Important Days In January 2024: National And International Days In January

List of Important Days in January 2024: The month of January holds great importance for a variety of reasons. January is the month of many holidays and national and international events like Global Family Day, World Introvert Day, National Birds Day, Mahayana New Year, World Hindi Day, National Youth Day, Lohri Festival, Makar Sankranti, Indian Army Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya Foundation Day, National Tourism Day, and Republic Day celebrations, among others.

Overall, January is full of important festivals and events, and here we have highlighted some of the important international and national dates for January 2024. Make your way regularly to review these important international and national dates. It's important for all competitive exams.

Take a look at the list of important days, dates, and events in January 2024.

What Are The Important Days In January 2024?

Many historical events and festivals occur in January, such as Global Family Day, World Introvert Day, National Birds Day, Mahayana New Year, World Hindi Day, National Youth Day, Lohri Festival, Makar Sankranti, Indian Army Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya Foundation Day, National Tourism Day, and Republic Day, which are observed in India on January 26 each year. These events continue to be remembered and celebrated across the world.

Important Days In January 2024: Important National And International Days In January | Shutterstock

Important Days In January Month 2024

Important Days And Events In January 2024 In India

New Year's Day: January 1

New Year's Day is the first day of the year on the Gregorian calendar, which is widely used around the world. It marks the beginning of a new calendar year and is typically celebrated on January 1st. The day is often associated with various customs, traditions, and festivities as people bid farewell to the previous year and welcome the upcoming one.

Global Family Day: January 1

Observed as a day of peace and sharing, Global Family Day aims to unite people worldwide and spread a message of peace. The focus is on considering and promoting the idea that Earth constitutes one global family, with the ultimate goal of making the world a better place for everyone.

World Introvert Day: January 2

Following the exuberant celebrations of the previous year, January 2 is designated as World Introvert Day. The purpose is to enhance understanding of the myriad of introverts globally and to honour them by providing the time and space they require.

International Mind Body Wellness Day: January 3

International Mind-Body Wellness Day on January 3 encourages a recommitment to loving both our bodies and minds. It serves as a reminder to implement new strategies for personal development and wellness.

World Braille Day: January 4

Commemorating the birth of Louis Braille, the inventor of Braille, January 4 is celebrated as World Braille Day. This day also emphasises the importance of ensuring that individuals with visual impairments have equal access to human rights.

National Birds Day: January 5

National Bird Day, observed on January 5, raises awareness about the ecological significance of birds. The initiative is led by the Avian Welfare Coalition, which works to promote awareness of birds captured or bred for financial gain or human amusement.

World Day of War Orphans: January 6

World Day of War Orphans, celebrated on January 6 annually, seeks to raise awareness about the challenges faced by war orphans and address the traumatic conditions they endure.

Mahayana New Year: January 7

Buddhists worldwide celebrate the Mahayana New Year on January 7. Mahayana, one of Buddhism's main branches, is primarily practiced in Northeast Asia, including Tibet, Taiwan, Mongolia, China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, with each region having unique customs and traditions.

African National Congress Foundation Day: January 8

Founded on January 8, 1912, by John Langalibalele Dube in Bloemfontein, the South African Native National Congress (SANNC) aimed to grant voting rights to black and mixed-race Africans and unite African people for political, social, and economic change.

Earth's Rotation Day: January 8

Recognised annually on January 8, Earth Rotation Day commemorates French physicist Leon Foucault's 1851 proof that the Earth revolves on its axis.

NRI (Non-Resident Indian) Day or Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: January 9

Observed on January 9, NRI, or Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, acknowledges the contribution of the overseas Indian community to India's development. It also commemorates Mahatma Gandhi's return from South Africa to Mumbai on January 9, 1915.

World Hindi Day: January 10

Vishwa Hindi Diwas, observed on January 10, marks the occasion when Hindi was first spoken at the UNGA in 1949. With nearly 600 million speakers worldwide, Hindi is the third most widely spoken language globally after Mandarin Chinese and English.

