Sanskrit Diwas, also known as Sanskrit Day or Vishva-Samskrita-Dinam, is an annual observance in India that celebrates the ancient language of India – Sanskrit. It is observed on the Shravana Purnima, which is the full moon day in the month of Shravana according to the Hindu calendar. The month of Shravana usually falls between July and August in the Gregorian calendar. This year Sanskrit Day falls on August 31, 2023.
Sanskrit is an ancient Indo-Aryan language that has a rich literary, cultural, and religious heritage. It is considered to be the primary language of Hinduism and is also associated with other major religions like Buddhism and Jainism. Sanskrit has been used for centuries as the language of sacred texts, philosophical treatises, poetry, and scientific writings.
On Sanskrit Diwas, various activities and programs are organized to promote and celebrate the significance of Sanskrit. These may include seminars, workshops, lectures, recitation of Sanskrit shlokas (verses), competitions, cultural performances, and exhibitions showcasing the linguistic and cultural aspects of Sanskrit.
The celebration of Sanskrit Diwas aims to create awareness about the importance of Sanskrit in preserving India’s cultural heritage and its contributions to various fields of knowledge. It also emphasizes the need to study and revive Sanskrit as a living language, ensuring its continuity and relevance in the modern world.
Also Read: Importance of Shravan Purnima
So, let’s get to know more about the Date and Significance of Sanskrit Diwas 2023.
Sanskrit Diwas 2023: Date & Timings
This year, International Sanskrit Diwas will be observed on Thursday, August 31, 2023.
- Purnima Tithi Starts: 11:38 p.m, July 16, 2023
- Purnima Tithi Ends: 01:31 p.m, July 18, 2023
Find Out When is Shravan Purnima 2023, which is Also Known as Narayali Purnima
Significance of Sanskrit Diwas
The significance of Sanskrit Diwas lies in its celebration and promotion of the ancient language of Sanskrit. Let’s know the significance of Sanskrit Diwas.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage
Sanskrit is considered the language of ancient Indian scriptures, such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and various religious texts. By celebrating Sanskrit Diwas, there is a focus on preserving and honouring the rich cultural heritage of India.
Promotion of Linguistic Diversity
Sanskrit is one of the oldest languages in the world and has highly systematic and complex grammar. By recognising and celebrating Sanskrit, it promotes linguistic diversity and acknowledges the significance of multiple languages in human civilization.
Literary and Philosophical Contributions
Sanskrit has been the medium for a vast range of literary and philosophical works. Celebrating Sanskrit Diwas brings attention to the contributions made by ancient scholars in areas like philosophy, poetry, literature, mathematics, science and medicine. It highlights the timeless wisdom contained in Sanskrit texts and encourages their study and exploration.
Revival of Sanskrit
While Sanskrit is considered a classical language, it is not widely spoken as a day-to-day language. Sanskrit Diwas serves as a platform to encourage the learning and revival of Sanskrit. By promoting its study in educational institutions and organising various events, there is an effort to keep Sanskrit alive and ensure its continued relevance in contemporary times.
Promotion of Research and Scholarship
Sanskrit is a vast language with an extensive body of literature that is yet to be fully explored and understood. Sanskrit Diwas provides an opportunity to promote research and scholarship in Sanskrit studies. It encourages scholars, linguists and researchers to delve deeper into Sanskrit texts, linguistics and related disciplines.
Overall, Sanskrit Diwas serves as a reminder of the rich heritage, intellectual depth and cultural significance associated with the Sanskrit language. It aims to create awareness, generate interest and foster a sense of pride in the linguistic and cultural traditions of India.
Moreover, the festival of brother and sister – Raksha Bandhan is also celebrated on this day.
Why Is Sanskrit Diwas Celebrated?
In spite of the fact that Sanskrit was given the status of ‘Dev Bhasha’ by Indian religious culture, the language is now at risk of disappearing. Due to the increasing popularity of foreign languages and English in India, the number of people who read, write and understand Sanskrit is decreasing. Therefore, Sanskrit Day and Sanskrit Week are celebrated in order to remind the Indian community or society of the importance and necessity of Sanskrit and to increase its importance in the public mind.
How Is Sanskrit Diwas Celebrated?
On this day of Shravana Purnima or Raksha Bandhan, we remember and offer reverence to the sages and saints, as they are the original source of our Sanskrit literature. Therefore, Shravana Purnima is celebrated as Sanskrit Diwas and is also observed as Rishi Parva.
In the year 1969, following the orders of the Ministry of Education of the Government of India, the directive to celebrate Sanskrit Diwas at the central and state levels was issued. Since then, Sanskrit Diwas has been celebrated throughout India on the day of Shravana Purnima. The reason for choosing the day of Shravana Purnima is that in ancient India, it marked the beginning of the educational session and the recitation of the Vedas. Students also started studying scriptures from this day onwards. The primary objective of observing Sanskrit Diwas and Sanskrit Week is to promote and propagate the Sanskrit language.
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