World Hindi Day, observed annually on January 10, stands as a testament to the rich linguistic heritage of India. Declared as the official language of the country in 1949, Hindi has not only played a pivotal role within the borders of India but has also garnered popularity on the global stage.
In 2017, the Oxford Dictionary embraced numerous Hindi words, symbolizing the language’s expanding influence. Words like “base,” “rice,” “marriage,” “strike,” “box,” “child,” “big day,” “good,” and “Surya Namaskar” found their place in the esteemed dictionary, showcasing the depth and versatility of Hindi expressions.
As the celebrates World Hindi Day in 2024, the Oxford Dictionary welcomes more Hindi words into its lexicon. From everyday terms like “bus,” “slum,” “noose,” and “residence” to culturally significant words such as “Gulab Jamun,” “Mirch Masala,” and “Keema,” this inclusion reflects the global recognition of Hindi’s linguistic richness.
Why Celebrate World Hindi Day?
World Hindi Day, or Vishwa Hindi Diwas, is observed annually to emphasize the importance of Hindi not only within India but also in foreign countries. It serves as an occasion to recognize the language’s contributions, provide it with special status, and celebrate its global presence. Each year, World Hindi Day is marked with a specific theme, reflecting the diverse facets of this vibrant language.
Hindi, spoken in more than 150 countries worldwide, holds a special place as a unifying force for people of diverse backgrounds. Celebrating this day is an opportunity to honor Hindi speakers, promote linguistic understanding, and highlight the significance of the language on the global stage.
History of World Hindi Day:
The celebration of World Hindi Day commenced on January 10, 1974, in Nagpur, Maharashtra. It gained formal recognition in 2006 when then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced the observance of this day. The inaugural celebration in Nagpur saw participation from 30 countries, with 122 representatives marking the global acknowledgment of Hindi.
Over the years, the celebration has spread beyond Indian borders, with the Indian Embassy in Norway being the first to celebrate World Hindi Day outside India. The history of this day reflects the commitment to promoting Hindi as a language of cultural richness and global significance.
