Indian Republic Day 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid the nation homage to fallen heroes. The National War Memorial in New Delhi is part of the Republic Day celebrations. He then proceeded to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path for the parade. President Droupadi Murmu and French President Emmanuel Macron were in attendance, escorted by the President’s Bodyguard.

The event unfolded with the unfurling of the national flag, a 21-gun salute, and a parade featuring various contingents, mechanized columns, and a flypast. A notable segment included an all-women Tri-Services contingent and the BSF Mahila Brass Band, emphasizing “Nari Shakti” or women’s power.

In the Republic Day parade, Uttar Pradesh’s tableau featured an artistic model depicting the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram in Ayodhya. The tableau showcased a sculpted child from the idol of Lord Ram Lalla. Emphasizing the pran pratishtha or consecration ceremony that occurred in the newly built Ram Janmabhoomi temple on January 22. The ceremony was attended by approximately 8,000 VVIPs from various sections of society, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi presiding over the rituals.

Meanwhile, Manipur, grappling with ethnic violence, presented a tableau highlighting an Imphal-based women-only market. The display also depicted a woman gathering lotus stems from Loktak Lake. One of the largest water bodies in the northeastern region of the country.

Tableaux from states and Union Territories showcased India’s cultural diversity, with themes like “Mera Parivar-Meri Pehchan.” Special attention was given to the accomplishments of women empowerment and the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission by ISRO. Indian Republic Day 2024

A cultural presentation, “Vande Bharatam,” highlighted women’s power with 1,500 female dancers. Featuring diverse dance styles from different states. Daredevil stunts were performed by women personnel of CRPF, BSF, and SSB on motorcycles, showcasing their bravery.

The air show featured 54 aircraft and helicopters, including vintage and modern ones like Tejas, Rafale, and Apache. The Republic Day celebrations concluded with President Murmu and President Macron departing after the parade. Indian Republic Day 2024

This historic 75th Republic Day was marked by various symbolic moments and the participation of Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest.

The Indian government has honored notable individuals with the prestigious Padma Awards. The Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award, was bestowed upon former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu. Actors Vyjayantimala Bali and Konidela Chiranjeevi, social worker Bindeshwar Pathak (posthumous), and Bharat Natyam dancer Padma Subrahmanyam. Actor Mithun Chakraborty received the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest award.

Kiran Nadar, renowned art patron and philanthropist, and Indian squash star Joshna Chinappa were recognized with the Padma Shri. Other recipients of the Padma Bhushan include M Fathima Beevi (Posthumous), Sitaram Jindal, Ram Naik, Pyarelal Sharma, Usha Uthup, and Vijaykanth (posthumous).

The list also includes 34 unsung heroes, such as India’s first woman elephant mahout Parbati Baruah, and tribal environmentalist Chami Murmu. Notable foreign awardees include Foxconn Chairman Young Liu from Taiwan.

This year’s Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, was posthumously awarded to former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended congratulations to all recipients, emphasizing their diverse contributions across sectors. The Padma Awards, announced annually on Republic Day, recognize outstanding service in various fields. The list includes 30 women, and among the recipients are eight individuals from the foreign, NRI, PIO, and OCI categories, and nine posthumous awardees.

List of Hindu fairs and vacations for the 12 months of 2024. India celebrates a vibrant tapestry of festivals and holidays yearly, following various calendars and traditions. Here’s a glimpse into a few outstanding activities in 2024.

‘Pran Prathishtha Festival’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Is set to preside over the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22. The ‘pran prathishtha’ ceremony for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is imminent, scheduled for January 22. In anticipation of this significant Hindu ceremony, some states have declared the day a public holiday to mark this event.

Diwali, or Dipawali, is India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness.

Indian Festivals in 2024: India is poised to celebrate various festivals and holidays, each imbued with cultural significance and diverse traditions, as dictated by various calendars. Here’s a sneak peek into some of the notable events for the upcoming year.

