Paush Purnima occurs on the full moon within the Hindu month of Paush. People bathe in holy rivers, including the Ganges, and pray to the god Ganga to rid them of their sins. A holy dip at Allahabad (Prayag) is believed to liberate the soul from the continuous cycle of death and birth. PLEASE NOTE: We use the Indian civil calendar, the official holiday calendar in India. The Hindu faith has many calendars, each specific to different regions and tribes, with dates and celebrations marked by differing positions of the sun, moon, and stars. Names of months and holidays and the corresponding dates in the Gregorian Calendar may vary widely from one calendar to the next. Determine the proper calendar before attending local events.

Africa

Jan

Pausha Putrada Ekadashi (H): January 10

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Putrada Ekadashi marks the waxing moon fortnight of the Hindu month of Pausha. On this day, devotees fast by avoiding grains, beans, cereals, and certain vegetables and spices while spending the day worshiping Lord Vishnu and praying for the birth of a son. PLEASE NOTE: We use the Indian civil calendar, the official holiday calendar in India. The Hindu faith has many calendars, each specific to different regions and tribes, with dates and celebrations marked by differing positions of the sun, moon, and stars. Names of months and holidays and the corresponding dates in the Gregorian Calendar may vary widely from one calendar to the next. Determine the proper calendar before attending local events.

Africa

Jan

Pea, Year of the: 2025

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2025 IS

THE YEAR OF THE PEA

Fleuroselect Home Garden Association in The Netherlands and The National Garden Bureau in North America have declared 2025 the Year of the Pea, celebrating this versatile and nutritious legume that has been a staple in kitchens and gardens around the world for centuries. The initiative aims to highlight the importance of peas in our diets, their historical significance, and the variety of ways to enjoy them.

TYPES OF PEAS

Peas come in several varieties, each with unique characteristics:

Garden Peas (Pisum sativum)—These are the most common type, also known as English peas. They are typically shelled before eating.

Snow Peas (Pisum sativum var. saccharate)— are often eaten whole, including the pod, and are recognized by their flat pods.

Snap Peas (Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon)—a cross between garden peas and snow peas. They have a plump pod that can be eaten whole.

NUTRITION

Peas, a powerhouse of nutrition, are a testament to the saying 'good things come in small packages '. They are low in calories yet rich in vitamins and minerals. A single cup of peas provides:

Vitamin C—Boosts the immune system and promotes healthy skin.

Vitamin K—Essential for blood clotting and bone health.

Fiber—Aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.

Protein—Supports muscle growth and repair.

Additionally, peas contain antioxidants, such as flavonoids and carotenoids, which can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

ORIGIN AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Peas, with their long and storied history, are a testament to the enduring legacy of food. They originated in the Middle East around 8,000 years ago and spread to Europe, Asia, and eventually the Americas. Throughout history, peas continue to be valued for their nutritional content and ability to improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.

POPULAR DISHES FEATURING PEAS

Peas, with their versatility, are a canvas for culinary creativity in various cuisines worldwide. Some popular dishes that showcase this versatility include:

Pea Soup—A comforting dish made with fresh or dried peas, often flavored with ham or herbs.

Risi e Bisi—A classic Venetian dish combining rice and peas in a creamy risotto.

Matar Paneer—A North Indian curry featuring peas and paneer cheese in a spiced tomato sauce.

Peas and Carrots—A simple yet classic German side dish, often served with roast meats.

Pea Salad—A refreshing cold salad with peas, mayonnaise, cheese, and other vegetables.

Fleuroselect Home Garden Association's Year of the Pea features various events and initiatives to promote the cultivation and consumption of peas. Gardeners will be encouraged to plant different varieties of peas, and educational programs will highlight their health benefits and culinary uses, as well as potential challenges such as pests and diseases. Cooking demonstrations, recipe contests, and community gardening projects will also be part of the celebration. Peas are a beloved ingredient worldwide, whether enjoyed in a hearty soup, a vibrant salad, or a savory curry.

Africa

Jan

Peace and Trust, International Year of: 2025

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ABOUT THE UNITED NATIONS'

INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF PEACE AND TRUST

The United Nations declared 2025 the International Year of Peace and Trust to foster peace and trust as essential foundations for a harmonious and prosperous world.

OBJECTIVES

Promote Peace:
Encourage the resolution of conflicts and disputes through peaceful means.

Build Trust:
Strengthen trust among nations, communities, and individuals to enhance cooperation and understanding.

Raise Awareness:
Increase global awareness of the importance of peace and trust for sustainable development and human well-being.

Foster Dialogue:
Promote dialogue and mutual respect among diverse cultures and religions to build a culture of peace.

DEFINITION OF PEACE AND TRUST

PEACE—Peace is the absence of conflict and violence, encompassing social justice, equality, and well-being conditions. It involves negative peace (the absence of direct violence) and positive peace (the presence of social systems supporting justice and equity).

TRUST—Trust is the reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, and reliability of people, institutions, and systems. It is essential for building cohesive societies and enabling cooperation and collective action.

IMPACT ON LIFE AND ECONOMIES

Social Stability—Peace and trust contribute to social stability by reducing violence and fostering a sense of security and community.

Economic Growth—Economies flourish in peaceful and trustworthy environments as they attract investment, promote trade, and enable sustainable development.

Human Development—Peace and trust are crucial for improving health, education, and overall quality of life. They allow societies to focus on development goals rather than conflict resolution.

Governance—Effective governance is built on trust between citizens and institutions, leading to better policy implementation and improved public services.