Death Anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri: January 11

Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second Prime Minister of Independent India, is remembered on his death anniversary on January 11. He played a key role in India's freedom struggle, popularising the slogan 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan' and earning the global title of 'Man of Peace.'

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day: January 11

Observed on January 11, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day aims to raise awareness about the persistent issue of human trafficking and promote and protect the rights of victims.

National Road Safety Week (January 11¨C17)

Every year, National Road Safety Week is celebrated from January 11 to 17. Organised by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the week intends to spread awareness around road safety, which is a major concern for authorities as well as the government.

National Youth Day (12 January)

The birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, also called Swami Vivekananda Jayanti, is celebrated every year on January 12. He was born on January 12, 1863. The government had decided to observe it as Rashtriya Yuva Diwas because the philosophy of Swamiji and the ideals for which he lived and worked could be a great source of inspiration for the Indian youth. He had given a speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago and glorified India's name.

Lohri Festival, January 13

Lohri, the inaugural festival of the year, marks the beginning of the harvest season and is celebrated with enthusiasm in northern India, particularly in Punjab and Haryana. Taking place on either January 13 or 14, revellers gather to light a bonfire, joyously dancing around it with friends and family. Traditional offerings like wheat stalks, rice, rewri, jaggery, and popcorn are presented to the flames, creating a festive atmosphere of warmth and communal celebration.

Makar Sankranti, January 15

Makar Sankranti, also known as Uttarayana, Maghi, or Sankranti, is a significant Hindu festival observed annually around January 14. This celebration symbolises the sun¡¯s movement from Sagittarius to Capricorn, signifying the beginning of its journey into the Makara zodiac. It marks the first day of the sun¡¯s transition into Makara rashi, holding cultural and spiritual importance in Hindu traditions.

Indian Army Day, January 15

Indian Army Day, observed annually on January 15, pays tribute to the valour of Indian soldiers. Celebrated across all Army Command headquarters, it acknowledges the exemplary selflessness, brotherhood, and unwavering patriotism displayed by these courageous individuals. Renowned as one of the world¡¯s formidable forces, the Indian Army competes with global superpowers like the United States, Russia, and China, standing as a symbol of strength and commitment to national defence.

Pongal, January 15

Pongal, a highly popular festival in India, holds immense significance for the Tamil community worldwide. Observed in the Tai month of the Tamil solar calendar, this four-day celebration is dedicated to honouring the Sun God. Spanning from January 15 to January 18, 2024, it marks a joyous occasion for festivities and expressions of gratitude towards nature and divinity.

National Startup Day: January 16

In 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi designated January 16 as National Startup Day. Since then, both government and non-government entities have consistently arranged programmes and events to commend and boost the Indian startup ecosystem.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 16

The United States observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day on the third Monday of January as a federal holiday. This day pays tribute to the remarkable life and enduring legacy of the influential civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr.

Benjamin Franklin Day, January 17

January 17 marks Benjamin Franklin Day, an annual observance on the anniversary of his birth. Dedicated to honouring one of the prominent Founding Fathers of the United States, the day serves as a reflection on Benjamin Franklin¡¯s profound contributions and enduring impact on the nation and the world.

Guru Govind Singh Jayanti, January 17

January 17 commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and final Guru among the Sikh Gurus. Guru Gobind Singh was born on December 22, 1666, in Patna, Bihar. According to the Julian calendar, Guru Gobind Singh is celebrated for his significant contributions to Sikhism.

Weedless Wednesday, January 18

Observed during the third week of January, Weedless Wednesday aligns with Canada¡¯s National Non-Smoking Week, starting on Sunday. Falling on January 18 this year, the day encourages both tobacco and recreational cannabis users to voluntarily refrain from their habits for a full day.

Kokborok Day: January 19

January 19 is celebrated as Kokborok Day or Tripuri Language Day in the Indian state of Tripura. The objective is to promote and honour the Kokborok language, recognising its official status, which was granted in 1979.

