National Mani-Pedi Day
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Ancient Manicure Origins. The practice of nail care began in India and Egypt around 3000 BCE, where the elite used henna to stain their nails
History
BCEAncient Manicure Origins. The practice of nail care began in India and Egypt around 3000 BCE, where the elite used henna to stain their nails
How It's Celebrated
National Mani-Pedi Day is observed by recognizing the importance of the day, learning about its background and significance, and sharing awareness with others through conversation and social media. Many people take time to reflect on the meaning of the observance and participate in relevant activities or community events.
Other Years
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Formerly known as Resistance Day, Armed Forces Day is a prominent national holiday in the country of Myanmar. In 2027, Armed Forces Day falls on Saturday 27 March. The holiday will be on Monday 27 March in 2028. It’s celebrated every year on March 27, commemorating the beginning of the Burmese National Army’s resistance to Japanese occupation in 1945. The day features an assortment of celebrations, with the most iconic being a marching parade and displays of Myanmar’s military forces. However, the lingering effect of years of brutal military rule has made Armed Forces Day a controversial holiday among Myanmar’s citizens. In the years leading up to World War II, the country of Myanmar, then known as Burma, was nearing a state of open rebellion. Burma had been under British rule in some form or another for more than a century, resulting in very poor treatment of the native Burmese and fostering a deep resentment for the British. Guerrilla warfare frequently erupted, eventually leading to a strong nationalist movement and a desire for independence. British rule finally ended in 1942 when, facilitated by Burmese leaders who were led to believe they would be granted independence, the Japanese army successfully invaded Burma. It soon became clear, however, that the Japanese had no intention of surrendering control of the country. Increasingly frustrated and resentful of a Japanese occupation that led to the deaths of as many as 250,000 citizens, a young Burmese general named Aung San organised a resistance against the Japanese military. On March 27, 1945, Aung San and his national army rose up against the Japanese, launching attacks across the country and again changing allegiances to the Allied powers. The resistance quickly led to the ousting of Japanese forces and, eventually, Burmese independence. Unfortunately, the achievement of independence in 1948 was not the end of Burma’s troubles. The republican government was overthrown by a coup d’état led by General Ne Win in 1962. Burma has been under some form of military rule until recently, leading to frequent internal conflicts as well as widespread accusations of suppression, corruption and human rights violations. Sporadic protests against the military government were dealt with harshly and often suppressed by violence. Several attempts at democratisation were made over the years, including nominally “free” elections in 1990, but most were quickly shut down by the military leadership. Originally created to celebrate the start of the successful opposition to fascist power, Resistance Day was once the most cherished secular holiday in Myanmar. The meaning has changed over the years, however, as is reflected by the name change. Today, Armed Forces Day is primarily an opportunity for the Burmese government to tout the power of the national military, known as the Tatmadaw. While many citizens still take great pride in the Burmese armed forces, many other citizens – particularly ethnic groups that are often subject to discrimination and abuse by the military – view the holiday in its modern form with contempt. The most visible and high-profile celebration of Armed Forces Day comes in the form of the large military demonstration held in the capital city of Naypyidaw. This display is not made accessible to the general public, though select groups are able to attend. The demonstration features a marching parade of the military forces as well as displays of tanks, jets, helicopters and other assorted military hardware. Outside of the parade in the capital city, other smaller-scale celebrations include fireworks displays, live music and public gatherings, most of which take place in and around the former capital of Yangon.
Bengali New Year
The Bengali New Year celebration is known as “Poila Baisakh” which translates to the first month of the Bengali calendar. It is the first day of the Bengali New Year and usually falls in mid-April. It is a holiday filled with rejuvenation, rebirth and joy, much like new year’s celebrations in most countries around the world. In 2027, Bengali New Year falls on Wednesday 14 April. The holiday will be on Friday 14 April in 2028. The holiday is warmly celebrated throughout Bangladesh. Parades and loud festivals are held, many of which are similar to seasonal and agricultural festivals held during ancient times. Local agricultural products and crafts are sold at the more than 200 fairs held throughout Bangladesh on New Year’s Day. The traditional Charak Mela includes outstanding spiritual acrobatics as well. On the day before, businessmen close their account of books and start new on Bengali New Year’s Day. It is believed that this renews and strengthens their business relationships with customers. Cleaning is also an important tradition on this holiday. People bathe in the morning and don clothing made of the finest linen. Afterward, they visit friends and family, and gather to watch the parades or participate in the festivals. Many people exchange sweets while younger people touch the feet of elders in order to seek blessings for the upcoming year. There is a custom to wear gem studded rings on this day in order to please the stars and planets as well. Handmade gifts and greeting cards are exchanged which are normally based on a local theme. On the last day of the year, Bengali’s purchase copies of the Panjika, the Bengali almanac, a guide to festivals, favourable days throughout the next year.
Buddha Purnima
The Buddha Purnima, also referred to as Boishakhi Purnima, is the largest religious festival in Bangladesh held by the Buddhist community. It is celebrated annually on the full moon day that lies in the first month of the Bangla Calendar. In 2027, Buddha Purnima falls on Thursday 20 May. The holiday will be on Tuesday 2 May in 2028. Boishakh, which occurs in May according to the Gregorian calibration, marks the occurrence of three important events of the Blessed One’s life, including birth, his enlightenment, and his death. During this full moon day, Buddhists all around the country commemorate it in several ways. Some of the most common activities include: In addition to the public events, many Buddhists spend the day with their family, relatives, and friends to exchange greetings and solidarity. In the morning hours, devotees often travel to the temple, where they offer puja, candles, incense, flowers, and spend time worshipping the Buddha. On this day, many Buddhists also provide charity to others in the community. They spend time helping the elderly and sick people in the country by paying for their medical needs and even distribute clothes and fruit to those who are disadvantaged.
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Chhath Puja is a four-day-long festival celebrated in the Mithila region of Nepal as well as in parts of India. The festival is dated based on the local calendar, but it typically falls sometime in October or November on the Gregorian Calendar. In 2026, Chhath Puja falls on Sunday 15 November. The holiday will be on Thursday 4 November in 2027. Chhath Puja is a festival held for the worship of the sun, which is praised and thanked for “sustaining all life on earth.” The sun is also worshiped as the “giver of energy and life force” to all nature. Hindus in Nepal and elsewhere also view the sun as a source of healing, prosperity, and general well being. Thus, Chhath Puja involves rites to honour the sun in the hopes of him granting a long and healthy life to oneself and one’s loved ones. There are many rituals that take place during the four days of Chhath Puja, including holy baths, fasting, long periods of standing while worshiping the sun, and making offerings to the sun at sunrise and sunset.