nominations. He was presented with two Golden Globe Special Achievement Awards and an Emmy Award, among other honours. Several of his films are included in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

World Wildlife Conservation Day

 

December 4th is celebrated every year as World Wildlife Conservation Day. The day is being marked as an important step towards conserving and protecting the decreasing numbers of wildlife species across the globe. Wildlife plays an important role in balancing the environment. This practice of conserving wildlife species along with their natural habitats is called Wildlife Conservation.

Why the need for this day arose?

Every year, innumerable wildlife species are being slaughtered or killed for fulfilling human greed. They are traded illegally to several locations and are kept in unhealthy conditions. Animal products like ivory, skin, horns, nails, etc. fetch enormous profit in the black market. Indiscriminate cutting of forests and clearing of lands causes habitat loss of wildlife species.

The day came into force from the sincere efforts of the then US secretary of state, Ms. Hillary Clinton on 8th November 2012 at ‘The Wildlife Trafficking and Conservation’ event. She quoted, “Wildlife cannot be manufactured. And once it’s gone, it cannot be replenished. Those who profit from it illegally are not just undermining our borders and our economies; they are truly stealing from the next generation”. The main organizations behind the establishment of this day are the US state department and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

International Cheetah Day

 

Every year on December 4th, International Cheetah Day encourages people worldwide to help this animal win the race against extinction.

The cheetah is well-known as the fastest animal on earth. This amazing animal can reach a top speed of 70 mph in just three seconds! At top speed, their stride spans 21 feet. The cheetah is a big, slender cat with long legs. Its short fur is yellowish-tan and covered in thousands of black spots. Most cheetahs have between 2,000 and 3,000 spots, which helps to camouflage themselves. The animal's name comes from the Hindi word, “chita,” which means “spotted one.” These big cats weigh anywhere from 46 to 158 pounds.

 

Abolition of Sati in 1829

On 4 December 1829, In the face of fierce local opposition, British Governor-General Lord William Bentinck issued a regulation declaring that anyone who abets sati in Bengal is guilty of culpable homicide.

Sati is a Hindu practice, now largely historical, in which a widow sacrifices herself by sitting atop her deceased husband's funeral pyre.

During the early-modern Mughal period of 1526–1857, it was notably associated with elite Hindu Rajput clans in western India, marking one of the points of divergence between Hindu Rajputs and the Muslim Mughals, who banned the practice. In the early 19th century, the British East India Company, in the process of extending its rule to most of India, initially tolerated the practice; William Carey, a British Christian evangelist, noted 438 incidents within a 30-mile (48-km) radius of the capital, Calcutta, in 1803, despite its ban within Calcutta. Between 1815 and 1818 the number of incidents of sati in Bengal doubled from 378 to 839. Opposition to the practice of sati by evangelists like Carey, and by Hindu reformers such as Ram Mohan Roy, ultimately led the British Governor-General of India Lord William Bentinck to enact the Bengal Sati Regulation, 1829, declaring the practice of burning or burying alive of Hindu widows to be punishable by the criminal courts.  

Navy Day (India)

Navy Day in India is celebrated on 4 December every year to recognize the achievements and role of the Indian Navy to the country. 4 December was chosen as on that day in 1971, during Operation Trident, the Indian Navy sank four Pakistani vessels including PNS Khaibar, killing hundreds of Pakistani Navy personnel.

Feast of Saint Francis Xavier

 

The Feast of Saint Francis Xavier is observed every year on December 3rd, commemorating the death of Saint Francis Xavier, a Jesuit priest and missionary. In the 16th century, Saint Xavier arrived in Goa, then a Portuguese colony, to spread the message of Christianity across Asia. His tireless work and devotion to the faith left an indelible mark on the region, making Goa a significant centre of Christianity in India.

Location:

The epicentre of this spiritual celebration is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, an architectural marvel and UNESCO World Heritage site located in Old Goa. Within its sacred walls lies the mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier, housed in an ornate silver casket. Pilgrims and visitors flock to the basilica, an embodiment of Portuguese Baroque architecture, to pay their respects and partake in the festivities.

The Novena:

The Feast of Saint Xavier is preceded by a nine-day novena, known as "Novem," commencing on November 24th. Devotees congregate at the basilica daily for prayers, masses, and hymns. Each day of the novena brings a deepening sense of devotion and anticipation as the feast day approaches.

The Feast Day Celebrations:

1. Mass at the Basilica: On December 3rd, the feast day, the Basilica of Bom Jesus becomes the focal point for a solemn and majestic mass in honour of Saint Xavier. The ancient church, steeped in history, provides a grand setting for this religious ceremony.

2. Procession: The centrepiece of the feast day is a grand procession that winds through the narrow streets of Old Goa. A beautifully adorned palanquin carries the statue of Saint Xavier, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of traditional Goan music, lively folk dances, and the sweet scent of incense. Devotees, dressed in their finest attire, line the streets, seeking a glimpse of the revered saint and an opportunity to offer their prayers.

3. Fireworks Display: As night falls, the skies above Old Goa ignite with a breathtaking display of fireworks. The explosion of colours and deafening bursts serve as a dazzling expression of joy and celebration, illuminating the dark Goan night.

4. Fair and Cultural Performances: Surrounding the Basilica, a vibrant fair springs to life. Stalls offer an enticing array of Goan and Indian cuisine, traditional handicrafts, and religious mementos. Cultural performances, including lively folk dances and soul-stirring music, entertain visitors and pilgrims alike.

5. Candlelight Vigil: The festivities conclude with a serene candlelight vigil outside the basilica. Under the tranquil glow of countless candles, pilgrims and visitors gather for a moment of prayer and reflection, embracing the spiritual significance of the occasion.

6. Acts of Charity: Many devout individuals use this time to engage in acts of charity and goodwill, extending help to the less fortunate as a tribute to Saint Xavier's missionary spirit.

The Feast of Saint Francis Xavier in Goa is more than a religious celebration; it's a profound journey through history, faith, and culture. It's a time when the past and present intertwine, allowing visitors to witness the enduring legacy of Saint Francis Xavier and the vibrant traditions of Goa. Beyond the basilica's doors, this feast reveals the deep-seated faith and cultural richness that define this corner of India. As the Basilica of Bom Jesus opens its arms to all, the spirit of Saint Xavier's mission lives on, inviting everyone to participate in this remarkable celebration of faith, history, and culture in the heart of Goa.

Rajendra Prasad's Birth Anniversary

Rajendra Prasad, born on 3 December 1884, was the first President of India, in office from 1950 to 1962. He was an Indian political leader and lawyer by training. Prasad joined the Indian National Congress during the Indian Independence Movement and became a major leader from the region of Bihar. A supporter of Mahatma Gandhi, Prasad was imprisoned by British authorities during the Salt Satyagraha of 1931 and the Quit India movement of 1942. After the 1946 elections, Prasad served as Minister of Food and Agriculture in the central government. Upon independence in 1947, Prasad was elected as President of the Constituent Assembly of India, which prepared the Constitution of India and served as its provisional parliament.