Important Days in February 2024: List of National and International Events Details

List of Important Days in February 2024: February is the second month of the year and the shortest one, with only 28 days in regular years and 29 days in leap years. However, this does not mean that February is less eventful or significant than other months. February is full of various national and international days, events, and festivals that celebrate different aspects of life, culture, history, and science. Here are some of the important days and dates in February 2024 that you should know about.

Important Days in February 2024

Also Read: List of Important Days in January 2024: National and International Dates

Important Days in February 2024: Full Details

Indian Coast Guard Day (February 1)

The Indian Coast Guard celebrates its foundation day on February 1 every year. This year, the Indian Coast Guard will mark its 47th Raising Day. The Indian Coast Guard is a multi-mission maritime organization that protects the country’s maritime interests and enforces the law within the maritime zones of India. The Indian Coast Guard also performs search and rescue, disaster relief, environmental protection, and coastal security operations.

World Wetlands Day (February 2)

This day marks the anniversary of the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971, an international treaty that aims to conserve and sustainably use wetlands.

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World Cancer Day (February 4)

World Cancer Day is an international day that aims to raise awareness and education about cancer, as well as to encourage prevention, detection, and treatment. World Cancer Day was first observed in 2000 and is led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). The theme for World Cancer Day 2024 is “I Am and I Will”, which is a call to action for individuals and communities to commit to reducing the global impact of cancer.

Kala Ghoda Festival (February 5-13)

This is an annual arts and culture festival that takes place in the Kala Ghoda area of Mumbai, featuring various events and exhibitions related to visual arts, music, literature, theatre, dance, cinema, and heritage.

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (February 6)

This day is observed by the United Nations and other organizations to raise awareness and promote the elimination of female genital mutilation (FGM), a harmful practice that violates the human rights and dignity of girls and women.

International Development Week (February 6-12)

This is a week-long celebration of Canada’s contributions and achievements in international development, organized by Global Affairs Canada and various partners.

Valentine’s Week (February 7 to 14)

Valentine’s Week is a celebration of love and romance that takes place from February 7 to 14 every year. The week consists of different days that express different aspects of love, such as Rose Day, Propose Day, Chocolate Day, Teddy Day, Promise Day, Hug Day, Kiss Day, and Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Week is a popular occasion for couples and lovers to express their feelings and exchange gifts.

Safer Internet Day (February 8)

This day is a global campaign that promotes the safe and responsible use of the internet and digital technologies, especially among children and young people.

National Deworming Day (February 10)

This day is an initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India, which aims to deworm all children and adolescents aged 1-19 years through mass drug administration across the country.

World Pulses Day (February 10)

This day is a global celebration of pulses, which are edible seeds of legumes such as beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas. Pulses are nutritious, sustainable, and affordable sources of food that can help address food security and climate change.

World Day of the Sick (February 11)

This day is a Catholic observance that was instituted by Pope John Paul II in 1992, to offer prayers and support for the sick and their caregivers, and to highlight the importance of health care and pastoral care.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11)

This day is a UN resolution that recognizes the role and achievements of women and girls in science, and encourages more participation and empowerment of women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Darwin Day (February 12)

This day celebrates the birth anniversary of Charles Darwin, the naturalist and biologist who proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection.

Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12)

This day honors the birth anniversary of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, who led the country through the Civil War and abolished slavery.

National Productivity Day (February 12)

This day is an initiative of the National Productivity Council of India, which is an autonomous organization that promotes productivity and quality in various sectors of the economy.

World Radio Day (February 13)

This day is a UNESCO proclamation that celebrates the power and impact of radio as a medium of communication, information, education, and entertainment, and as a platform for dialogue and diversity.

Sarojini Naidu Birth Anniversary (February 13)

This day commemorates the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, a poet, freedom fighter, and the first woman governor of India.

Saint Valentine’s Day (February 14)

This day is a celebration of love and romance, named after Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr who is said to have performed weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry.

Taj Mahotsav (February 18-27)

This is a cultural festival that showcases the art, craft, cuisine, and culture of India, held at Shilpgram near the Taj Mahal in Agra.

Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day (February 20)

This day marks the formation of Arunachal Pradesh as a union territory of India in 1972, and later as a full-fledged state in 1987.

World Day of Social Justice (February 20)

This day is a UN initiative that aims to promote social justice, equality, and human rights for all, and to address the issues of poverty, exclusion, unemployment, and discrimination.

International Mother Language Day (February 21)

This day is a UNESCO declaration that celebrates the linguistic and cultural diversity of the world, and promotes the preservation and protection of all languages, especially endangered ones.

World Thinking Day (February 22)

This day is a tradition of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), which encourages girls and young women to think about the global issues and challenges that affect them and their communities.

Central Excise Day (February 24)

This day commemorates the enactment of the Central Excise and Salt Act in 1944, which regulates the taxation of goods manufactured or produced in India.

World NGO Day (February 27)

This day is an international observance that honors the work and contributions of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in various fields such as humanitarian, social, environmental, and development.

National Science Day – February 28

National Science Day is a national day that commemorates the discovery of the Raman effect by Indian physicist Sir C.V. Raman on February 28, 1928. The Raman effect is a phenomenon of scattering of light by molecules that results in a change in the wavelength of the scattered light. For this discovery, Sir C.V. Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. National Science Day is celebrated to promote scientific temper, innovation, and research among the people of India. The theme for National Science Day 2024 is “Science for Sustainable Development”.

Rare Disease Day (February 28)

This day is a global campaign that raises awareness and advocates for the needs and rights of people living with rare diseases, which are often neglected, misdiagnosed, or under-researched.

Important Days in February 2024: Full List of Indian Festival

13th February

• Vinayaka Chaturthi & Ganesh Jayanti: Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, remover of obstacles and patron of knowledge. Offerings and prayers mark the day, with processions and cultural events in some regions.
• Kumbha Sankranti: This astrological event signifies the Sun’s entry into Aquarius, considered auspicious for beginnings. Ritual baths and donations are common practices.

14th February

• Skanda Shasthi: Dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, son of Shiva and commander of the divine army. Special pujas and prayers are offered for victory and protection.
• Vasant Panchami: Welcomes spring with its vibrant colors and reverence for Saraswati, the goddess of learning, music, and arts. People dress in yellow, offer prayers, and organize cultural programs.

16th February

• Brahma Savarni Manvadi & Masik Karthigai: Both these Hindu religious observances involve rituals and prayers associated with Lord Brahma, the creator god, and Karthikeya, respectively.
• Narmada Jayanti: Celebrates the sacred Narmada River, considered a lifeline for millions. Ritual baths and conservation awareness initiatives mark the day.
• Ratha Saptami: Celebrates the beginning of the construction of the chariot for the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha.

17th February

• Masik Durgashtami: Dedicated to Goddess Durga, this day falls during the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) and involves special pujas and prayers.

18th – 27th February

• Taj Mahotsav: Immerse yourself in the Mughal era’s grandeur at this annual festival in Agra. Expect vibrant cultural performances, traditional crafts, and of course, the breathtaking Taj Mahal.

20th February

• Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day: A celebration of the unique culture and history of this beautiful northeastern state.

Beyond Festivals:

• World Wetlands Day (2nd February): Raises awareness about the importance of wetlands for our planet and the need for their conservation.
• World Cancer Day (4th February): A global initiative to raise awareness about cancer prevention, treatment, and research.

FAQs: Important Days in February 2024