Not only the OALD, but many dictionaries I checked broadly say only one thing about the verb 'observe'.
to watch/study/notice (don't go literally, this is the broad meaning I could extract from the meanings)
However, the context is living things in most of the cases. I'm a content writer and often use observe for non-living things. Say..
The mobile industry observed 325% growth (hypothetical) in a past few years
I know that such a construction for non-living things is acceptable because, after all, industries, companies etc. are formed by humans, living beings, but then, I read somewhere in an Indian newspaper.
Thursday observed a huge crowd gathered outside the headquarters of X
While I was still reluctant to use it for industry and things the like, Days observing something raises a question in my mind. And I'm here, on this reliable platform! :)
Is it okay across the globe or another instance of Indian English?