Mahaparinirvan Diwas is a significant day observed every year on December 6. This annual observance pays tribute to the death anniversary of Dr. B R Ambedkar, a notable figure in India’s history, also widely known as the Father of the Indian Constitution.
Dr Ambedkar was an eminent jurist, an astute economist, an active politician, and most importantly, a social reformer who stood against the social discrimination faced by Dalits, women, and labourers. One of the iconic memorials dedicated to him is Chaitya Bhoomi, situated in Dadar, Mumbai.
Vrischikolsavam: A Festive Celebration at Sree Poornathrayeesa temple
Vrischikolsavam is a vibrant eight-day annual festival celebrated at the Sree Poornathrayeesa temple in Tripunithura, Kochi, Kerala. The temple holds particular significance in South Indian religious culture, as it houses a unique posed idol of Lord Vishnu. The deity perches under the shade of not one, but five royal hoods of the divine serpent named Ananthan, whose folded body acts as the God’s throne.
During the festival, an array of traditional art forms and cultural programmes are showcased. Enthralling performances include Kathakali (dance drama), ottanthullal (a blend of dance and poetic performance), thayambaka (an orchestra of Kerala), music concerts, and dance shows. Adding vibrancy to the festival, a colourful procession of decorated elephants is also a major attraction.
Climate Risk Index (CRI): A Study by Germanwatch
Global Climate Risk Index 2019, a study by the non-profit organization Germanwatch, analyses how countries and regions have been impacted by weather-related loss events including storms, floods, heat waves and more. In this study, India ranks 14th among the countries most affected by extreme weather events in the last 20 years.
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| Myanmar | 3 |
| Bangladesh | 7 |
| Pakistan | 8 |
| Nepal | 11 |
| India | 14 |
Extreme Weather Events: A Rising Threat to Life
Recent trends suggest an alarming increase in fatalities due to extreme climate events. In India alone, the year 2017 saw a 29% rise in deaths due to such events. This situation placed India as the second highest country in terms of fatalities globally.
The most adversely affected regions include Puerto Rico, Honduras and Myanmar, ranking them as the countries worst hit by extreme weather events. These sobering facts have been released at the 24th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-24) held in Katowice, Poland.
