Thaindian News

By Meena Kar
Oct 11, (THAINDIAN NEWS) Today is Columbus Day. This was the day when about 518 years back, in 1492, when Christopher Columbus landed in USA somewhere near to Costa Rica. However, this year the people of America are confused about whether or not it would be a formal holiday for the Americans. The reason is certain states recognize the day as a formal holiday, while other states do not. Those who do, will celebrate it on October 11, Monday.

The celebration of the day also varies from organization to organization. The government organizations in the United States recognize it declare a holiday on the Columbus Day. But stock market remains open, indicating that the corporate world do not recognize it. Columbus day is not only celebrated in United but also in other nations like Bahamas. Since this day in history was one of the most important days of European Navigation, and it signifies there command on the sea several years down the ages, many European Nations also take notice of Columbus Day. The day is known as the Discovery Day in the Bahamas, the Spanish call it Da de la Hispanidad and Fiesta Nacional and Da de las Amricas (Day of the Americas) in Uruguay. In these countries, where the day is recognized, it is celebrated with parades and cultural shows.

This day was first recognized in Colorado in the year 1906, but it was first recognized as a federal holiday in the year 1934. But now a debate is taking place for whether or not this day actually has any significance any more. Those who are against it, say that this day should not be recognized and it is simply celebrated for religious purposes, while those who are against it believe that this day definitely has a huge significance in the history of America and should be celebrated on the grounds of national significance.