1) Independence Day Celebration at AGI

Independence Day is celebrated throughout India with grand ceremonies including raising the National Flag, speeches/skits on freedom fighters and various movements, traditional dances, drills, competitions, singing the National Anthem and so on. The day is observed in commemoration and honour of all the people who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of our country.

It is in New Delhi, the capital of India, that the most magnificent of celebrations happen. The preparations for this day are extraordinary. The Address to the Nation would be given by the Prime Minister on the eve of Independence Day. The events of the day start with the hoisting of the National Flag, followed by 21 honorary gunshots and the National Anthem. The Prime Minister then gives a speech about the struggles and achievements of our freedom fighters, who are the reason behind the independent country we are a part of.

The Independence Day Fair follows next. This is a collection of various events, including the march past of the army and a showcase of the cultures, traditions and specialties of the different states of India. It is something that should not be missed. Everyone across the country witnesses the celebrations in person, on television or social media platforms and cannot but feel proud and elated to be a citizen of India.

This day is so significant that even amidst the pandemic, there was a low-key celebration with twenty per cent of the usual guest list. Five hundred cadets of the National Cadet Corps attended the event. The event was arranged with high security, and COVID-19 protocols were followed. Medical booths were set up, and ambulances were stationed to cater to any sort of medical emergencies.

2) International Youth Day

United Nations and Youth

In 1965, in resolution 2037 (XX), the General Assembly endorsed the Declaration on the Promotion among Youth of the Ideals of Peace, Mutual Respect and Understanding between Peoples.

From 1965 to 1975, both the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council emphasized three basic themes in the field of youth: participation, development and peace. The need for an international policy on youth was emphasized as well.

In 1979, the General Assembly, by resolution 34/151, designated 1985 as International Youth Year: Participation, Development, Peace.

In 1985, by resolution 40/14, the Assembly endorsed the guidelines for further planning and suitable follow-up in the field of youth. The guidelines are significant for their focus on young people as a broad category comprising various subgroups, rather than a single demographic entity. They provide proposals for specific measures to address the needs of subgroups such as young people with disabilities, rural and urban youth and young women. (Source: resolution 50/81)

In December 2009, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 64/134 proclaiming the year commencing 12 August 2010 as the International Year of Youth, calling upon governments, civil society, individuals and communities worldwide to support activities at local and international levels to mark the event. The Year will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the first International Youth Year in 1985.

International Youth Day

International Youth Day is commemorated every year on 12 August, bringing youth issues to the attention of the international community and celebrating the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society.The idea for International Youth Day was proposed in 1991 by the young people who were gathered in Vienna, Austria, for the first session of the World Youth Forum of the United Nations System. The Forum recommended that an International Youth Day be declared, especially for fund-raising and promotional purposes, to support the United Nations Youth Fund in partnership with youth organizations.

In 1998, a resolution proclaiming 12 August as International Youth Day was adopted by the first session of the the  World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth , which was hosted by the Government of Portugal in cooperation with the United Nations (Lisbon, 8-12 August 1998). That recommendation was subsequently endorsed by the fifty-fourth session of the General Assembly, in its resolution  A/RES/54/120 entitled “Policies and programmes involving youth” (17 December 1999).

The Assembly recommended that public information activities be organized to support the Day as a way to promote better awareness of the World Programme of Action for Youth , adopted by the General Assembly in 1996.

Security Council Resolution 2250 (9 December 2015 ) on Youth, Peace and Security represents an unprecedented acknowledgement of the urgent need to engage young peacebuilders in promoting peace and countering extremism, and clearly positions youth as important partners in the global efforts.

outh Day is a holiday that honors young people and is celebrated on different dates around the world. The purpose of Youth Day is to highlight the potential of young people, inspire positive change, and motivate them to take action. Here are some examples of Youth Day celebrations: 

  • International Youth DayCelebrated on August 12th, this day draws attention to issues affecting young people, such as mental health, climate action, and digital development. It also celebrates the youth’s potential as partners in society and provides a platform for sharing ideas and experiences. The United Nations has officially recognized International Youth Day since 1999. 
  • National Youth Day in IndiaCelebrated on January 12th, this day honors the birth of Swami Vivekananda, a 19th century Indian philosopher, saint, and spiritual leader. The day celebrates Vivekananda’s ideas about how young people can contribute to the country’s prosperity and participate in the modern world while upholding their values. The Government of India decided to celebrate this day in 1984, believing that Vivekananda’s philosophy and ideals could inspire Indian youth. 
  • World Youth DayOrganized by the Catholic Church, this day takes place on the Sunday before Advent and was initiated by Pope John Paul II in 1985. 

