National and International Important Days In February 2024

February is the second month of the year having 28 days (29 on a leap year), it the only month having a length of fewer than 30 days. With Valentine’s Day falling in the month, it is also Chocolate Lovers Month. The most important National and International days observed in the month of February are.

1 February – Indian Coast Guard Day

Indian Coast Guard Day is celebrated on 1st February when the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) was formed in 1977. Indian Coast Guard’s role was to protect national resources and provide non-military maritime protection. The Indian Coast Guard is basically a dedicated marine force that enforces maritime law and security over the territorial waters of India.

The service is also working in close coordination with the Indian Navy, the department of fisheries, the Customs and Central and State police forces to provide a robust Coastal Security mechanism. ICG is also collaborating with littoral countries to combat transnational Maritime crimes and enhance Maritime safety in its area of responsibility and in the Region.

2 February – World Wetlands Day

World Wetlands Day is observed on 2nd February annually to encourage and raise awareness about the importance of the wetlands and take action in their own communities to protect these special areas. On February 2nd, 1971, an intergovernmental treaty called the Ramsar Convention was adopted.

Named for the Iranian city in which its adoption occurred, the convention came into force in 1975 to provide a framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. The day was first celebrated on February 2nd, 1997 as World Wetlands Day to recognize the influence and positive production that Wetlands have had on the world and in terms brings communities together for the benefit of Mother Nature.

4 February – World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day is marked on 4th February to raise awareness about cancer as well as promote the prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer. World Cancer Day aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and offering education about the disease and encouraging governments, organizations, and individuals across the world to take action. Cancer is the second leading cause of death, responsible for 1 in 6 deaths globally.

On 4 February 2000, the Charter was signed by then President of France, Jacques Chirac, and then General Director of UNESCO, Kōichirō Matsuura. The Charter highlights the need for access to quality care, funding for cancer research, greater understanding, and above all respect and dignity for all individuals living with the disease. This charter also officially established World Cancer Day to commemorate the signing of the document on February 4, 2000

4 February – National Day of Sri Lanka

National Day of Sri Lanka or Independence Day is marked on 4th February, when the country gained Independence from the British in 1948. On February fourth, 1948, Sri Lanka accomplished self-rule while remaining a British territory. It remained a Commonwealth domain, with Queen Elizabeth II as the head of state and Queen of Ceylon, until 1972 when it turned into a republic and was renamed, Sri Lanka. The greatest celebrations for Sri Lankan National Day happen in the capital city of Colombo. Sri Lankans take interest in social exhibitions, marches, a flag-raising ceremony, and a speech-driven by the president

7 February – International Development Week

International Development Week (IDW) is held in early February since 1991 is a uniquely Canadian tradition which contributes to international assistance. At events all across Canada, both individuals and organizations will come together to celebrate Canadian contributions to international humanitarian assistance in the developing world. It is a week to reflect on how far we have come and discuss the work still to be done in reducing poverty. Through events like workshops, conferences, and more, Canadians will have the opportunity to learn and contribute actively to global issues initiatives.

11 February – International Day of Women and Girls in Science

In welcoming the efforts of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and other relevant organizations that support and promote the access of women and girls and their participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, training and research activities at all levels decided to proclaim 11 February of each year the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

11 February – World Day of Sick

World Day of the Sick is an observation introduced by Pope John Paul II in 1993 as a way for believers to offer prayers for those suffering from illnesses. On this day, we pray that God in his mercy will hear the pleas of those challenged by illness and grant them peace and comfort, and healing. It serves as a reminder that the care provided to the sick and suffering is not neglected.

We are encouraged to pray for the sick and suffering along with those who work hard to ease their pain. It helps us to recognize the great work of doctors, nurses, pastoral caregivers, and all those in the health care service who spend their days working to restore the strength and health of those afflicted.

12 February – Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday

Lincoln’s Birthday is a legal holiday celebrated in the United States on February 12. He was the most famous president in the United States history who rose from poverty to become the 16th president of the United States. What makes Abraham Lincoln famous is how he wanted the slaves to have freedom. He also led the union to war so he could stop the southern states from separating from the U.S. Lincoln believed that a constitutional amendment was necessary to ensure the end of slavery, and he supported the passage of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which was adopted in December 1865.

