Celebration is the core of human existence. As far as I’ve seen, people around me just wait for the right opportunity to do so. It is an excellent way to spread joy and promote values of sharing, togetherness, brotherhood, love, and compassion. In many cultures, it is believed that before you start something, you should first rejoice in it. Doing so enables you to pay gratitude, which further allows the situation to always be positive. Well, I’ve said enough. 2020 was obviously a very emotionally overwhelming year. Getting back from it might be a difficult task. However, it’s not impossible. The start of a new year is around the corner! January is almost here and you better grab hold of a list of days that are important in this month. If the start of the year goes well, the rest of it is bound to be lucky for you. So, looking for a list of important days in January 2021? We’ve got you covered.
Important Days of January 2021
- 1st January – New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day marks the beginning of every year. It is celebrated on the first of January in most places. However, some cultures such as the Chinese celebrate this day on the 8th of February. In total, there are 11 cultures that have different dates for when a new year starts. Apart from them, the global population agrees that New Year’s Day falls on 1st January. Various events and festivals are organized on this day in celebration of a new start. New year’s surely tops the list of important days in January 2021.
- 1st January – World Day of Peace
World Day of Peace is celebrated by Roman Catholics across the world. It falls on the first of January. People who visit Roman Catholic churches in daily life have a huge feast on this day. World Day of Peace was established by Pope Paul Vl. He announced it in 1967. Since then, the day has been celebrated annually by the community.
However, England and Wales recognize ‘Peace Sunday’ on the second Sunday of January. This is different from the World Day of peace, even though it is celebrated by the same group.
1st January – Global Family Day
Global Family day is celebrated on the first of January. Its aim is to promote peacefulness, kindness, and sharing. The day is mainly celebrated by people living in the United States. On this day, friends, families, and loved ones gather. They enjoy their time together and strengthen their relationship with each other. This teaches them the value of harmony, companionship, and respectfulness. It is also a great way to mend broken relationships and have a fresh start.
1st January – Army Medical Corps Day (India)
Army Medical Corps day falls on the first of January in India. It is celebrated 4 people working in the Indian army who provide medical services. These aiding services are provided to army officials, soldiers, and veterans. They are even available for the families of people working in the military. The Indian Army Medical Corps(AMC) day is observed to respect these people.
Working tirelessly to provide medical help in times of need is not an easy job. It requires a high level of skills and patience. People from across the nation celebrate this day with gratitude for the Medical Corps of the Indian army.
2nd January – Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The day falls on the second of January in India. It is a Sikh festival. People gather in large numbers in order to praise the guru. They sing devotional songs, share sweets, cold drinks, and food with each other. This promotes the ethics of ‘Seva’ among adults and children. Sikhs from all across the world go to Gurudwaras for worshipping. On Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, schools, colleges, offices, and other institutions remain close.
2nd January – Mannam Jayanthi
Mannam Jayanthi is a day celebrated in the state of Kerala, India. The day falls on the second of January. On this day, schools, colleges, offices, shops, and other institutions remain closed. It is a Mannam Jayanthi holiday for everyone! Mannathu Padmanabhan Pillai, a significant social reformer of Kerala was born on this date in 1878. He is remembered on Mannam Jayanthi. Mannathu Ji was a teacher who taught children in primary school. Later, he grew up to become a lawyer who helped the Nair community of Kerala in many ways. Nair’s are a group of people of the state who fit into the caste system.
4th January – World Braille Day
World Braille day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Louis Braille’s. He was the person who invented a way for blind people to read and write. The technique is referred to as Braille! To remember him, people all across the world celebrate World Braille day.
Louie Braille was born on the 4th of January in 1809. His birthplace was in France. Unfortunately, he lost his eyes because of an accident when he was a child. However, he managed to invent an entire system that has helped millions of people since then. This day is really significant on the list of important days in January 2021. It stands out!
6th January – World War Orphans Day
World War Orphans day is celebrated on the 6th of January by people across the world. About the hardships and suffering of the children who lost their parents during the World War. On this day, various workshops and events are conducted in order to spread knowledge about them. Many functions are held with the aim of helping such orphans. The day was established by SOS Enfants en Detresses. This is a French organization.