3)Hariyali Teej Celebration at AGI

ਸਾਉਣ ਦਾ ਮੌਸਮ ਇੱਕ ਅਜੀਬ ਜਿਹੀ ਮਸਤੀ ਅਤੇ ਤਰੰਗ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਆਉਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਚਾਰੇ ਪਾਸੇ ਹਰਿਆਲੀ ਦੀ ਜੋ ਚਾਦਰ ਜਿਹੀ ਖਿੱਲਰ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ, ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਦੇਖ ਕੇ ਸਭ ਦਾ ਮਨ ਝੂਮ ਉੱਠਦਾ ਹੈ ਅਜਿਹੇ ਹੀ ਸਾਉਣ ਦੇ ਸੁਹਾਵਣੇ ਮੌਸਮ ’ਚ ਆਉਂਦਾ ਹੈ ‘ਤੀਆਂ ਦਾ ਤਿਉਹਾਰ’ ਸਾਉਣ ਮਹੀਨੇ ਦੇ ਸ਼ੁਕਲ ਪੱਖ ਦੀ ਤ੍ਰਿਤੀਆ ਨੂੰ ‘ਸਾਉਣੀ ਤੀਆਂ’ ਕਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ ਉੱਤਰ ਭਾਰਤ ’ਚ ਇਹ ‘ਹਰਿਆਲੀ ਤੀਆਂ’ ਦੇ ਨਾਂਅ ਨਾਲ ਵੀ ਜਾਣੀਆਂ ਜਾਂਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ

ਸਾਉਣ ਦੀਆਂ ਤੀਆਂ ’ਚ ਔਰਤਾਂ ਵਰਤ ਰੱਖਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ ਇਹ ਵਰਤ ਨੂੰ ਕੁਆਰੀਆਂ ਲੜਕੀਆਂ ਯੋਗ ਵਰ ਪਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਰੱਖਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ ਅਤੇ ਵਿਆਹੁਤਾ ਮਹਿਲਾਵਾਂ ਆਪਣੇ ਸੁਖੀ ਜੋੜੇ ਦੀ ਚਾਹਤ ਲਈ ਰੱਖਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ ਦੇਸ਼ ਦੇ ਪੂਰਬੀ ਇਲਾਕਿਆਂ ’ਚ ਇਸ ਨੂੰ ‘ਕਜਲੀ ਤੀਆਂ’ ਦੇ ਨਾਂਅ ਨਾਲ ਵੀ ਜਾਣਿਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਪਰ ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾਤਰ ਲੋਕ ਇਸ ਨੂੰ ‘ਹਰਿਆਲੀ ਤੀਜ’ ਹੀ ਕਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ ਇਸ ਸਮੇਂ ਕੁਦਰਤ ਦੀ ਇਸ ਛਟਾ ਨੂੰ ਦੇਖ ਕੇ ਮਨ ਖੁਸ਼ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਜਗ੍ਹਾ-ਜਗ੍ਹਾ ਝੂਲੇ ਲੱਗਦੇ ਹਨ ਨੌਜਵਾਨ ਲੜਕੀਆਂ ਇਕੱਠੀਆਂ ਹੋ ਗੀਤ ਗਾ ਕੇ ਝੂਲਾ ਝੂਲਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ essay on teej festival

ਤੀਆਂ ’ਤੇ ਮਹਿੰਦੀ ਲਗਾਉਣ, ਹਰੀਆਂ ਚੂੜੀਆਂ ਪਹਿਨਣ, ਝੂਲਾ ਝੂਲਣ ਅਤੇ ਲੋਕ ਗੀਤ ਗਾਉਣ ਦਾ ਵਿਸ਼ੇਸ਼ ਮਹੱਤਵ ਹੈ ਤੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਤਿਉਹਾਰ ਵਾਲੇ ਦਿਨ ਖੁੱਲ੍ਹੇ ਸਥਾਨਾਂ ’ਤੇ ਵੱਡੇ-ਵੱਡੇ ਦਰੱਖਤਾਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਟਹਿਣੀਆਂ ’ਤੇ, ਘਰ ਦੀ ਛੱਤ ਦੇ ਕੜਿਆਂ ਜਾਂ ਬਰਾਮਦਿਆਂ ਦੇ ਕੜਿਆਂ ’ਚ ਝੂਲੇ ਲਗਾਏ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ, ਜਿਸ ਨੂੰ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ’ਚ ‘ਪੀਂਘਾਂ’ ਕਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ’ਤੇ (ਮੁਟਿਆਰਾਂ) ਕੁੜੀਆਂ ਝੂਲਾ ਝੂਲਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ ਹਰਿਆਲੀ ਤੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਦਿਨ ਕਈ ਸਥਾਨਾਂ ’ਤੇ ਮੇਲੇ ਵੀ ਲਗਦੇ ਹਨ