Penguin Awareness Day: January 20

Penguin Awareness Day is marked annually on January 20 to shed light on the declining population of penguins. Often overlooked due to humans not residing in their natural habitats, this day serves as a noteworthy initiative to raise awareness about this critical concern.

Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya Foundation Day: January 21

On January 21, 1972, Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya attained full statehood as per the North Eastern Region (Re-organisation) Act of 1971. Consequently, these states observe their statehood day on January 21 every year.

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti, January 23

Born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Orissa, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose stood out as a prominent Indian freedom fighter. Renowned for leading the Indian National Army (INA), also known as Azad Hind Fauj, he courageously commanded an Indian force against Western powers during World War II from abroad.

National Girl Child Day: January 24

Annually on January 24, National Girl Child Day is observed in India to spotlight the disparities experienced by many girls. The focus is on key aspects like education, nutrition, legal rights, medical care, and safety, underscoring the imperative need for addressing the well-being and equality of girl children.

International Day of Education: January 24

On January 24, the International Day of Education is commemorated, emphasising the need for inclusive, fair, and high-quality education for everyone and promoting transformative initiatives in this regard.

National Voters Day: January 25

Annually on January 25, National Voter¡¯s Day, or Rashtriya Matdata Diwas, is observed to inspire the active engagement of young voters in the political sphere. Commencing in 2011, this day celebrates the Foundation Day of the Election Commission. It aims to foster civic participation and awareness among the youth regarding their role in the electoral process.

National Tourism Day: January 25

Annually, on January 25, India observes National Tourism Day to promote awareness and impart knowledge about the significant role of tourism in bolstering the nation¡¯s economy.

Republic Day: January 26

The Indian Constitution, adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, replaced the Government of India Act 1935, becoming the supreme law of the land. On January 26, 1950, it introduced a democratic government system. This significant day is commemorated annually with the grandest parade at Rajpath, Delhi.

International Customs Day: January 26

Every January 26, International Customs Day is celebrated by customs organisations worldwide. This observance acknowledges the crucial role played by customs officials and agencies in upholding border security. Additionally, it sheds light on the working conditions and challenges confronted by customs officers in the course of their duties.

National Geographic Day: January 27

Annually on January 27, National Geographic Day is celebrated nationwide, dedicated to paying tribute to the enduring legacy of the ¡°National Geographic Magazine,¡± which has been in continuous publication for over a century.

Birth Anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai: January 28

Born on January 28, 1865, in Punjab, Lala Lajpat Rai was a notable nationalist leader pivotal to India¡¯s fight for independence. Recognised as the ¡®Punjab Kesari¡¯ or ¡®the Lion of Punjab,¡¯ he laid the groundwork for the Punjab National Bank. Sadly, he succumbed to severe injuries on November 17, 1928. The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Hisar, Haryana, stands in homage to his legacy.

K.M. Cariappa Jayanti: January 28

January 28 holds historical significance, notably as the 124th birth anniversary of Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, the inaugural commander-in-chief of the Indian Army. This day is observed to honour and commemorate his pivotal role in India¡¯s military history.

Indian Newspaper Day: January 29

Indian Newspaper Day, observed annually on January 29, commemorates the inception of newspapers in India. The day aims to create awareness about the significance of Indian newspapers. Although there is no specific theme for this observance, it serves as a moment to recognise and appreciate the role of newspapers in the country.

Martyrs Day, or Shaheed Diwas, January 30

Martyr¡¯s Day, observed on January 30 annually, commemorates the sacrifice of Mahatma Gandhi and three Indian revolutionaries. On January 30, 1948, the ¡®Father of the Nation,¡¯ Mahatma Gandhi, was assassinated. Additionally, on March 23, three national heroes¡ªBhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar¡ªwere executed by the British, collectively remembered on this solemn day.

World Leprosy Day: January 30

World Leprosy Day, observed on the final Sunday of January, concentrates on the goal of eradicating leprosy-related disabilities in children. Highlighting that disabilities result from an extended period of undiagnosed disease, the day emphasises the importance of early detection and intervention to prevent such consequences.