8th January – African National Congress Foundation Day
The African National Congress was founded on the 8th of January, 1912. To celebrate this day The African National Congress foundation day was established.
Saul Msane, Josia Gumede, Sol Platjee, Pixley Ka Isaka Seme, and John Dube founded this organization together. They did it along with church organizations, people’s representatives, VIPs, and chiefs. It was originally named South African Native National Congress. However, the name was later changed to the ANC in 1923.
9th January – NRI Day (Non-Resident Indian day)
NRI day is celebrated on the 9th of January in India. It is also called Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. On this day, Mahatma Gandhi returned from South Africa to Mumbai in 1915. To mark this moment in history, all the Indians celebrate NRI day.
The people who live outside India have made countless contributions to the country’s development. This fact is celebrated on the 9th of January by people living in India, their relatives living abroad, as well as families who are residents of foreign countries.
10th January – World Laughter Day
It is said that laughter is the best medicine. There is no better way to celebrate this fact than having laughing on World Laughter day! This free pass to giggle Is given to people across the world on the 10th of January.
It is interesting to know that World Laughter day was invented by Dr. Madan Kataria. He is also the founder of the Worldwide Laughter Yoga movement. World Laughter Day was created in the year 1998 and was first observed in Mumbai. It promotes peace, harmony, brotherhood, and friendship among adults and children all over the globe.
10th January – World Hindi Day
Hindi is a language spoken mainly by people living in India. It is considered to be their mother-tongue. Apart from English, it is one of the most used languages in India.
World Hindi day is observed on the 10th of January every year. On this day, the very first world Hindi conference was held in Nagpur in 1975. The aim of the conference was to promote and spread awareness about the Hindi language across the world. Since then, World Hindi day is celebrated by even government organizations and officials. India’s former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh also acknowledged this day in 2006.
11th January – Death Anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri
Lal Bahadur Shastri was a prominent leader of independent India. He was the second Prime Minister of the country after it was freed from British rule. He was born on the 2nd of October in 1904 and passed away on the 11th of January 1966. Since then, his death anniversary is celebrated every year in January.
Interestingly, Lal bahadur Shastri was a loyal follower of Mahatma Gandhi. He was also the one who came up with the famous saying ‘JAI JAWAN, JAI KISAN’. This means ‘Hai the soldier, hail the farmer’.
12th January – National Youth Day
National Youth day is observed on the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. He was born on the 12th of January. This day is celebrated every year in memory of the countless contributions he made for India as well as the rest of the world. It was announced by the government in 1984. In 2021, the date falls on a Tuesday.
Swami Vivekananda was a Hindu monk who followed the Indian mystic Ramakrishna. He was Ramakrishna’s leading disciple. It is said that the guru did not know how to read or write. So, Swami Ji helped him pen down his knowledge and spread it across the world.
13th January – Lohri
Lohri is an Indian festival that originated from the state of Punjab. The day falls on the 13th of January. It marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of the harvesting season. Last year, people from across the country celebrates Lohri 2020. On Lohri, a bonfire is created around which people sing, dance, and share food. Dulha Batti is also given respect to during the day.
14th January – Bhogi
Bhogi is a festival celebrated in the Southern and South Western regions of India. These include Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. It is celebrated on the 13th of January. The date was set according to the Gregorian calendar.
Bhogi marks the beginning of the Pongal festival as well as Makar Sankranti. In 2021, the festival falls on a Thursday. On this day, the God of clouds and rains is worshipped.
14th January – Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is an Indian festival that is celebrated on the 14th of January. On this day, the Sun God, Surya, is worshipped. This is according to the Hindu calendar.
According to the Gregorian calendar, Makar Sankranti marks the end of the harvest season. On this day, the people of Nepal and India Harvest their crops and enjoy the bounty. People across both countries celebrate with bonfires, feasts, singing, dancing, kite-flying, and fairs. A Surya Pooja is also conducted the day next to a river. In 2021, Makar Sankranti falls on a Thursday. Makar Sankranti 2020 was on a Wednesday.