ਤਪਦੀ ਗਰਮੀ ਤੋਂ ਰਿਮਝਿਮ ਫੁਹਾਰੇ ਰਾਹਤ ਦਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ ਅਤੇ ਚਾਰੇ ਪਾਸੇ ਹਰਿਆਲੀ ਛਾ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ ਜੇਕਰ ਤੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਦਿਨ ਬਾਰਸ਼ ਹੋ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ ਤਾਂ ਇਹ ਦਿਨ ਹੋਰ ਵੀ ਵਿਸ਼ੇਸ਼ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਜਿਵੇਂ ਮਾਨਸੂਨ ਆਉਣ ’ਤੇ ਮੋਰ ਨੱਚ ਕੇ ਖੁਸ਼ੀ ਪ੍ਰਦਰਸ਼ਿਤ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ, ਉਸੇ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਮਹਿਲਾਵਾਂ ਵੀ ਬਾਰਸ਼ ’ਚ ਝੂਲੇ ਝੂਲਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ, ਲੋਕ ਗੀਤ ਗਾਉਂਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ ਗੀਤਾਂ ਦੀ ਲੰਬੀ ਹੇਕ, ਗਿੱਧਾ ਅਤੇ ਹਾਸਿਆਂ-ਠਾਠਿਆਂ ਨਾਲ ਸਾਰਾ ਵਾਤਾਵਰਨ ਖੁਸ਼ੀਆਂ ਨਾਲ ਭਰ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ

ਤੀਆਂ ਦਾ ਤਿਉਹਾਰ ਅਸਲ ’ਚ ਔਰਤਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਸੱਚਾ ਆਨੰਦ ਦਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ ਇਸ ਦਿਨ ਉਹ ਰੰਗ-ਬਿਰੰਗੇ ਕੱਪੜੇ ਅਤੇ ਗਹਿਣੇ ਪਹਿਨ ਕੇ ਦੁੱਲਹਣ ਵਾਂਗ ਸਜੀਆਂ ਹੁੰਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ ਅੱਜ-ਕੱਲ੍ਹ ਤਾਂ ਕੁਝ ਵਿਸ਼ੇਸ਼ ਨਜ਼ਰ ਆਉਣ ਦੀ ਚਾਹਤ ’ਚ ਬਿਊਟੀ ਪਾਰਲਰ ਜਾਣਾ ਇੱਕ ਆਮ ਗੱਲ ਹੋ ਗਈ ਹੈ ਨਵ-ਵਿਆਹੁਤਾ ਇਸ ਦਿਨ ਆਪਣੇ ਸ਼ਾਦੀ ਦੇ ਜੋੜੇ ਨੂੰ ਵੀ ਚਾਅ ਨਾਲ ਪਹਿਨਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ ਵੈਸੇ ਤੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਮੁੱਖ ਰੰਗ ਗੁਲਾਬੀ, ਲਾਲ ਅਤੇ ਹਰਾ ਹਨ ਤੀਆਂ ’ਤੇ ਹੱਥਾਂ-ਪੈਰਾਂ ’ਚ ਮਹਿੰਦੀ ਵੀ ਜ਼ਰੂਰ ਲਗਾਈ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ

ਤੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਦਿਨ ਖਾਸ ਕਿਸਮ ਦੇ ਪਕਵਾਨ ਬਣਾਏ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ ਮਠਿਆਈਆਂ ’ਚ ਘੇਵਰ, ਫਿਰਨੀ ਅਤੇ ਬੂੰਦੀ ਤੇ ਭੁਜੀਆ ਦੀ ਪ੍ਰਮੁੱਖਤਾ ਹੈ ਜਿਸ ਬੇਟੀ ਦੀ ਨਵੀਂ ਸ਼ਾਦੀ ਹੋਈ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ, ਉਸ ਦੇ ਘਰ ਮਾਇਕੇ ਵਾਲੇ ਗੁਜੀਆ, ਘੇਵਰ ਅਤੇ ਸਿੰਧਾਰਾ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ ਤੀਆਂ ਦਾ ਤਿਉਹਾਰ ਭਾਰਤ ਦੇ ਵੱਖ-ਵੱਖ ਸੂਬਿਆਂ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ-ਨਾਲ ਨੇਪਾਲ ’ਚ ਵੀ ਬੜੇ ਚਾਅ ਨਾਲ ਮਨਾਇਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ

ਪੰਜਾਬ, ਹਰਿਆਣਾ, ਮਹਾਂਰਾਸ਼ਟਰ, ਗੁਜਰਾਤ, ਰਾਜਸਥਾਨ ਸਮੇਤ ਹੋਰ ਸੂਬਿਆਂ ’ਚ ਤੀਆਂ ਦਾ ਤਿਉਹਾਰ ਆਪਣੀ-ਆਪਣੀ ਸੰਸਕ੍ਰਿਤੀ, ਤਰੀਕਿਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਰੀਤੀ-ਰਿਵਾਜ਼ਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਮਨਾਇਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਤੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਗੁਜਰਾਤ ’ਚ ‘ਗਰਬਾ’, ਰਾਜਸਥਾਨ ’ਚ ‘ਸਾਉਣ ਦਾ ਤਿਉਹਾਰ’ ਅਤੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ’ਚ ‘ਤੀਆਂ’ ਦੇ ਨਾਂਅ ਨਾਲ ਜਾਣਿਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਨੇਪਾਲ ਦੇ ਲੋਕ ਇਸ ਤਿਉਹਾਰ ਨੂੰ ਤਿੰਨ ਦਿਨਾਂ ਤੱਕ ਬੜੀ ਧੂਮਧਾਮ ਨਾਲ ਮਨਾਉਂਦੇ ਹਨ ਇਸ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਰ ਇਹ ਤਿਉਹਾਰ ਨਾ ਸਿਰਫ਼ ਸਾਡੀ ਸੰਸਕ੍ਰਿਤਕ ਵਿਰਾਸਤ ਦੇ ਤਾਰਿਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਜੋੜਦਾ ਹੈ ਸਗੋਂ ਭੂਗੋਲਿਕ ਅਤੇ ਸਮਾਜਿਕ ਤਾਣੇ-ਬਾਣੇ ਨੂੰ ਵੀ ਇੱਕ ਧਾਗੇ ’ਚ ਪਿਰੋਣ ਦਾ ਕੰਮ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ

4) TEEJ GIFTS DISTRIBUTION EVENT AT AGI

5) Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival that honours the relationship that exists between brothers and sisters. It is normally observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana. Sisters wrap a ceremonial thread called a “rakhi” around their brothers’ wrists as a symbol of love, protection, and goodwill at Raksha Bandhan. In response, brothers frequently give their sisters gifts or marks of appreciation and offer their support and protection.

Raksha Bandhan 2024 will be observed on Monday, August 19. The Raksha Bandhan Muhurat for Thread Ceremony is scheduled to take place from 06:27 AM to 02:25 PM, lasting a total duration of 07 hours and 58 minutes. The Purnima Tithi, which is the full moon phase, begins at 05:34 PM on August 18, 2024, and ends at 02:25 PM on August 19, 2024.

The term “Raksha Bandhan” means “bond of protection.” The celebration celebrates not just blood siblings, but also cousins, friends, and those who share a brotherly or sisterly tie. It’s a celebration of sibling relationships and the love and devotion they have for one another.

The rakhi thread traditionally represents the sister’s prayers for her brother’s well-being, as well as the brother’s commitment to protect her in times of need. Rituals, sweets, and a sense of connection among family members characterise the celebration.

Raksha Bandhan Celebration

Raksha Bandhan is a joyous and uplifting occasion that includes numerous rituals and customs to honour the tie between brothers and sisters.

  • Rakhi Tying Ceremony: The major ritual of Raksha Bandhan involves sisters tying a decorative thread known as a “rakhi” around the wrists of their brothers. The rakhi is sometimes embellished with colourful motifs, beads, and even small trinkets. This act represents the sister’s love, prayers for her brother’s well-being, and desire for his safety.
  • Blessings and Prayers: Sisters frequently perform an aarti (a lamp-lighting ritual) for their brothers while praying for their longevity, success, and happiness. Brothers, in response, bless their sisters and promise to be there for them in times of need.
  • Gift Exchange: As a gesture of appreciation and love, brothers traditionally offer gifts to their sisters. Sweets, chocolates, and jewellery, as well as other thoughtful gifts, can be given as gifts.
  • Gatherings of family: Raksha Bandhan is a time for family to get together. Siblings, parents, and often extended family members meet to celebrate the festival, share a meal, and spend time together.
  • Sweets and Feasting: Sweets play an important role in Indian celebrations, including Raksha Bandhan. As part of the festivities, families frequently share and indulge in delectable sweets and snacks.