Festivals 2024:

January:

• January 14, 2024 (Sunday): Lohri
• January 15, 2024 (Monday): Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Uttarayan
• January 17, 2024 (Tuesday): Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti
• January 22, 2024 (Monday): Pran Prathishtha’s ceremony for the Ram Temple
• January 26, 2024 (Friday ): Republic Day

February:

• February 14, 2024 (Wednesday): Basant Panchami, Saraswati Puja
• February 19, 2024 (Friday): Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti
• February 24, 2024 (Saturday): Guru Ravidas Jayanti
• February 25, 2024 (Sunday): Attukal Pongal

March:

• March 4, 2024 (Monday): Janaki Jayanti
• March 8, 2024 (Friday): Mahashivratri
• March 12, 2024 (Tuesday): Ramkrishna Paramahansa Jayanti
• March 24, 2024 (Sunday): Holika Dahan, Phalguna Purnima Vrat
• March 25, 2024 (Monday): Holi (Dhulendi), Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Jayanti, Lunar Eclipse
• March 27, 2024 (Wednesday): Holi Bhai Dooj
• March 30, 2024 (Saturday): Ranga Panchami

April:

• June 17, 2024 (Monday): Eid-Al-Adha, Bakrid
• April 11, 2024: Gangaur (Gauri Puja)
• April 13, 2024 (Saturday): Baisakhi
• April 17, 2024 (Wednesday): Chaitra Navratri Parana, Ram Navami, Swami Narayan Jayanti
• April 23, 2024 (Tuesday): Hanuman Jayanti, Chaitra Purnima Vrat

May:

May 7, 2024(Tuesday): Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti

May 10, 2024 (Friday): Akshay Tritiya, Parshuram Jayanti

May 23, 2024 ((Thursday): Buddha Purnima

June:

• June 6, 2024 (Thursday): Vat Savitri
• June 16, 2024 (Sunday): Ganga Dussehra
• June 21, 2024 ( Friday): Vat Purnima

July:

• July 7, 2024 (August 4, 2024: Jagannatha Rath Yatra
• July 21, 2024 (Sunday): Guru Purnima, Vyasa Purnima

August:

• August 2, 2024( Friday): Sawan Shivratri, Aadi Perukku
• August 4, 2024(Sunday): Hariyali Amavasya
• August 7, 2024 (Wednesday): Hariyali Teej
• August 19, 2024 (Monday): Raksha Bandhan, Shravan Purnima Vrat
• August 26, 2024 (Monday): Janmashtami
• August 27, 2024 (Tuesday): Dahi Handi

September:

• September 7, 2024 (Saturday): Ganesh Utsav Begins, Ganesh Chaturthi
• September 15, 2024 (Sunday): Pradosha Vrat (Shukla), Onam/Thiruvonam, Vamana Jayanti
• September 16, 2024 (Monday): Vishwakarma Puja
• September 17, 2024 (Tuesday): Anant Chaturdashi, Ganesh Visarjan
• September 18, 2024 (Wednesday): Bhadrapada Purnima Vrat, Pitru Paksha Begins, Chandra Grahan

October:

• October 3, 2024 (Thursday): Sharad Navaratri, Ghatasthapana
• October 10, 2024 (Thursday): Navapatrika Puja
• October 11, 2024 (Friday): Durga Maha Navami Puja, Durga Maha Ashtami Puja
• October 12, 2024 (Saturday): Dussehra, Sharad Navaratri Parana
• October 13, 2024 (Sunday): Durga Visarjan
• October 20, 2024 (Sunday): Karwa Chauth
• October 29, 2024 (Tuesday): Dhanteras, Pradosha Vrat (Krishna)
• October 30, 2024 (Wednesday): Masik Shivaratri
• October 31, 2024 (Thursday): Narak Chaturdashi

November:

• November 1, 2024 (Friday): Diwali, Kartik Amavasya
• November 2, 2024 (Saturday): Govardhan Puja
• November 3, 2024 (Sunday): Bhai Dooj
• November 7, 2024 (Thursday): Chhath Puja
• November 13, 2024(Monday): Tulsi Vivah
• November 15, 2024 (Wednesday): Dev Diwali, Guru Nanak Jayanti
• November 22, 2024(Wednesday): Kaal Bhairav Jayanti

December:

• December 6, 2024 (Wednesday): Vivah Panchami
• December 11, 2024 (Wednesday): Gita Jayanti
• December 13, 2024 (Friday): Karthigai Deepam

As the countdown to the new year begins, the anticipation for the festivals in 2024 is already building. Of particular note, Ayushman Yoga will grace the first day of the year. This article will guide you through the dates of major festivals, aiding in your planning. List of Hindu fairs and vacations for the 12 months of 2024.

