Top 6 Holidays in March according to the Gregorian Calendar in Vietnam

After the establishment of the Communist Party of Vietnam on February 3, 1930, the Party recognized the importance of organizing youth groups. At the Second Central Committee meeting, held from March 20 to 26, 1931, a special day was designated to discuss vital youth mobilization efforts. With approval from the Politburo and President Ho Chi Minh, the Third National Youth Congress, held in Hanoi from March 22 to 25, 1961, decided to officially commemorate March 26, 1931, as the founding day of the Youth Union.

In late March 1931, the Indochinese Communist Party convened a full meeting in Saigon, chaired by General Secretary Tran Phu. The meeting outlined urgent tasks and focused on strengthening the Party's working-class composition. Recognizing the significant role of youth in the revolutionary cause, the decision was made to establish the Communist Youth League. This led to the formation of the Indochinese Communist Youth Union. Over the course of the revolution, the organization underwent various name changes, including: the Democratic Youth League, Anti-Imperialist Youth League, National Salvation Youth League, Labor Youth League, and today, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union. Generations of Vietnamese youth have played their part in fulfilling the nation's historical mission. From May 23-25, 1961, the third national congress of the Union reaffirmed March 26, 1931, as the official date of its founding.

From March 26, 1931, to the present, the Union has changed its name to meet the evolving demands of each revolutionary period:

• 1931-1936: Vietnamese Communist Youth League, Indochinese Communist Youth League
• 1937-1939: Indochinese Democratic Youth League
• 1939-1941: Indochinese Anti-Imperialist Youth League
• 1941-1956: Vietnamese National Salvation Youth League
• 1956-1970: Vietnamese Labor Youth League
• 1970-1976: Ho Chi Minh Labor Youth League
• 1976-present: Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union

Generations of youth have courageously fought for the nation's independence and socialism, continuously achieving remarkable successes and growing stronger with each passing decade.

Over 27 years ago, on January 29, 1991, the Council of Ministers issued Decision No. 25/CT, declaring March 27 each year as 'Vietnam Sports Day.' The celebration aims to encourage all people to engage in physical fitness activities and healthy cultural sports practices. The event has its roots in the early history of revolutionary sports in Vietnam.

After the August Revolution of 1945, when President Ho Chi Minh declared the independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, he also initiated the new nation's physical education and sports program. On January 30, 1946, President Ho Chi Minh signed Decree No. 14 to establish the Central Department of Physical Education under the Ministry of Youth, with the goal of improving national health and enhancing the Vietnamese people’s vitality.

On March 27, 1946, President Ho Chi Minh signed Decree No. 38, creating the Department of Youth and Physical Education under the Ministry of National Education. This department included the Central Youth Office and the Central Physical Education Office. On this very day, newspapers such as Cứu Quốc and Việt Nam Khoẻ published President Ho’s call for the public to exercise: 'Health and Physical Education.' This document is regarded as the first platform for establishing a revolutionary sports foundation for the new Vietnam, reflecting Ho Chi Minh’s vision of physical education as a means to improve national strength. In 1946, following President Ho's call, the nationwide 'Healthy for the Nation' campaign began. With this rich historical significance, March 27 has been officially designated as 'Vietnam Sports Day' annually.

The day promotes public awareness of the importance of physical exercise in maintaining health and improving the quality of life, enhancing the workforce, promoting healthy lifestyles and cultural environments, and strengthening national unity, encouraging hard work and patriotism.

On March 28, 1935, the First National Party Congress passed a resolution on the 'Self-Defense Militia,' marking the official founding of the Vietnam Self-Defense Militia. The militia has been integral to Vietnam's independence, national defense, and the protection of the homeland. From 1935 to 1945, self-defense teams were formed in both rural and urban areas, playing a crucial role in armed uprisings, guerrilla warfare, and establishing base areas. During the August Revolution of 1945, the militia joined the nation in achieving the successful General Uprising for independence. Following September 2, 1945, the militia became an armed force of the newly independent Vietnam, one of the three components of the people's armed forces, and was organized across villages and urban streets, becoming a vital tool for protecting the fledgling revolutionary government and its gains. Today, the militia continues to develop in both quantity and quality, with streamlined organization and improved overall capabilities, ready to meet new challenges.

The Self-Defense Militia is a civilian-based armed force that operates alongside citizens in their daily lives and work. It is an essential part of Vietnam's Armed Forces, operating under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the management of the government, and local authorities. The militia is responsible for protecting the government, the people’s lives and property, as well as the state’s assets at the commune, organization, and institutional levels.

In peacetime, the Self-Defense Militia is a key force that balances labor production with defense duties, such as responding to natural disasters, accidents, and other crises, as well as maintaining local security, order, and political stability. It also plays a significant role in strengthening the defense capabilities of local communities. On the borders, seas, and islands, the militia works alongside the Border Guard Forces to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In times of war, the militia becomes a strategic force within the people’s war, leading the national resistance movement. It participates in combat, supports military efforts, and collaborates with other forces to defend localities and regions as per defense plans. The militia is also responsible for civil defense in both peacetime and wartime, in accordance with the law.

