Important National and International Days

Onam is a harvest festival in Kerala. While it is traditionally a 10-day festival, astronomical overlaps in the Malayalam calendar (lunar asterisms or 'stars') can occasionally result in an 11-day celebration. Thriketta is the star associated with such repetitions in specific calendar years.

Switzerland's National Day (Independence Day) is August 1st, commemorating the founding of the Swiss Confederacy in 1291 when the three cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden formed an alliance against foreign rule.

The United States celebrates Independence Day on July 4, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This is a federal holiday marking the birth of American independence from British rule.

Mexico's Independence Day is September 16, commemorating the start of the Mexican War of Independence from Spain in 1810 when Miguel Hidalgo issued the Grito de Dolores. This is Mexico's most important national holiday.

Canada celebrates Independence Day (Canada Day) on July 1, marking the anniversary of the Canadian Confederation in 1867 when Canada became a self-governing dominion within the British Empire.

Iceland gained independence from Denmark on December 1, 1918. This date is celebrated annually as Independence Day, though full republic status came later in 1944.

Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) gained independence from British rule on February 4, 1948. This date is celebrated annually as the country's Independence Day.

North Korea celebrates National Liberation Day on August 15, 1945, marking the end of Japanese occupation following World War II. This is commemorated as the day Korea was liberated from 35 years of Japanese colonial rule.

World Environment Day is celebrated annually on June 5th since 1973, when it was established by the United Nations to raise awareness about environmental protection.

World Teachers' Day is celebrated internationally on October 5, and Pakistan observes this global date. The option 'Octomber 20' contains a spelling error but is still incorrect.

Malaysia celebrates Teachers' Day on May 16 to commemorate the Razak Report (1956), which established the national education system. This is different from the October 5 date observed internationally.

Iran celebrates Teachers' Day on May 2nd to commemorate the martyrdom of Ayatollah Morteza Motahhari in 1979. He was a prominent Iranian Shia theologian, philosopher, and professor who was assassinated on this date.