15th January – Indian Army Day
Army day is observed every year on the 15th of January in India. Back in 1949, this was the day when the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Army was appointed. Before that, the position was given to a British official. The man was – Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa. Every year on army day, his contributions to the army and this country are recognized. The fact that he was the first Indian after a British official to hold the place is even more exciting. Army day truly holds a strong position on the list of important days in January 2021.
16th January – Thiruvalluvar Day
In earlier times Thiruvalluvar day was celebrated either on the 17th or 18th of May. This was up until 1935. When we look at it now, the day is observed on either the 15th or 16th of January.
Thiruvalluvar day is mostly celebrated by southern and South Western Indian people. It is an important part of Pongal processions. People use this day to remember the famous cultural poet, Thiruvalluvar. He published a lot of work in the fields of Economy, politics, ethics, and love.
23rd January – Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti is the celebration of the birthday of Subhash Chandra Bose Ji. It falls on the 23rd of January and is celebrated every year with great respect and gratitude.
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was one of the greatest freedom fighters to live in India. His teachings are followed by so many people at present time as well. People all across India celebrate this day while some states even declare it as a public holiday. various events are held in order to spread the learnings of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. It really is one of the most important days to be on the list of important days in January 2021.
24th January – National Girl Child Day
A girl child is the most innocent being you could find. She is sensitive and loving, yet she faces so many problems in her life. She faces hardships even before she is born. There have been so many cases of social injustice regarding female children. It is truly heart-breaking.
National Girl Child day aims at spreading awareness about this. The objective is to reach a maximum number of people and encourage them to respect, educate, and treat girls equally. This day falls on the 24th of January in India. Various events and workshops are conducted all over the country. Moreover, assistance and support are provided to female children in need.
25th January – National Voters Day
One of the most important duties of a responsible citizen is to cast his or her vote. By doing so, we can ensure that the right government and officials come into power. However, there are so many people who are still not aware of the right to vote. they do not even know why it is important to do so. National Voters day aims to spread awareness and knowledge about the voting rights that every citizen in the country has. It is celebrated annually on the 25th of January. It will be observed this year as well, with officials taking part in the processions.
25th January – National Tourism Day
Tourism is a strong pillar of a country’s economy. It generates employment and improves cash flow. Tourists gain interest in local art and cultures. Since India is a country with vast religions, cultures and practices, people from outside have always been interested in it. This makes India’s tourism even more important. In India, national tourism day is observed on the 25th of January. It is celebrated to promote tourism within the country in order to enable development. Various important and prominent people as well as government officials come together to spread awareness and knowledge about how this works. They even tell people how to enjoy their benefits.
26th January – Republic Day
Republic day is observed on the 26th of January in India. It pays respect to the date on which India got its constitution in 1950. The entire country wetnesses a public holiday. School, shops, and even offices remain closed. Flag hoisting ceremonies take place all across the country. An army parade is held at Rajpath in New Delhi. It highlights the vast culture and heritage that our country has as well as shows off the power of the military. Various government officials give speeches on television. Many cultural dances are also performed in wake of Republic day.
26th January – International Customs Day
International customs day is observed on the 26th of January across the world. This is done in order to appreciate the work that the employees do in organizations. Those who have shown excellent services and performed really well get special attention. Various workshops and events are held across the world. The themes for these workshops can be different. Sometimes, they are held for bosses to give speeches to their employees and appreciate them. Some events also include companies educating the public about their jobs and ethics. Employees are the backbone of an organization since they do such a large amount of work. It is only fair to appreciate and celebrate this.
27th January – International Holocaust Day
The Holocaust was a chilling event. It was truly horrific. From 1941 to 1945, cold-blooded murders and mass genocides of European Jews took place. This happened in Germany under the rule of Adolf Hitler. Millions of innocent lives were lost. Even children were not left. The international Holocaust day is observed to remember all those who are affected by this tragedy. the survivors and their families are paid respect. Various events are held in order to educate people on why this was wrong. Help is offered to all those who are still suffering because of what happened then. Every year, the world stands in solidarity on this day.