International Zebra Day: January 31

International Zebra Day, observed annually on January 31, is a global celebration dedicated to raising awareness about zebras and promoting efforts for their conservation. The day encourages people worldwide to enhance their understanding of zebras and actively contribute to the preservation of this unique animal.

Month-wise Important Days List 2024

Jan Month Important Days: FAQs

Special Days in January 2024 in India?

January 2024 in India is packed with a vibrant mix of national holidays, vibrant festivals, and globally recognised days. Here are some of the most special days:

• New Year's Day (January 1st): Welcomes the new year with celebrations, resolutions, and a fresh start.
• Republic Day (January 26th): This is the most significant national holiday, marking the adoption of India's Constitution in 1950. Grand parades, cultural performances, and patriotic fervour define the day.
• Lohri (January 13th): a North Indian festival celebrating the harvest season and the end of winter. Bonfires, music, dancing, and traditional sweets mark the celebrations.
• Makar Sankranti (January 14th): Another harvest festival observed across India with regional variations. Kites decorating the skies, special sweets, and prayers for prosperity are common themes.
• NRI Day (January 9th): Celebrates the achievements and contributions of non-resident Indians to India's development.
• World Hindi Day (January 10th): Promotes the Hindi language and literature globally. Cultural events and conferences mark the day.
• National Youth Day (January 12th): Commemorates Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary and emphasises the role of youth in nation-building.
• Pongal (January 14th-17th): A four-day South Indian harvest festival with rituals, dances, and traditional dishes like "Pongal."
• World Braille Day (January 4th): Raises awareness about the importance of Braille for visually impaired people.
• International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27th): Pays respect to the victims and survivors of the Holocaust.

Global days observed in India in January 2024?

• New Year's Day (January 1st): Welcomes the new year with celebrations, resolutions, and a fresh start.
• World Braille Day (January 4th): Raises awareness about the importance of Braille for visually impaired people.
• International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27th): Pays respect to the victims and survivors of the Holocaust.

What are the national holidays in January 2024?

• Republic Day (January 26th): This is the most significant national holiday, marking the adoption of India's Constitution in 1950. Grand parades, cultural performances, and patriotic fervour define the day.
• Lohri (January 13th): A North Indian festival celebrating the harvest season and the end of winter. Bonfires, music, dancing, and traditional sweets mark the celebrations.
• Makar Sankranti (January 14th): Another harvest festival observed across India with regional variations. Kites decorating the skies, special sweets, and prayers for prosperity are common themes.

What is the most special day in January?

From day one, there's already a major holiday, with New Year's Day being observed federally on January 1. And of course, with New Year's Day comes the promise of resolutions about changing your life, health, career, finances, etc.¡ªall of which you could abandon by January 17 on Ditch New Year's Resolutions Day.

What special day is January 4?

This day holds special importance as it marks the birthday of Louis Braille, the visionary inventor of the Braille script, born in France in 1809. Recognising the paramount role of Braille in education, communication, and social inclusion, the United Nations has designated January 4 each year as World Braille Day.

Why is January 12 a special day?

National Youth Day, also known as Vivekananda Jayanti, is celebrated on January 12, being the birthday of a Hindu monk, Swami Vivekananda.

What special day is January 5?

The Avian Welfare Coalition, which works hard to promote awareness for birds that are captured or produced in captivity for either financial gain or for human amusement, is behind this initiative.

What is special about January 15?

On January 15, India celebrated its Army Day. Army Day is a day to salute the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and its citizens.

Why is January 14th famous?

The birth of Mark Antony and Yukio Mishima, the demise of Alan Rickman and Humphrey Bogart, the third battle of Panipat fought, Puccini's opera Tosco premiered, Madras renamed as Tamil Nadu, and more.

When Will Ayodhya Ram Temple Open for the General Public?

After the consecration of the idol of Lord Shri Ram, the temple will be open to the public from January 23, said Champat Rai, General Secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust.

This was all about the interesting and intriguing events that will be celebrated in January! For more such informative content, keep following Indiatimes Events.