Travel through time on 31st May with this exciting children’s article! From the inauguration of Dakshineswar Temple and Ramakrishna’s divine journey to Pharaoh Ramesses II, the invention of asphalt roads, the Titanic, Kellogg’s cornflakes, electric trains, and the magical world of Harry Potter – history has never been this fun!
Dear Young Explorers,
Welcome aboard the Time Machine! Buckle your seatbelts as we zoom through history, whizzing past pyramids, temples, trains, and even a certain magical school called Hogwarts! Let’s dive into the magical mysteries and marvellous moments that happened on this very day – the 31st of May – across centuries!
🎇 The Dakshineswar Temple
Did you know that on 31st May 1855, a majestic temple on the banks of the Ganges in Kolkata was opened for the very first time? It was the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, lovingly built by Rani Rashmoni. She entrusted a young, kind-hearted man named Gadadhar Chattopadhyay to perform the daily rituals there.
But Gadadhar wasn’t your usual priest—he could see the goddess Kali walking before him! He even fed the food to a cat, saying that Kali had taken that form. That young man later became the legendary Ramakrishna Paramahansa, who taught the world that all religions lead to the same divine truth. 🌼✨
👑 When Pharaoh Ramesses Took the Throne
Let’s now set our clock way back to 30th May, 1279 BCE in ancient Egypt! That’s when Ramesses II, one of the most powerful Pharaohs (Egyptian kings), was crowned. He ruled for 66 years and built giant temples, including one with four enormous statues of himself! Imagine seeing that while walking your pet camel! 🐫🏛️
Here is a video for you.
📮 Hello from the Past – First Post Office in Calcutta!
On 31st May 1774, the very first post office in India was opened in Calcutta. Long before WhatsApp or emails, people wrote beautiful letters with ink and stamps. This little building became the starting point of India’s postal journey. Would you like to write a letter with a feather pen someday? 📝📬
🛣️ Let’s Talk Roads – Not Just Any Old Path
Ever wondered what roads were like before? Not smooth at all! But on this very day in 1870, E.J. DeSmedt patented asphalt – the black, sticky stuff that makes our roads smooth and safe. So, next time you’re cycling on a nice, smooth road, remember to whisper a little “thank you” to Mr DeSmedt! 🚴♀️🛤️
🚂 All Aboard the Electric Train!
On 30th May 1879, the first ever electric railway was shown off at the Berlin Trade Expo! A few years later, the world’s first electric tram began in Berlin. Earlier it was steam engine or charcoal was used for power. Do you know the first ever train in India started in 1853 – with a ride from Mumbai to Thane. Choo choo! 🚆⚡
🥣 The Man Who Gave Us Cornflakes!
Hungry yet? On 31st May 1885, Dr John Harvey Kellogg filed a patent for “flaked cereal”. Yes – the crunchy, munchy, yummy cornflakes you have for breakfast! Bet he never guessed his invention would become such a cereal-ously big hit! 🥄😄
🚢 The Titanic Takes Off (But… Oh Dear!)
On 31st May 1911, the massive ship RMS Titanic was launched in Belfast. It was the biggest ship of its time, called “unsinkable” (spoiler: it wasn’t). It struck an iceberg in April 1912 and sank, but its story still sails through time in books and films. 🧊⚓
Here is the original video of the launch for you.
🐘 Roaring into the Wild – Kruger National Park!
Pack your binoculars! On 31st May 1926, Kruger National Park in South Africa became the first national park of the country. It’s home to lions, elephants, rhinos, and more! And closer to home, we’ve got Jaldapara, Gorumara, Buxa, and many wild wonders in North Bengal too! 🐅🌳
Here is a video from Kruger National park.
⚡ Accio, Potterheads!
Wands out, everyone! Because on 31st May 2004, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban hit cinemas in the UK. Though we had to wait till 4th June in India, the magic didn’t fade a bit. Buckbeak, time-turners, and a mysterious prisoner – what an adventure it was! 🧙♂️🕰️
Have you seen the movie? Here is the trailer for you.
That’s all from our Time Machine today. Remember, history is not just about dates and facts – it’s full of stories, mysteries, and magic, waiting for YOU to discover them.
📚 Keep exploring, keep reading, and keep wondering!
Your friendly time-traveller. 🕰️🌍✨