28th January – Data Protection Day
Data protection day was established by the Council of Europe in 2006. It is observed every year on the 28th of January. It aims at spreading awareness about the privacy of people regarding the data. In recent years they have been many breaches and mishappening regarding this. The objective of data protection day is to minimize the risk of such incidence and spread knowledge about how to protect once data. Various workshops and events are conducted in order to do this. In 2021, this day will be celebrated to promote good data protection practices. Canada, Israel, United States, along with 47 European countries celebrate this day.
28th January – Birth Anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai
Lala Lajpat Rai was an Indian activist who played an important role in the independence of the country. Most people knew him as Punjab Kesari he was born on the 28th of January in 1865 and passed away on the 17th of November 1928. Every year people across India come together in memory of him. The birth anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai is celebrated on the 28th of January, annually, with great pride.
Lala Lajpat Rai was elected as the president of the Indian National Congress in 1920. The man believed that the knowledge and learning of the Vedas should be accessible to everyone.
30th January – Shaheed Diwas (Marty’s Day)
In India, there are a total of 6 days that have been declared as Shaheed Diwas. Out of these, one falls on the 30th of January. On this day Mahatma Gandhi and his contributions to this nation are remembered. It is celebrated every year by the people of India. On 30th January 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was murdered at Gandhi Smriti. It was a real tragedy. In order to remember the life of the father of our nation, martyr’s day is celebrated in memory of him. It is a really important day for those who are related to the army as well as their families.
30th January – World Leprosy Eradication Day
The world leprosy eradication day is observed on the 30th of January in 2020. Just as the name suggests, it aims at spreading awareness about leprosy. Every year it is celebrated on the last Sunday of January. This year it falls on the 30th. The date was chosen to pay respect to Mahatma Gandhi who had particular compassion for suffering people. Those who suffered from leprosy always invoked emotion in Gandhi Ji. This day is celebrated all over the world. various events and workshops are held to educate adults as well as children about the disability.
List of Important National and International Days in January 2021
| Date | Day | Location of Celebration |
| January 1 | New Year’s Day | Worldwide |
| January 1 | World Day of Peace | Worldwide |
| January 1 | Global Family Day | Worldwide |
| January 1 | Army Medical Corps Day | India |
| January 2 | Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti | India |
| January 2 | Mannam Jayanti | State of Kerala, India |
| January 4 | World Braille Day | Worldwide |
| January 6 | World War Orphans Day | Worldwide |
| January 8 | African National Congress Foundation Day | South Africa |
| January 9 | NRI Day | India |
| January 10 | World Laughter Day | India |
| January 10 | World Hindi Day | India |
| January 11 | Death Anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri | India |
| January 12 | National Youth Day | India |
| January 13 | Lohri | India |
| January 14 | Bhogi | India |
| January 14 | Makar Sankranti | India |
| January 15 | Indian Army Day | India |
| January 16 | Thiruvalluvar Day | India |
| January 23 | Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti | India |
| January 24 | National Girl Child Day | India |
| January 25 | National Voters Day | India |
| January 25 | National Tourism Day | India |
| January 26 | Republic Day | India |
| January 26 | International Customs Day | Worldwide |
| January 27 | International Holocaust Day | Worldwide |
| January 28 | Data Protection Day | Worldwide |
| January 28 | Birth Anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai | India |
| January 30 | Shaheed Diwas | India |
| January 30 | World Leprosy Eradication Day | India |
Summing Up
Now that you know all the days which need to be remembered, get ready to start the year with a blast. Do remember to educate yourself on what each day means. Pay respect where needed. Enjoy yourself when the opportunity comes. Most importantly, keep this January 2021 list of national and international days in mind. It will help you be prepared and ready for what the future will bring. That’s always a good idea, isn’t it? Also, check out our website for more interesting blogs that will help you kick-start this new year with fun!
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