World Sanskrit Day 2024

World Sanskrit Day is celebrated yearly to honor the world's oldest known language. The day also marks the birth anniversary of the renowned Sanskrit grammarian and scholar Pāṇini and his legacy. It was first declared as a day of celebration in 1969, by the Government of India, as a tribute to his work. Pāṇini’s contribution to the evolution of the Sanskrit language and linguistics is unmatched and significant to this day. In 2024, the celebrations to mark the sanctity and divinity of Sanskrit will be conducted on August 31.

Sanskrit comprises two syllables - 'Sam' meaning 'Samyak,' implying 'entirely,' and 'krit' indicates 'done.' It is also known as the Dev Vani, i.e., the ‘language of Gods.’ The language has been used to write some of the most important Hindu scriptures, such as the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita. Some believe that Sanskrit was created by the God Brahma, who passed it to rishis and brahmans living in the celestial world. These Brahmanas then conveyed the language to their earthly disciples, who spread the knowledge worldwide.

Sanskrit, an Indo-Aryan language, has managed to leave a mark not only in the Indian subcontinent - its reach extends to continents like Europe. Sir William Jones, an English scholar, came to India in 1783 and served as the judge of the British Supreme Court in Calcutta. He already had a passion for Indic languages and started researching, reading, and understanding the intricacies of Sanskrit. He had a newfound respect for the language and owing to this respect, he founded the Asian Society and translated Manusmriti, Kalidasa’s Abhijnana Shakuntala, Ritu Samhara, and Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda into English.

Evidently, Sanskrit had a significant impact across the world and continues to be regarded as one of the most influential languages of all time. It has the most extensive vocabulary and has been known to lead to the creation of Latin and Greek languages. Thousands of people, not just in India, claim the language as their mother tongue. So, it is no wonder why Sanskrit has an entire day dedicated to itself for remembering its past and spreading its affluence to every person on this planet.

Sanskrit Diwas is an eagerly-awaited celebration that occurs annually on the full moon day of Shravan or Sawan, typically in July or August, per the Gregorian calendar. This year, the auspicious day falls on 31st August. On this day, people from every corner of the country and across the world where Sanskrit is studied come together and celebrate the day with great enthusiasm and fervor. A wide range of cultural events, seminars, and workshops are organized on Sanskrit Diwas to emphasize the importance of Sanskrit and its role in shaping India's cultural and intellectual landscape. Several educational institutions also conduct Sanskrit-related activities such as debates, recitation competitions, and quiz contests to ignite students' interest in the language.

Furthermore, various organizations, government bodies, and cultural institutions arrange special events and programs to celebrate Sanskrit Diwas. These events may include lectures, talks, performances of Sanskrit plays, recitations of Sanskrit poetry, and exhibitions showcasing Sanskrit literature and art. The chanting of Sanskrit shlokas and hymns is one of the most popular events on Sanskrit Diwas, as it is believed to purify the mind and soul. Many temples and spiritual organizations conduct special prayer sessions and havans (sacred fire rituals) on this day to honor the language and seek its blessings. The distribution of Sanskrit literature and other materials like dictionaries, grammar books, and introductory guides is also a crucial aspect of the celebrations. The objective is to encourage more people to take an interest in the language and provide them with the necessary resources to learn it.

Despite holding so much importance in Indian history, Sanskrit is a dying language even in India. It has survived centuries of existence, from its advent in 1500 to 500 BCE, but today, the language finds itself on the brink of extinction. Hence, Sanskrit Diwas was established to revive the language.

The momentous occasion in India pays tribute to the rich cultural heritage and invaluable contributions of Sanskrit in various fields of knowledge. It aims to take the language beyond just Shaadi Mandaps and bring it forth as a mainstream mode of communication. Even amongst global citizens, it is used as a way to raise awareness about the profoundness and richness of every Sanskrit syllable. It also seeks to emphasize the significant role it played in developing Indian civilization and its remarkable contributions to various fields of knowledge like literature, science, philosophy, and mathematics.

Sanskrit Diwas is a significant occasion to honor the pioneering work of Sanskrit scholars who have spread its knowledge and appreciation far and wide. It is a tribute to the hard work, dedication, and passion of scholars and thinkers and encourages future generations to learn from and follow in their footsteps. Furthermore, Vishva-Samskrita-Dinam celebrates diversity and harmony. Through language, people can express their identity, connect with their history and strengthen ties of connection across nations. This day reminds us of the importance of language and the power it gives us to shape the world!