6) Krishan Janamashtmi

Krishna Janmashtami is a joyful festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, who is believed to be the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This festival is observed every year on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada, which falls on August 26 this year. On this day, people decorate their homes and temples with flowers. They fast, sing devotional songs and perform special prayers to honour Lord Krishna. The festival includes sharing stories about Krishna’s life, his miracles, and his teachings. People also celebrate by acting his childhood adventures, such as the “Dahi Handi” event where participants form human pyramids to break a pot of curd hung high. Krishna Janmashtami is a time for people to come together in joy and devotion, remembering Lord Krishna’s teachings and his role in bringing goodness and harmony to the world.

How is Janmashtami Celebrated?

People celebrate Janmashtami in mid-night. Because Lord Krishna was born in the dark. Moreover, people have a special way of celebrating the festival. Since Sri Krishna was fond of eating Makhan people play this sport.

he sport is, they tie an earthen pot(matki). The judge of the game ties the matki really high from the ground. Furthermore, a person fills Makhan in the matki. Also, what people do is they build a human pyramid to break the matki. Since the matki is too high they have to build a tall pyramid. As a result, many people have to take part in sport. Moreover, there are other teams too who stop them from breaking the matki. Equal chances are there for both the teams. Each team gets a chance for a particular time period. If the team is not able to do it in time then the other team tries it. This is an interesting sport many people gather to watch this sport.

Furthermore, the celebration is also done in houses. People decorate their houses from outside with lights. Moreover, the temples are full of people. They perform various rituals inside the temple. As a result, we hear the sound of bells and mantras the whole day.

Moreover, people perform a dance on different religious songs. Finally, it is one of the most enjoyable festivals in the Hindu religion.

7) National Sports Day

Every year on the 29th of August, India collectively marks an astounding celebration known as the National Sports Day. Instituted in memory of the legendary hockey player, Major Dhyan Chand, this day is symbolic in myriad ways. As a homage to our sports personalities, as a call to health and fitness, and as a tribute to teamwork and sportsmanship.

Major Dhyan Chand, who was born on 29th August 1905, swayed the world with his hockey powerhouse performances. His unmatched skills and strategic insights led to India securing three Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932, and 1936. His unique ability earned him the nickname “The Wizard”. To honor his immeasurable contributions to Indian sports, his birth anniversary was declared as the National Sports Day.

The first National Sports Day was celebrated in 2012, which marked a pinnacle in India’s sports journey. The day is celebrated across India through various events organized at schools, colleges, and numerous other public and private institutions. From friendly matches to athletic meets and health awareness campaigns – these events are designed to enlighten people about fitness and the importance of sports in our lives.

National Sports Day is more than just a celebration; it’s a call to action. At the core of this day lies the strong essence of embracing sports as an integral part of our lifestyle. It aims to unite the nation by promoting sportsmanship, unity, and brotherhood through the spirit of games and sports.

This day plays a crucial role in creating awareness about the power and potential of sports beyond medals and awards. Sports are the keys to many treasures: they enhance physical and mental well-being, foster social skills, improve concentration, teach teamwork, and instill a sense of discipline and determinatio

On a more sublime note, National Sports Day stirs inspiration among budding athletes. On this day, the nation collectively salutes its sportspersons through various national sports awards, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award, and Dhyan Chand Award. Recognizing and rewarding the athletes’ talent and hard work is not only a proud moment but, more importantly, it motivates young aspirants.

Yet the celebration doesn’t stop with recognizing the established sportspersons. This day extends its reach to the grassroots level, encouraging children and youth to participate in games and sports. The underlying vision here is to nurture a strong sporting culture from an early age, thereby seeding India’s future sports-stars.

Moreover, National Sports Day catalyzes health and fitness awareness. By emphasizing physical fitness and promoting a balanced lifestyle, it nudges the nation to curb the menacing rise of lifestyle diseases. To this end, workshops, marathons, fitness drives, and community-based health campaigns are held as part of the celebrations.

In conclusion, National Sports Day is not merely a dated-event in the calendar but a live-wire connection binding every Indian to the world of sports and fitness. As we celebrate this day, let’s pledge to make sports a fundamental part of our lives, nurturing our physical health, social skills, and mental agility. Sports are not just about winning or losing; they represent life’s many-sided lessons. So, let’s step into the arena, sweat a little, play a little, and live a lot.

8) HAWAN CEREMONY CELEBRATION @ AGI ABOHAR