Pi(π) Day

Pi Day on 14 March celebrates the constant π, its scientific importance, and key contributions by Aryabhata and Ramanujan in its calculation.

Pi(π) Day

Syllabus: Important Days (UPSC Prelims)
Source: The Hindu

Pi Day is celebrated every year on 14th March¹ (3/14) to honour the mathematical constant π (pi). The date also marks the birth anniversary of Albert Einstein (1879) and the death anniversary of Stephen Hawking (2018), adding scientific significance to the day.

Why Pi is Important

π = ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter.
It is an irrational number — its digits go on forever without repeating.
The symbol π was first used in 1706 by mathematician William Jones, inspired by the words periphery and perimeter.

Indian Contributions

Aryabhata (476–550 CE) approximated pi as 3.1416 in Aryabhatiya.
Srinivasa Ramanujan (1914) developed formulas that later helped compute pi to millions of digits.

Applications of Pi

Used in geometry, engineering, wave mechanics, and architecture.
Critical for designing circles, domes, bridges, and structural components.
Space agencies like ISRO use π for orbital calculations, satellite positioning, and spacecraft trajectories.
Appears in statistical formulas, probability distributions, and natural phenomena.