29 May: International Everest Day observed

The International Everest Day is observed every year on 29 May. The day is celebrated with processions, memorial events, and special events in Kathmandu, Nepal and the Everest region.

Background

The day is observed every year in memory of the first summit of Mt. Everest on 29 May 1953 undertaken by Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa from Nepal who became first humans to achieve the feat. In 2008, the Nepal government decided to observe day as International Everest Day when legendary climber Hillary passed away.

About Mount Everest

• It is the world’s highest mountain above sea level with Elevation of 8,848 m.
• It is known as Sagarmatha in Nepali and as Chomolungma in Tibetan.
• The mountain was named as ‘Everest’ as a tribute to Sir George Everest, the Surveyor General of India from 1830 to 1843.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2020