The festivities kick off with Makar Sankranti on January 15, 2024, followed by Basant Panchami on February 14, Shivaratri in March, and the vibrant celebrations of Holi. Join us as we explore the calendar of festivals and fasts from January to December 2024. List of Hindu fairs and vacations for the 12 months of 2024.

The history of the Ram Mandir (Ram Temple) is deeply rooted in the socio-religious fabric of India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, a revered figure in Hinduism. Here’s a brief overview of the history:

Ancient History:

1. Ramayana: The Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic, narrates the life and adventures of Lord Rama. According to the Ramayana. Rama is considered an avatar of the god Vishnu. His birthplace is believed to be Ayodhya.

Medieval Period:

1. Babri Masjid: In the 16th century, Babur, the first Mughal emperor, ordered the construction of a mosque in Ayodhya known as the Babri Masjid. It was built in 1528.

Modern Period:

1. Ram Janmabhoomi Movement: The controversy surrounding the site gained prominence in the 20th century. Hindus believe that the Babri Masjid was constructed after demolishing a temple marking the birthplace of Lord Rama.
2. 1986: The issue gained legal attention when in 1986. The locks of the Babri Masjid were opened by a district judge, allowing Hindus to worship inside. This led to heightened tensions.
3. 1992: On December 6, 1992, the Babri Masjid was demolished by a large crowd of Hindu activists. Leading to widespread communal riots.
4. Legal Battles: The demolition sparked a series of legal battles over the ownership of the site. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other Hindu organizations demanded the construction of a Ram Temple on the site.
5. Ayodhya Verdict (2019): The Supreme Court of India, in November 2019, delivered a landmark judgment in the Ayodhya land dispute case. The court ruled in favor of the construction of a Hindu temple at the disputed site and ordered the allocation of an alternative piece of land for the construction of a mosque.

Construction of the Ram Temple:

1. Bhoomi Pujan (2020): On August 5, 2020, a groundbreaking ceremony (Bhoomi Pujan) was held for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The rite was attended via way of means of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and different dignitaries.
2. Ongoing Construction: The construction of the Ram Temple is ongoing, and it is expected to become a significant religious and cultural landmark.

The Ram Temple holds immense significance for millions of Hindus. Symbolizing the birthplace of Lord Rama. The construction of the temple is considered a momentous event in the religious history of India.

The history of the Ram Temple is marked by a complex interplay of historical, religious, and legal factors, and its construction reflects the aspirations and sentiments of a substantial section of the Indian population.

The temple trust initiated a nationwide “mass contact and contribution campaign” targeting 55–600 million people. Voluntary donations, starting from ₹1 (1.3¢ US), were welcomed.

On January 1, 2021, former President Ram Nath Kovind made the initial contribution, exceeding ₹5 lakh (US$6,300). This gesture was followed by numerous leaders and prominent personalities nationwide. By April 2021, approximately ₹5,000 crore (US$630 million) had been amassed through donations across India. The collection efforts involved the participation of nearly 150,000 VHP activists, and the temple trust also received contributions from members of the Muslim and Christian communities.

In August 2021, a designated viewing area was established for the public to witness the construction activities at the temple site. History of Ram Mandir

After the groundbreaking ceremony, approximately 40 feet (12 m) of debris were cleared, and the remaining soil was compacted. The foundation was constructed using roller-compacted concrete, with a total of 47–48 layers, each measuring one foot in height, completed by mid-September 2021. However, the cutting of sandstone faced delays due to electricity supply issues in Mirzapur. In early 2022, the temple trust released a 3D video showcasing the planned construction and providing additional information.

In January 2023, two Shaligram rocks, each dating back 60 million years and weighing 26 tonnes and 14 tonnes, respectively, were transported from the Gandaki River in Nepal.

These rocks have been applied to carve the idol of Ram Lalla inside the sanctum sanctorum. As of May 2023, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust reported that 70% of the groundwork and 40% of the roof work had been completed. By December 2023, the entire base, along with the six smaller temples surrounding the main temple (which includes the sanctum sanctorum), is nearly finished and is on schedule to be completed by January 22, 2024.

History of Ram Mandir