National and International Important Days In March 2024

March is the month when Daylight increases also Daylight Savings Time takes place in many countries. It is the month of spring when mother earth sheds her winter coat welcoming the warm summer days. Spring equinox occurs either on March 20th or 21st, when both day and night are of the same length. Here are the special days of National and International importance observed in the month of March.

1 March – Zero Discrimination Day

Zero Discrimination Day is a chance to celebrate diversity and to reject discrimination. Everyone has the full right to live with dignity, no matter what they look like, where they come from, or whom they love. It is a United Nations (UN) and other international organizations campaign of solidarity that stands up to racism, discrimination at work, discrimination at school, and other activities that reduce people’s ability to participate fully and meaningfully in society.

The day was first observed on 1st March 2014 an awareness event to remind people of their responsibilities towards each other as human beings. By joining our voices together, we can be part of a resounding call for compassion, tolerance, and peace.

1 March – World Civil Defence Day

1 March is celebrated as World Civil Defence Day, created by the International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO) in 1990 to commemorate the establishment of its constitution. It’s a global effort to protect the citizens of a state from military attacks and natural disasters. One of the main purposes of World Civil Defence Day is to raise the vital importance of civil protection and also bringing attention to preparedness, prevention, and self-protection measures in the event of disasters and accidents.

3 March – World Wildlife Day

On 20 December 2013, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 3rd March, the day of signature of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants, although in some places it is known as World Nature Conservation Day.

The day encourages the youth around the world to address ongoing major threats to wildlife including habitat change, over-exploitation, or illicit trafficking. Our collective conservation actions can be the difference between a species surviving or disappearing.

3 March – World Hearing Day

World Hearing Day is held on March 3 each year to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss. The annual World Hearing Day seminar is held each year at The World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva and is a way to promote hearing loss awareness internationally.

World Hearing Day is an important reminder that hearing loss is a major public health issue around the globe. It is important to be aware of the significant human and economic cost of untreated hearing loss and the need to act now – for the future.

4 March – National Safety Day

National Safety Day is celebrated on 4 March commemorating the foundation day of the National Safety Council of India. The Ministry of Labour, Government of India set up the National Safety Council of India (NSC) on 4 March 1966. It is a national movement carried out on annual basis to prevent and reduce health hazards, loss of life, financial losses by providing safety, health, and environmental support services. 4th March, every year marks the beginning of National Safety Week in India.

8 March – International Women’s Day

Every year 8th March is celebrated as International Women’s Day (IWD) around the world. The creation of an IWD was motivated by the deliberate decision to establish a special event for the fight for women´s rights worldwide. It is a day set aside to honor the achievements of women, raise awareness against bias, promote gender parity and take action for equality.

Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and half of its potential. Yet, there are still many countries that have not yet constitutionally guaranteed equality between their male and female citizens. International Women’s Day helps create a gender-balanced world by bringing attention to areas where a change in women’s rights and equal opportunity is still needed.

10 March – CISF Raising Day

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Raising Day is celebrated on March 10 annually. It was in 1969 the CISF was set up under an Act of the Parliament of India. CISF was subsequently made an armed force of India by another Act of Parliament passed on 15 June 1983. Eventually, with the globalization and liberalization of the economy, CISF has become a premier multi-skilled security agency of the country, mandated to provide security to major critical infrastructure installations of the county in diverse areas.

The Central Industrial Security Force is responsible for security services to 300 industrial units, government infrastructure projects, and facilities and establishments located all over India. Industrial sectors like atomic power plants, space installations, mines, oil fields and refineries, major ports, heavy engineering, steel plants, barrages, fertilizer units, airports, and hydroelectric/thermal power plants owned and controlled by Central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and currency note presses producing Indian currency are protected by CISF.

14 March – International Day of Action for Rivers

Every year on March 14, thousands of people around the world gather to celebrate the world’s rivers and those who struggle to protect them. The International Day of Action for Rivers is a day to celebrate victories such as dam removal and river restoration. It is a day to educate one another about the threats facing our rivers and learn about better water and energy solutions. Above all, it is a day to unite – by acting together, we demonstrate that these issues are not merely local, but global in scope. The day was earlier known as International Day against Dams, for Rivers, Water, and Life.

Rivers are the veins of the Planet. They are a vital stage of the water cycle, the nutrient transport that fertilizes our meadows and the sediment transportation that nourishes our beaches. Providing corridors of wilderness for those seeking adventure and the lifeblood of the communities that line their banks. Fee-flowing rivers are as important to mankind as they are to the abundant flora and fauna they support.

15 March – World Consumer Rights Day

World Consumers Day is celebrated on 15th March to raise global awareness about consumer rights and needs. World Consumers Day aims to protect consumers across the globe against market abuses. It demands equality for the consumers, all consumer’s rights are important and should be respected and protected. In 1962, on March 15 then US President John F Kennedy address the US Congress regarding the four basic consumer rights, later called the Consumer Bill of Rights. He was the first world leader to address consumer rights, the day of his speech is endorsed as World Consumer Rights Day. In India, every year December 24, is observed as the National Consumer Day.

