Devika Rani's Birth Anniversary

 

Devika Rani Chaudhuri, usually known as Devika Rani, born on 30 March 1908, in Visakhapatnam, was an actress in Indian films who was active during the 1930s and 1940s. Widely acknowledged as the first lady of Indian cinema, Devika Rani had a successful film career that spanned 10 years.

Her persona, no less than her film roles, were considered socially unconventional. Her awards include the Padma Shri (1958), Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1970) and the Soviet Land Nehru Award (1990).

Royal Albert Hall opens in 1871 in London

 

On 29 March 1871, Queen Victoria officially opened the concert hall in London which was named after her late husband Prince Albert. The hall had been initially planned by Albert after the success of the Great Exhibition in the Crystal Palace in 1851. The building was designed by Captain Francis Fowke and Major-General Henry Scott and built by the Lucas Brothers. Work began on the Royal Albert Hall in 1867, six years after Albert’s death and was completed in 1871.

At the official opening on 29 March 1871, the Queen was s overcome with emotion at the thought of her beloved late husband, she was unable to speak. It was Edward, Prince of Wales who had to announce: “The Queen declares this Hall is now open”. The Royal Albert Hall remains a London landmark and a popular concert venue.

Ice Jam on the Niagara

 

An enormous ice jam formed at the source of the Niagara River on the eastern shore of Lake Erie on March 29, 1848. Just after midnight, the thunderous sound of water surging over the great falls at Niagara came to a halt as the flow of water became severely restricted due to the ice jam. The eerie silence persisted throughout the day and into the next evening until the waters of Lake Erie broke through the blockage and resumed their course down the river and over the falls.

World Piano Day 2025

 

World Piano Day is celebrated annually on the 88th day of the year (March 29th in 2025) and is a global celebration of the piano. In 2025, it is the 10th anniversary of World Piano Day, which holds symbolic significance, representing the 88 keys found on a standard piano. This special day serves as a tribute to the piano's rich history and its enduring impact on music across cultures and genres.

The primary goal of World Piano Day is to promote music and foster a deeper appreciation for the piano. It encourages individuals of all ages and skill levels to engage with the instrument, whether through playing, listening, or attending piano-related events. The day also aims to inspire creativity and collaboration among musicians, composers, and piano enthusiasts worldwide.

What is the History of World Piano Day?

World Piano Day, started by Nils Frahm back in 2015, is all about giving the piano some love. It's a day to appreciate everyone involved—players, songwriters, the folks who build pianos, and of course, the listeners. Frahm just thought the piano needed its own special day, and it really took off. Now, musicians and music fans from all over come together to celebrate this awesome instrument.

Pianos evolved from early string instruments like the hammered dulcimer. Innovations in the 1600s led to the clavichord and harpsichord. From 1790 to 1860, the piano as we know it really took shape, getting louder, richer sound, and a wider range. These improvements were done by the composer's pianist, who is more expressive toward the piano instruments.

1700s: The piano was invented by Bartolomeo Cristofori in Italy

1821: Sébastien Érard, who developed the double escapement action, allowing for rapid note repetition

2015: In 2025, on World Piano Day, the Klavins M450, a vertical grand piano, was announced

2018: Christian Henson, who launched pianobook.co.uk, a free platform for sharing instrument samples.

World Piano Day: Significance

“Why does the world need a Piano Day? For many reasons. But mostly, because it doesn’t hurt to celebrate the piano and everything around it: performers, composers, piano builders, tuners, movers, and most important, the listener.” - Nils Frahm

World Piano Day honours the piano and all that is associated with it. The day celebrated the history of music and encouraged its development. Also, it is a chance to recognize the contributions that composers have made to the field of music as well as the producers of the instrument, who have played a role in the instrument's development. 

Anand Rishiji Maharaj's Death Anniversary

 

Anand Rishiji Maharaj, who passed away on 28 March 1992, aged 91, in Ahmednagar, Maharashra, India, was a Jain religious leader. The Government of India issued a commemorative postage stamp in his honour on 9 August 2002. He was awarded with the honorary title of Rashtra Sant by Maharashtra’s chief minister. He was the Second Acharya of Vardhaman Sthanakvasi Shraman Sangha.

He was born in Chinchodi, Maharashtra on 27 July 1900 and received initiation from the age of thirteen with Acharya Ratna Rishiji Maharaj, who died in Alipur, Maharashtra in 1927. He was pious from his childhood, and started taking religious lessons at an early age.

From 1964 until his death in 1992, he was the second Acharya of Vardhman Sthanakvasi Jain Shravak Sangh, a Jain religious body.

At the age of 13, Nemichand decided to spend the rest of his life as a Jain sant. His diksha (consecration) took place on 7 December 1913 at Miri in Ahmednagar district. He was then given the name Anand Rishi Ji Maharaj. He started learning Sanskrit and Prakrit Stotras under the guidance of Pandit Rajdhari Tripathi.

He gave his first pravachan to the public in 1920 at Ahmednagar. Anand Rishi Ji started many programs to benefit Shravaks. While in Ghodnadi for chaturmas, he decided to establish a religious center called Shri. Tilok Ratna Sthanakvasi Jain Dharmik Pariksha Board. It was established in Ahmednagar on 25 November 1936.

He was the founder of many educational institutes. The AnandDham, Anandrishiji Hospital, Anandrishiji Netralaya and Anandrishiji Blood Bank in Ahmednagar were built in his memory and are named after him.

He accepted santhara (preparation for death by fasting) before his death on 28 March 1992 in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra.

Marc Chagall's Death Anniversary

 

Marc Chagall, who passed away on 28 March 1985, at Saint-Paul, Alpes-Maritimes, France, aged 97, was a Belorussian-born French painter, printmaker, and designer who composed his images based on emotional and poetic associations, rather than on rules of pictorial logic. Predating Surrealism, his early works, such as I and the village (1911), were among the first expressions of psychic reality in modern art. His works in various media include sets for plays and ballets, etchings illustrating the Bible, and stained-glass windows.

Respect Your Cat Day

 

Respect Your Cat Day, celebrated annually on March 28, is a day of showing regard for one's feline companions, and the holiday might have had its origins in a 1384 edict from England's King Richard II.

It is a day for cat owners to revere their pets as they were once worshiped 4,000 years ago in ancient Egypt.

On this day, cat owners are encouraged to take the time to show their cats how much they are loved and appreciated. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as giving your cat extra attention, playing with them more, or providing them with special treats.

It is also important to remember that respecting your cat means more than just showing them affection. It means providing them with a safe and comfortable environment, feeding them a healthy diet, and taking care of their physical and emotional needs.