September is Sassy

Can you hear that sigh of relief from parents worldwide? Yes! September marks the return of students to school, a global phenomenon.

Preparations for the ACT and SATs begin earnestly for high school juniors and seniors in the United States. In the United Kingdom, years 12 and 13 will be focused on preparing for their level AS and A2. In both nations, these tests are related to university admissions. Testing out of secondary education is common in the last year of school worldwide. Each nation has its system, making this trend universal.

September is a pivotal transitional month that marks the end of Summer (or Winter) and the beginning of Autumn (or Spring). As businesses return to full swing, the month is dominated by events focusing on school and business. September is home to 100 theme months, including Hispanic Heritage Month, Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, Healthy Aging Month, Pleasure Your Mate Month, and Sourdough September.

As is my custom, the selection this month is eclectic. This issue's deep dive is on Bollywood. How fun is that! Each highlighted event is a shortened version of the full listing on LEEP Calendar. Click the links in each listing to get to the full entry. For more on September, check out:

See You in September 2023

AUGUST 7, 2023

AUGUST 15, 2022

issues of LEEP Ink for more events in September.

Let's start with a World Cup you may not know about, the Homeless World Cup, hosted this year in South Korea.

Football gives purpose and hope to the unhoused.

HOMELESS WORLD CUP

Date: September 21-28, 2024

Location: Seoul, South Korea

Champion: Homeless World Cup Foundation

The Homeless World Cup is a unique, pioneering social movement that uses football (soccer) to inspire people who are homeless to change their own lives. It seeks to challenge public perceptions of homelessness and the issues around it.

The tournament occurs annually, averaging 48 men's and 16 women's teams from various countries. Each team's players are currently or have been homeless or socially marginalized. Graz, Austria, hosted the first Homeless World Cup in 2003.

The Homeless World Cup Foundation partners with social projects worldwide to help homeless and socially disadvantaged people through football. Its results have been impressive, with participants reportedly experiencing significant life changes, including coming off drugs and alcohol, moving into homes, getting jobs, gaining education, improving their physical health, and repairing relationships with families and communities.

Edmund Blair Leighton's 1890 painting, "The Suter," illustrates the Regency clothing style common in Jane Austen's books.

THE JANE AUSTEN FESTIVAL

Dates: September 13-22, 2024

Location: Bath, England, United Kingdom

Champion: The Jane Austen Festival Admin Office

The Jane Austen Festival is a ten-day event celebrating the life, works, and era of one of Britain's most beloved authors.

Jane Austen (1775-1817) remains a literary icon due to her keen observations of social manners, sharp wit, and pioneering use of free indirect discourse. Her novels explore love, marriage, and social class themes with enduring relevance and charm, ideas that continue to resonate with readers across generations.

Austen belonged to the English gentry, a social class one step below the nobility. This class consisted of landowners who lived off rental income, clergy, and professionals such as lawyers and military officers. Her father, George Austen, was a rector, and her mother, Cassandra Leigh, came from a family with connections to the nobility. She is best known for her works "Pride and Prejudice" (1813), "Sense and Sensibility" (1811), "Emma" (1815), and "Mansfield Park" (1814).

The Jane Austen Festival is a vibrant celebration that brings the Regency era to life through dance, reenactments, costume promenades and readings. It attracts fans from around the globe.

Lake of Stars is Malawi's premier music festival—photo Lake of Stars

LAKE OF STARS

Date: September 6-8, 2024

Location: Kachere Kastle, Malawi

Champion: Lake of Stars Discovery

Lake of Stars is Malawi's foremost music festival, created in 2004 by Will Jameson, a British ex-pat. After spending a year in Malawi, he fell in love with the place and its vibrant culture. Inspired by the warm heart of Africa and its talent, he wanted to create an event that would attract international attention to Malawi, boost tourism, and stimulate the local economy.

The festival's name, "Lake of Stars," comes from Lake Malawi. At night, the lantern lights from the fishermen's boats out on the water give the appearance of stars shining above and below, something truly magical.

The festival is a wild mix of local and international artists performing all types of music—from Afrobeats and reggae to electronic and indie rock. It's a three-day beach party with great music. Lake of Stars focuses on sustainability with initiatives to promote renewable energy sources and reduce plastic waste, like encouraging attendees to bring reusable water bottles. International attendees make new friends from all over the globe and experience the fantastic Malawian hospitality.

Sports competitions and cultural spectaculars, such as the World Nomad Games, are becoming a must-see destination event.

