Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya's Birth Anniversary

Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, born on 25 December 1861, was an Indian educationist and politician notable for his role in the Indian independence movement and as the four times president of Indian National Congress. 

Naushad Ali's Birth Anniversary

Naushad Ali, born on 25 December 1919, was an Indian music director for Hindi films. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest and foremost music directors of the Hindi film industry. He is particularly known for popularising the use of classical music in films.  

 

Giani Zail Singh's Death Anniversary

Giani Zail Singh, who passed away on 25 December 1994, was the seventh President of India serving from 1982 to 1987. Prior to his presidency, he was a politician with the Indian National Congress party, and had held several ministerial posts in the Union Cabinet, including that of Home Minister. He also served as the Secretary-General of the Non-Aligned Movement from 1983 to 1986. 

Charlie Chaplin's Death Anniversary

Charlie Chaplin, who passed away on 25 December 1977, was an English comic actor, filmmaker, and composer who rose to fame in the era of silent film. He became a worldwide icon through his screen persona, "The Tramp", and is considered one of the most important figures in the history of the film industry. His career spanned more than 75 years, from childhood in the Victorian era until a year before his death in 1977, and encompassed both adulation and controversy.

Muhammad Ali Jinnah's Birth Anniversary

  

Muhammad Ali Jinnah, born on 25 December 1876, was a lawyer, politician and the founder of Pakistan. Jinnah served as the leader of the All-India Muslim League from 1913 until Pakistan's creation on 14 August 1947, and then as Pakistan's first Governor-General until his death. He is revered in Pakistan as Quaid-i-Azam ("Great Leader") and Baba-i-Qaum, ("Father of the Nation"). His birthday is considered a national holiday  

Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Birth Anniversary

 

Atal Bihari Vajpayee, born on 25 December 1924, was an Indian politician, statesman and a poet who served three terms as the Prime Minister of India, first for a term of 13 days in 1996, then for a period of 13 months from 1998 to 1999, and finally, for a full term from 1999 to 2004. A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he was the first Indian prime minister who was not a member of the Indian National Congress party to have served a full five-year term in office.

Christmas (Gregorian Calendar)

 

The Christmas holiday, recognized as the birth of Jesus Christ, witnesses diverse celebration dates because of differences in Christian calendars.

Among the oldest Christian holidays, Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25 by adherents of the Gregorian calendar, including Protestants, Catholics, and some Orthodox Christians. In contrast, Orthodox Christians who follow the Julian calendar commemorate the event on Jan. 7.

Historically, pagan communities celebrated the "rebirth" festival on Dec. 25. However, the Church, after gaining influence in the 4th century, actively worked to establish Dec. 25 as the celebration day, asserting it as Jesus’ birthday.

Records trace the celebration of Jesus' birth in the Roman Empire dating back to 325 or 336. The official recognition of Christmas began after Pope Liberius declared the night connecting Dec. 24 to Dec. 25 as Jesus's birthday during the final years of Byzantine Emperor Constantine's reign.

Christmas traditions worldwide

In the broader context of Christmas celebrations, traditions vary across countries. Families in countries like the UK, Germany, Ireland, France, US, Portugal, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Albania, Norway, Finland, and Kenya gather for a Christmas meal on Dec.25. In Orthodox-majority countries like Georgia, Belarus, Russia, and Serbia, Christmas is celebrated on Jan. 7.

Children write letters to Santa Claus, listing the gifts they wish to receive. On Christmas day, gifts placed under the decorated Christmas tree are given to their recipients.

For small children, gifts and candies are placed inside giant stockings, and it is said that Santa Claus brings these gifts.

All churches affiliated with the Fener Greek Patriarchate celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25, whereas the Armenian Orthodox Church in Türkiye celebrates on Jan. 6, commemorating the baptism of Jesus.

Coptic Christians in Egypt also observe a 43-day fast ending on Jan.7 as part of their Christmas celebrations. Moreover, in countries where Christians are a minority, such as Argentina, Brazil, Hungary, and Sweden, celebrations commence on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, and last until Dec. 26.

Many countries with Christian minorities, including India and Malaysia, recognize Dec. 25 as an official holiday for Christmas.

This global diversity in Christmas celebrations reflects the rich tapestry of traditions, calendars, and historical influences that have shaped the observance of this significant Christian holiday worldwide.