12 February – International Darwin Day

Darwin Day is an international celebration of science that honors the inspirational work of Charles Darwin. Charles Darwin was an English naturalist who changed the way humans viewed themselves and the world around them through his amazing ideas on evolution and natural selection. Darwin is admired as a curious and courageous critical thinker and remembered best for his ground-breaking research into the history of life on Earth

13 February – World Radio Day

In 2011 UNESCO proclaimed the 13th of February as World Radio Day to celebrate democratic discourses, diversity of opinions, and freedom of speech. February 13 was chosen to mark World Radio Day, coinciding with the anniversary of the United Nations Radio, the United Nation’s international broadcasting service which was established on February 13, 1946.

Radio is the most widely available mass media that reaches most people around the world, regardless of their level of education, socio-economic status, gender, and age. Over the past few years, the day has directed the public’s attention to gender equality, the participation of young people in both humanitarian and deprived areas.

13 February – National Women’s Day (Sarojini Naidu’s Birth Anniversary)

Sarojini Naidu is also known as Nightingale of India whose birth anniversary is observed on 13th February. India National Women’s Day is celebrated on February 13, the day Sarojini Naidu was born in 1879. Anti-imperialistic, Universal Suffragist, Women’s rights activist Mrs. Naidu paved the path for women’s movements in India. Indian Nightangle Sarojini Naidu shines both as an activist and as a poet. She was vocal about women’s rights, women’s suffrage rights, etc. Thanks to her struggles, the Indian National Congress agreed to the Universal Suffrage in 1931.

14 February – Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day or St. Valentine’s Day is an annual celebration of love and romance that falls every February 14th. During the middle ages, Valentine’s Day was not associated with flowers, chocolates, and gifts, instead, it was a day to commemorate the acts of Valentinus. But today it is celebrated by sending flowers, chocolates, gifts, and affection to partners, family, and friends. Couples send Valentine’s Day cards and flowers and spend special time together to honor their love for each other.

20 February – World Day of Social Justice

World Day of Social Justice is a day recognizing the need to promote efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion, and unemployment. Since 2009, every 20 February has been the UN observance known as “World Day of Social Justice”. The purpose of the day is to focus on the plight of social injustice throughout the world and to press for improvements and solutions.

21 February – International Mother Language Day

Mother Language Day (February 21), first launched by the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1999, is an internationally-recognized day celebrating the linguistic diversity of our planet. After all, language is the root of all connections, whether written, spoken, or gestured words. Recognizing the power and influence of language is important because it seeks to unite different cultures and reach an international understanding of one another.

22 February – World Scout Day and World Thinking Day

World Scout Day is celebrated on 22nd February, the birthday of Robert Baden-Powell. On this day in history in 1857, was born Robert Baden-Powell and this day in history in 1889 was born Olave Baden-Powell. Hence, the couple’s joint birthday, 22nd February, is commemorated as Founder’s Day by the Scouts and as World Thinking Day by the Girl Scouts / Girl Guides.

World Thinking Day is celebrated every year around the world on 22nd February by Girl Scouts and Girl Guides. The day is celebrated to appreciate the help and guidance of brothers and sisters around the world. From a larger perspective, it is a day to think about fellow brothers and sisters around the world, address their concerns and understand the true meaning of guiding. Thinking Day is celebrated to appreciate the help and guidance of fellow scout brothers and sisters around the world.

24 February – Central Excise Day

Central Excise Day is commemorated every year all across the India on 24th of February to encourage the officials in the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CIBC) to work towards a corruption-free economy with the best possible excise services. Central excise strengthens the Indian economy for eliminating illiteracy and poverty, to supply better education and health services to make a healthy and developed country.

27 February – World NGO Day

World NGO Day is an international calendar day, annually observed on the 27th of February. World NGO Day recognizes the importance of NGOs, their value to society, and the dedication of all individuals behind each NGO, that works all year round for the benefit of society – locally, nationally, and internationally.

28 February – National Science Day

National Science Day (NSD) is celebrated every year on 28 February by the Government of India to commemorate the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’. In 1928 an Indian Scientist Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman discovered a phenomenon known as Raman Effect and for his remarkable discovery in 1930, he got a Nobel Prize, which was the first Nobel Prize in India in the field of Science.

Last day of February  – Rare Disease Day 

Rare Disease Day is celebrated globally on February 28 or 29. The main objective of Rare Disease Day is to raise awareness amongst the general public and decision-makers about rare diseases and their impact on patients’ lives. It’s never too early to get involved!