WORLD NOMAD GAMES

Dates: September 8-13, 2024

Location: Astana, Kazakhstan

Champion: World Nomad Games

The World Nomad Games, an international sporting event designed to promote nomadic civilizations' cultural heritage and traditions, began in 2014. This bi-annual event seeks to revive, develop, and preserve the ethnocultural diversity of the world's people and promote tolerance and open relationships among different communities.

Competing in 21 historical sports of nomadic peoples, the games include martial arts, horse racing, archery, falconry, Kok Boru (a sort of horse polo involving a goat carcass), and hunting with Kyrgyz Taighanies, a breed of sighthound from Kyrgyzstan.

With participants representing over 70 countries, the competitive aspects of the World Nomad Games serve as a platform for cultural exchange. In addition to sports, the event features traditional music performances, regional foods, craft exhibitions, and dance performances to celebrate nomadic culture.

The World Nomad Games are a recognized UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event.

Father Miguel Hidalgo is believed to have led the cry that started the Mexican Revolution. Promptography LD Lewis

EL GRITO DE DOLORES

Date: September 16, [1840]

Location: México

Champion: Historical Anniversary. National Holiday.

El Grito de Dolores (The Cry of Dolores) marks the beginning of Mexico's struggle for independence from Spanish rule. It is celebrated annually on the night of September 15th. The event commemorates the moment in 1810 when Father Miguel Hidalgo, a Catholic priest, called for rebellion against Spanish authorities in Dolores, Mexico. The celebration honors the courage of those who sought freedom and serves as a reminder of Mexico's fight for independence.

The holiday is marked by a reenactment of the original cry by the President of Mexico from the National Palace in Mexico City, followed by celebrations that include fireworks, parades, and traditional foods. The "cry" is a symbolic call to action against colonial injustices, and the event continues to unite Mexicans in their shared history and national pride.

Google won over the world with its simple interface and robust results.

GOOGLE DAY

Date: September 27, [1997]

Location: Worldwide

Champion: Historical Anniversary

Google Day, observed informally on September 27th, commemorates the creation of Google in 1997, the world's most popular search engine. This day celebrates Google's significant impact on the internet and modern society, with many reflecting on how the company has revolutionized information access and sharing. Founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin during their Ph.D. studies at Stanford University, Google began as a research project to improve online search technology. Their innovation, PageRank, which analyzed relationships between websites, enabled Google to deliver more relevant search results than its competitors.

The name "Google" is a playful twist on the mathematical term "googol," representing the vast amount of information the founders aimed to organize on the web. Over time, Google expanded beyond search, influencing numerous sectors, including online advertising, video sharing through YouTube, and mobile operating systems with Android. Despite facing criticism and legal challenges related to its dominance, Google's innovations have become integral to daily life, making "Googling" a standard part of the digital experience.

Google's journey to becoming the leading search engine was driven by its superior algorithms, user-friendly design, and strategic growth through acquisitions and product development. As a cornerstone of the internet, Google continues to shape the digital landscape, promising to evolve and enhance our online experiences in the years to come.

Wear your team colors today and support the fight against childhood cancer. Promptography LD Lewis

FOOTY COLOURS DAY

Date: September 1, 2024

Location: Australia

Champion: Fight Cancer Foundation

Fundraiser for childhood Cancer research and treatment

Footy Colours Day is an annual event in Australia where people wear their favorite football team’s colors to show support for young cancer patients. The event unites fans of various football codes, including Australian Rules Football, rugby, and soccer, in a cause that extends beyond sports, highlighting the power of community and solidarity.

The day is marked by activities like raffles, barbecues, and games, all aimed at raising funds and awareness for the challenges faced by young cancer patients. Established in 1995 by the Fight Cancer Foundation, Footy Colours Day has grown in popularity, with widespread participation from schools, businesses, and community groups.

While the event celebrates Australia’s passion for football, its primary focus is supporting children undergoing cancer treatment. The funds raised directly contribute to educational programs that help young patients continue their schooling during treatment, ensuring they maintain their studies and social connections. Through Footy Colours Day, Australians come together to provide hope and support to children and their families during a difficult time.

The Odd Fellows purple cap is one of the organization's most notable symbols. Photo: Dallas Odd Fellows Lodge 44

ODD FELLOWS FRIENDSHIP MONTH

Date: September 1-30, 2024

Location: Worldwide

Champion: Odd Fellows Society

Odd Fellows Friendship Month is a campaign dedicated to fostering community spirit and encouraging the formation of new friendships. Organized by the Odd Fellows, one of the oldest and largest friendly societies, this initiative promotes the values of friendship, benevolence, and social support. Launched in 2010, the event addresses loneliness and social isolation issues by providing opportunities for people to connect and build lasting relationships.