16 March – National Vaccination Day

National Vaccination Day is celebrated on 16th March since 1995. It was the date when the first polio eradication program was implemented in the country. On this day medical representatives travel across the nation to administer two drops of polio. To mark this historic day, the Government of India decided to celebrate this day as National Vaccination Day. The main objective of celebrating this day is making people aware of the polio vaccination and eradicating it completely from the world. In March 2014, India was declared polio-free by the WHO.

18 March – Ordnance Manufacturing Day

Ordnance Manufacturing Day is observed in India every year on 18th March. It was on this day when the first and oldest ordnance factory at Cossipore, Calcutta began its production in 1802. The Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) operates under the Ministry of Defence and is the 37th largest arms manufacturer in the world. It is responsible for manufacturing small arms, missiles, rocket launchers, chemicals, explosives, mines, grenades, anti-tank warfare, etc.

20 March – International Day of Happiness

March 20th is International Day of Happiness, a worldwide celebration of what matters to us: family, friends, relationships, food, and love! It was established by the United Nations General Assembly on 28 June 2012. The first International Day of Happiness was March 20th, 2013 and since then it has gone from strength to strength. The resolution was initiated by Bhutan, a country that recognized the value of national happiness so important to the country that they measure and manage ‘Gross National Happiness’ as other countries would manage the economy.

20 March – World Oral Health Day

World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is celebrated globally every year on March 20. It has been celebrated annually since 2013 and continues to spread awareness around why oral health is important to each and every one of us. WOHD spreads messages about good oral hygiene practices to adults and children alike and demonstrates the importance of optimal oral health in maintaining general health and well-being. Get empowered to maintain a healthy mouth at every age. Use World Oral Health Day as a reminder to check up on your oral health and that of your loved ones. Encourage them to maintain a healthy mouth and smile.

21 March – World Forestry Day

World Forestry Day or International Day of Forests is celebrated worldwide every year on the 21st of March. World Forestry Day originated at the 23rd General Assembly of the European Confederation of Agriculture in 1971 as a way to increasing public awareness of the global importance of forests. Later it was established by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on November 28, 2012. The International Day of Forests was observed for the first time on March 21, 2013.

March 21st, the autumnal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere, and the vernal equinox in the Northern, was chosen as a day dedicated to increasing public awareness on the three (3) key facets of forestry: production, protection, and recreation. The primary purpose of celebrating World Forestry Day is to spread awareness about the vital feature of forests, trees, and woodlands in our everyday lives.

21 March – World Poetry Day

March 21 is recognized as World Poetry Day, as declared by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 1999 to commemorate poetry, free speech, and literature. The purpose of this day is to encourage people throughout the world to promote poetry through reading, writing, teaching, and publishing

22 March – World Water Day

World Water Day, observed on March 22, is an important opportunity to educate ourselves and our communities about this most vital of all resources, explore ways to conserve it, and protect the waters of our rivers, lakes, oceans, and streams. A time when the world comes together to focus on the urgent global issues of water and sanitation.

22 March – Bihar Day

Bihar Day, Bihar Diwas, or Bihar Sthapana Diwas, is observed on March 22 when the state Bihar was formed. It is on this day in 1912 when the British East India Company carves out Bihar as a separate province from Bengal Presidency. On this day numerous events are held all across Bihar celebrating its accomplishments and highlight its ambition.

23 March – World Meteorological Day

World Meteorological Day is observed every year on 23 March and commemorates its coming into force on 23 March 1950 of the Convention establishing the World Meteorological Organization. The day also highlights the huge contribution that National Meteorological and Hydrological Services make to the safety and well-being of society. World Meteorological Day often features various events such as conferences, symposia, and exhibitions for meteorological professionals, community leaders, and the public.

24 March – World Tuberculosis Day

On March 24th each year, nations around the globe observe World Tuberculosis Day, to build public awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis. This annual event commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacillus that causes tuberculosis (TB).

27 March – World Theatre Day

World Theatre Day is celebrated on 27th March across the world. In 1961, the International Theatre Institute (ITI), France had initiated World Theatre Day to pay respect to the artists around the world and encourage performing arts as a means of infotainment. The first World Theatre Day Message was written by Jean Cocteau in 1962.

First Sunday – International Children’s Day of Broadcasting

The International Children’s Day of Broadcasting was launched by UNICEF in 1991 in order to encourage broadcasters worldwide to create awareness for children issues and air quality programming for and about children. This day is celebrated on the first Sunday in March.

Friday before the March Equinox – World Sleep Day

World Sleep Day is observed on the Friday before the March Equinox. This is a time for people to think about the importance of sleep and how to improve it. The day aims to lessen the burden of sleep problems that exist in society, through better prevention and management of sleep disorders.

Second Wednesday – No Smoking Day

No Smoking Day is an annual health awareness day observed in the United Kingdom. The first ‘No Smoking Day’ was celebrated on Ash Wednesday in 1984. It has since grown to become a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of the harmful effects of smoking and is intended to help smokers “kick the butt”.

Second Thursday – World Kidney Day

World Kidney Day, held annually on the second Thursday of March, aims to raise awareness of the importance of our kidneys to our overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems.