Maha Panchami brings the excitement of Durga Puja to life as Bengal prepares to welcome Maa Durga with open hearts and endless devotion. The fragrance of shiuli flowers, the artistic beauty of pandals, and the colours of autumn create an atmosphere filled with anticipation and joy. Streets begin to glow with festive lights as families reunite and friends make plans for pandal hopping. The rhythmic beats of the dhak echo the spirit of Bengal’s most cherished celebration. Beyon

Celebrated on 15 October in India, World Students’ Day commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, renowned scientist, and beloved teacher. The day celebrates the power of education, curiosity, innovation, and the limitless potential of young minds. Dr. Kalam inspired students to dream big, embrace challenges, and contribute to the progress of society. Education is not merely about marks or examinations; it is about developing

Observed on 14 October, International E-Waste Day raises awareness about the growing problem of discarded electronic devices. Old mobile phones, broken chargers, batteries, earphones, and unused gadgets can contribute to environmental pollution when improperly disposed of. These devices also contain valuable materials that can be recovered through responsible recycling. Repairing electronics, extending their lifespan, donating working devices, and using authorised recycling c

Born on 14 October 1884, Lala Har Dayal was a revolutionary, nationalist, scholar, and fearless advocate of India’s independence. He inspired Indians living abroad to unite against British colonial rule and played a significant role in the revolutionary movement associated with the Ghadar Party. His life reflected courage, intellectual strength, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to freedom. He believed that knowledge and action could become powerful tools for national a

The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed every year on 13 October to promote awareness and action against disaster risks.The 2026 theme is “Resilience Starts at Home.The theme highlights the importance of making homes and communities safer and more resilient.Families are often the first line of preparedness when disasters strike.Understanding local risks and knowing how to respond can help reduce their impact.Safe housing, effective early-warning systems

World Arthritis Day is observed every year on 12 October to raise awareness about arthritis and rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.The 2026 campaign theme is “Achieve Your Dreams.” It highlights the dreams, aspirations and everyday goals of people living with these conditions.The day encourages greater awareness, earlier diagnosis and improved access to appropriate care.It reminds us that many challenges faced by people with arthritis can be invisible to others.Support, u

Amitabh Bachchan stands among the most influential and enduring icons in the history of Indian cinema.From the “Angry Young Man” of the 1970s to one of India’s most respected global stars, his journey spans generations.Films such as Zanjeer, Sholay, Deewaar, Don, Agneepath and Black became milestones of his extraordinary career.He has received multiple National Film Awards and numerous Filmfare Awards for his remarkable performances.He was honoured with the Padma Shri, Padma

Mahalaya marks the sacred transition from Pitru Paksha to Devi Paksha and the beginning of the countdown to Durga Puja.It is a day of remembering ancestors through the tradition of Tarpan and seeking their blessings.For Bengalis, the dawn of Mahalaya is inseparable from the timeless recitation of Mahishasura Mardini.It symbolically marks Maa Durga’s arrival and the awakening of the festive spirit.The traditional painting of the eyes of Durga idols, known as Chokkhu Daan, is a

Today, India bids farewell to one of its most distinctive and unforgettable artists. Veteran actor, filmmaker and humanitarian Nana Patekar passed away at the age of 75 in Goa on October 8, 2026, bringing an end to a remarkable journey that spanned nearly five decades of Indian cinema. According to hospital sources, he was found unconscious at his residence in Dona Paula and was taken to Manipal Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him for around 45 minutes. He was dec

Indian Air Force Day is observed every year on 8 October to honour the strength, courage and service of the Indian Air Force.The Indian Air Force was officially established on 8 October 1932 and has since become a vital part of India’s defence.One of its greatest achievements has been protecting India’s skies while contributing to major military operations and humanitarian missions.The day recognises the dedication of air warriors who serve the nation with discipline and cour

India and Iceland are set to convene the Prosperity Summit 2026 in New Delhi, focusing on sustainable growth and green innovation.The summit aims to strengthen cooperation between the two nations in the renewable energy sector. It will bring attention to clean technologies that can support a greener and more sustainable future.A key focus will be accelerating the global transition towards low-carbon development.The discussions will also explore sustainable energy infrastructu

Vinod Khanna was one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated actors, remembered for his powerful screen presence and versatile performances.Born on 6 October 1946, he became a prominent figure in Hindi films during the 1970s and 1980s.His greatest achievement was building a remarkable acting career with memorable performances in films such as Mere Apne, Amar Akbar Anthony and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar.Beyond cinema, he also served the nation through his career in public life.His journe

National Dolphin Day is observed to celebrate dolphins and raise awareness about their importance in aquatic ecosystems. Dolphins are highly intelligent, social marine mammals known for their remarkable communication and playful behaviour. They play an important role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. The day encourages people to learn about dolphins, appreciate marine biodiversity, and support the protection of their natural habitats. Pollution, habitat degrada

National Animal Day is observed to celebrate animals and promote awareness about their welfare and protection. Animals are an essential part of our natural world and contribute to healthy ecosystems and biodiversity. The day encourages people to treat animals with kindness, compassion, and responsibility. It also highlights the importance of protecting wildlife and providing proper care for domestic animals. From companion animals to wild species, every animal has an importan

Professor Mahan Maharaj (Swami Vidyanathananda), a Ramakrishna Order monk and mathematician, is best known for proving the existence of Cannon-Thurston maps in hyperbolic geometry. Professor Mahan Maharaj (born Mahan Mitra, known monastically as Swami Vidyanathananda) embodies a extraordinary synthesis where spirituality, fundamental science, and elite mathematical breakthroughs seamlessly coexist. Currently a Professor of Mathematics at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Rese

Charles J. Pedersen was a renowned American chemist and Nobel Prize winner, born on October 3, 1904. He is best known for his groundbreaking discovery of crown ethers, ring-shaped molecules capable of selectively binding metal ions. This discovery opened new possibilities in supramolecular chemistry and greatly influenced modern chemical research. In 1987, Pedersen was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, shared with Donald J. Cram and Jean-Marie Lehn. His work has contribut

In 1986, 22-year-old Neerja Bhanot played a crucial role during the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73. She alerted the cockpit crew, hid passengers’ passports from the hijackers and helped open emergency exits. Neerja ultimately sacrificed her life while protecting children from gunfire. Her actions helped save more than 350 lives and earned her India’s Ashoka Chakra. Four decades later, in 2026, Captain Smit Machchhar faced a terrifying emergency aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073. D

Mahatma Gandhi, born on 2 October 1869, was one of India’s most influential leaders and a prominent figure in the freedom movement.He championed the principles of truth, non-violence, and peaceful resistance.Gandhiji played a major role in India’s struggle for independence from British rule.He led important movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement, Salt March, and Quit India Movement.His philosophy of non-violent resistance inspired movements for civil rights and freedo

Sachin Dev Burman, popularly known as S. D. Burman, was one of India’s most celebrated music composers and singers. Born on 1 October 1906, he began his musical journey with Bengali folk and classical music and went on to create a remarkable legacy in both Bengali and Hindi cinema. His soulful compositions, distinctive musical style, and collaborations with legendary artists made him a cherished figure in Indian music. He received prestigious honours, including the Sangeet Na

On September 28, 2026, Indian athletics witnessed a seismic shift on the track at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. Crossing the finish line of the women's 400m hurdles in 54.75 seconds, Vithya Ramraj did not just secure an Asian Games bronze medal—she shattered one of the longest-standing benchmarks in Indian sports history. By clocking 54.75 seconds, Vithya officially erased legendary sprint queen P.T. Usha’s iconic national record of 55.42 seconds, which had stood untouc