Local Odd Fellows branches host various events throughout the month, including coffee mornings, social gatherings, and educational workshops. These activities are designed to unite people and allow them to experience the benefits of being part of a supportive community. Participation is open to members and non-members, encouraging a wide range of individuals to engage in meaningful social interactions.

The Odd Fellows, formally known as the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Manchester Unity Friendly Society, have a rich history dating back to the 18th century. Originally a mutual aid society, the Odd Fellows were unique in their mission to bring together people from different trades and walks of life for mutual benefit. Today, they continue to uphold their principles of friendship, love, and truth, offering their members social activities, support services, and charitable initiatives.

The festival of learning is geared to help adults in the United Kingdom upskill for better jobs. Promtography LD Lewis.

FESTIVAL OF LEARNING—HAVE A GO MONTH

Date: September 1-30, 2024

Location: United Kingdom

Champion: Free2Learn

The Festival of Learning is a prominent event in the United Kingdom dedicated to celebrating the benefits of lifelong learning and encouraging more adults to pursue education. This initiative highlights the achievements of adult learners, tutors, projects, and employers through annual awards, showcasing inspiring stories to motivate others. Throughout the month, conferences, talks, and activities occur nationwide, emphasizing the importance of continued education and skill development.

One key aspect of the festival is the "Have a Go Month" initiative, where organizations and learning providers offer free learning opportunities to adults. These activities aim to demonstrate the value of upskilling and reskilling in a rapidly changing job market. The event underscores the importance of acquiring new skills to thrive in today's employment landscape.

Free2learn, one of the participating organizations, offers various courses tailored for adults receiving universal credit, job seekers allowance, or employment support. These courses cover various fields, including business administration, health and social care, digital skills, and more. The goal is to equip individuals with the skills to re-enter the workforce or enhance their employment prospects. Participants must be 19 or older, receive certain benefits, and have access to a laptop and the internet to participate in these valuable learning opportunities.

The ampersand is one of the most popular characters in the English language. Promptography LD Lewis.

NATIONAL AMPERSAND DAY

Date: September 8, 2024

Location: United States

Champion: Chaz DeSimone

National Ampersand Day honors one of the most iconic symbols in the English language: the ampersand (&). This distinctive character represents the word "and," which has a history that stretches back to ancient Rome, where it originated as a ligature of the Latin word "et." Over time, the ampersand evolved into the unique shape we recognize today, becoming a staple in modern writing, design, and branding.

The term "ampersand" comes from the phrase "and per se and," which was historically recited by students when learning the alphabet. This phrase eventually merged into the word "ampersand," which became widely adopted by the 19th century. The ampersand is widely used in company names, logos, and decorative designs due to its elegant form and ability to signify partnerships and connections. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in academic citations, programming languages, and shorthand writing.

National Holidays Around the World

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS IN SEPTEMBER

INDEPENDENCE DAY

Armenia (September 21, 1991)
Belize (September 21, 1981)
Botswana (September 30, 1966)
Brazil (September 7, 1822)
Chile (September 18, 1810)
Costa Rica (September 15, 1821)
El Salvador (September 15, 1821)
Guatemala (September 15, 1821)
Guinea-Bissau (September 24, 1973)
Honduras (September 15, 1821)
Macedonia (September 8, 1991)
Mali (September 22, 1960)
Malta (September 21, 1964)
Mexico (September 16, 1810)
Nicaragua (September 15, 1821)
Papua New Guinea (September 16, 1975)
Qatar (September 3, 1971)
St. Kitts and Nevis (September 19, 1983)
Swaziland (September 6, 1968)
Tajikistan (September 9, 1991)
Uzbekistan (September 1, 1991)
Viet Nam (September 2, 1945)

NATIONAL DAY

Catalonia, Spain (September 11, 1714)
North Korea (September 9, 1948)
Saudi Arabia (September 23, 1932)
San Marino (September 2, not an anniversary)

Major Global Sporting Events in September

MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER 2024

Berlin Marathon (Running): September 29 —Germany
Grand Final (Football): September 28 —Australia
Grand Prix of Azerbaijan (Car Racing): September 15 —Azerbaijan
Grand Prix of Italy (Car Racing): September 1 —Italy
Grand Prix of Singapore (Car Racing): September 22 —Singapore
Homeless World Cup (Football): September 21-28 —South Korea
Nomad Games (Specialty): September 8-15 —Kazakhstan
Paralympic Games (Multi-sport): August 28 - September 8 —France
President's Cup (Golf): September 24-29 —Canada
Solheim Cup (Golf): September 10-15 —United States
UCI Road World Championships (Cycling): September 21-29 —Switzerland
US Open (Tennis): August 26 - September 8 —United States

FEATURED DEEP-DIVE

Bollywood is known for its mesmerizing dance numbers. Promptography LD Lewis

WORLD BOLLYWOOD DAY

Date: September 24, 2024

Location: Worldwide

Champion: Unofficial Event. No Sponsor.