Throughout its history, the Self-Defense Militia has been steadfast in its loyalty to the nation, the people, and the revolutionary cause of the Party. Militia members have demonstrated bravery, intelligence, and resilience, achieving significant victories and making countless contributions. As of now, 366 militia units and 275 individuals have been honored with the title 'Hero of the Armed Forces of the People.' The Vietnam Self-Defense Militia deserves the praise from President Ho Chi Minh: 'The militia and guerrilla forces are the nation's strength, an invincible force, and the iron wall of the country. No matter how fierce the enemy is, if they clash with this force, they will be destroyed.'

Among the 365 days of the year, women around the world have one special day dedicated to acknowledging their contributions and addressing the hardships they face in life.

There is no denying the enormous role and responsibilities of modern women: they are homemakers, active participants in the workforce, contributing their efforts to the nation's development, and most importantly, they hold the sacred duty of motherhood, bringing new life into the world and nurturing it. Today, women are increasingly asserting themselves as a powerful force, no longer seen as the 'weaker sex.' In some countries, International Women's Day on March 8 is considered one of the most important holidays, celebrated on a grand scale. On this day, men often present flowers and gifts to the women in their lives—mothers, wives, girlfriends, etc.

In certain nations, International Women's Day is marked by festivals, parades, and calls for gender equality in practical matters such as pay equity, access to education, career advancement, social welfare, and combating issues like prostitution and violence against women.

In Vietnam, March 8 is also a day of commemoration for the historical uprising of the Trung Sisters, two female national heroes who fought to expel foreign invaders from the North and reclaim the nation's sovereignty. The pride and resilience of Vietnamese women have their roots in this remarkable legacy. To honor women, various organizations, communities, and families hold formal celebrations filled with flowers and heartfelt wishes on this day.

International Women's Day is also an occasion for men to express their appreciation and affection for the women they cherish.

On this special day, I would like to extend my warmest wishes for health, happiness, and success to the women of Vietnam, who continue to embody the four core virtues of modern Vietnamese women: 'Self-confidence - Self-respect - Loyalty - Diligence.'

Every year on March 20, we celebrate the International Day of Happiness with the message that balance and harmony are key to achieving happiness. "For each person, happiness may mean different things. However, we all agree that happiness means working to end conflicts, poverty, and other unfortunate conditions that many of our fellow humans are currently enduring. Happiness is not a luxury or a frivolous desire. It is a deep yearning shared by every member of the human family. Happiness should not be denied to anyone and must belong to all. This aspiration is embodied in the United Nations Charter's commitment to promote peace, justice, human rights, social progress, and improved living standards."

The United Nations chose March 20 as the International Day of Happiness because it marks a special moment when the sun crosses the equator, resulting in equal lengths of day and night—symbolizing balance and harmony in the universe. This day also reflects the balance between opposing forces like light and dark, dreams and reality… Therefore, March 20 carries the message that balance and harmony are essential keys to happiness.

Some of the promotional messages for International Day of Happiness that our country promotes:

• Celebrate International Day of Happiness on March 20!
• Take action for the goal: Prosperous, progressive, happy, and civilized families!
• Create a living, learning, and working environment that fosters happiness!
• Family - A place of love and sharing.
• Protect children with a happy, peaceful family.
• Respect, listen, and share to preserve the happiness of the family.

World Water Day, observed every year on March 22, is dedicated to raising awareness about the vital importance of water. Water, especially fresh water, plays a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth and is essential for human survival. The United Nations designated March 22 as World Water Day to highlight this need.

Statistics show that around 663 million people worldwide still lack access to safe, clean drinking water and sanitation. Even for those who have access, water services often fail to meet basic needs.

In the regions bordering the Sahara Desert in Africa, about 30% to 50% of rural water supply systems break down within five years of being built. Meanwhile, urban water services are often limited to water distribution pipelines, which are frequently contaminated by industrial, agricultural, and urban pollutants, further compromising even those areas once considered safe. Many of those without access to basic water services live in conflict-ridden countries with poor water management, high poverty rates, and weak institutions. In countries with a history of conflict and instability, the influx of refugees has worsened the water service situation.

USAID’s water-related initiatives include:

• Increasing the number of people who can access basic water services.
• Improving the capacity of educational and healthcare facilities to provide and manage water services in schools and medical clinics.
• Promoting financial resources for water conservation and maintenance activities, including investments in innovative water management financial schemes.
• Enhancing the quality and reliability of drinking and domestic water sources.
• Increasing the number of people with access to safely managed drinking water services.

Through USAID’s efforts, communities around the world are benefiting from improved sanitation and water services, along with enhanced resilience to the impacts of climate change.