World Bollywood Day celebrates the vibrant world of Bollywood, India's Hindi-language film industry, which has become a global phenomenon known for its colorful, musical, and dramatic storytelling. Bollywood, a portmanteau of "Bombay" (now Mumbai) and "Hollywood," traces its roots back to the early 20th century, with its first silent film, Raja Harishchandra, released on April 21, 1913. Over the decades, Bollywood has evolved into a massive cultural force, producing a wide variety of films that blend music, dance, romance, and drama, often reflecting the complexities of Indian society.

One of the pioneers of Indian cinema was Dadasaheb Phalke, often called the "Father of Indian Cinema." He directed the aforementioned Raja Harishchandra, India's first full-length feature film. Phalke's work laid the foundation for the Indian film industry, gradually becoming what we now recognize as Bollywood.

As Bollywood developed, other influential filmmakers, including V. Shantaram, Raj Kapoor, and Guru Dutt, played significant roles in shaping the industry's direction and style. These early contributors helped establish Bollywood's unique identity, blending traditional Indian storytelling with cinematic innovation.

INSTANTLY RECOGNIZABLE

Video counts down the top 10 Bollywood dance sequences. It is quite impressive.

Bollywood's distinctive style is characterized by elaborate musical numbers, vibrant costumes, and a strong emphasis on family and societal values. The films are also known for their length, sometimes exceeding three hours, and their ability to weave multiple genres into a single narrative.

The industry has produced some of the most iconic films and stars in Indian cinema, such as Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, and Deepika Padukone. These artists have not only become household names in India but have also gained significant recognition internationally.

BRINGING IN THE BUCKS

Financially, Bollywood is a powerhouse. The industry generates billions of dollars annually, with estimates ranging from $2 billion to $3 billion in recent years. While this is impressive, it still trails behind Hollywood and the rapidly growing Chinese film industry. Hollywood remains the global box office revenue leader, generating tens of billions of dollars annually.

China's film industry has been outpacing Bollywood in revenue and the number of films produced. However, Bollywood consistently produces over 1,000 films annually, making it one of the most prolific film industries in the world. It even surpasses Hollywood in sheer output.

Regarding ticket sales, Bollywood enjoys a massive domestic audience, with millions of tickets sold annually in India alone. Internationally, the appeal of Bollywood films continues to grow, particularly in countries with sizeable Indian diaspora communities. This global reach is further enhanced by digital streaming platforms, which have made Bollywood films more accessible to audiences worldwide.

TOP-GROSSING BOLLYWOOD FILMS

The top five highest-grossing Bollywood films of all time, based on their worldwide box office collections, are as follows:

1) Dangal (2016) - Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and starring Aamir Khan, Dangal is the highest-grossing Bollywood film, earning approximately USD 236.4 million globally. The film's massive success was partly due to its phenomenal run in China.

2) Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015)—Starring Salman Khan and directed by Kabir Khan, the film grossed over $116.28 million in India and overseas markets.

3) Secret Superstar (2017)—Another Aamir Khan production, Secret Superstar grossed $108.68 million worldwide. Like Dangal, it found immense success in China, contributing significantly to its global earnings.

4) PK (2014)—Directed by Rajkumar Hirani and starring Aamir Khan, PK was a trailblazer. It became the first Bollywood megahit film, bringing in $92.39 million.

5) Sultan (2016) - Starring Salman Khan, Sultan grossed approximately $74.80 million globally. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, the film's appeal was bolstered by its mix of action, drama, and a compelling underdog story.

These films highlight Bollywood's growing influence and ability to reach a global audience, particularly in markets like China, where Indian films have found unexpected success.

Bollywood's future looks promising as it continues to adapt to changing consumer tastes and the digital revolution. With increasing investments in high-quality production, visual effects, and more diverse storytelling, Bollywood is poised to remain a key player in the global film industry. As it navigates the challenges of a competitive international market, Bollywood's unique blend of tradition and innovation will likely continue to captivate audiences in India and beyond.

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The next issue will cover events in October 2024. Thank you for the gift of your time. Please support my work by sharing, commenting and subscribing. Until the next issue, enjoy!

Last updated: Oct 4th 2024

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