International Day of Friendship

International Friendship Day History

International Day of Friendship is celebrated to promote the idea of friendship and harmony among people, cultures, and countries. The UN designated this day in 2011 to encourage individuals and nations to work towards building bridges across boundaries, promoting empathy and understanding, and fostering peace and solidarity.

In India, the International Day of Friendship holds significant relevance as the country cherishes its rich tradition of harmonious coexistence and amicable relationships. India has been known for its diverse social fabric and multicultural heritage, where people from different religions, castes, and ethnicities have lived together for centuries. The day offers a unique opportunity for Indians to celebrate their cultural diversity, build new friendships, and strengthen existing ones.

The anniversary also serves as a platform for social gatherings, cultural exchange programs, and awareness campaigns that highlight the importance of friendship in building peaceful societies. The celebrations encourage people to embrace diversity, promote inclusivity, and work towards a common goal of global harmony and unity. The International Day of Friendship is observed annually on July 30th.

Facts about International Day of Friendship

• In 1998, the UN Secretary's wife, Nane Annan, named Winnie the Pooh as the Ambassador of Friendship at the UN.
• It's been proved that we can catch happiness from our friends. A Harvard study suggested that if a person becomes happy, a friend living close by has a 25% higher chance of becoming happy too.
• Studies show that the quality of friendships during adolescence could predict mental health in adulthood.
• Indian society places much emphasis on close-knit groups of friends or yaar, who are considered an essential part of an individual's support system.
• Indian friendships are often shaped and affected by social structures like caste, religion, and socioeconomic status.

In the News and Trending in India for International Day of Friendship

Top things to do in India for this observance

• Let every one of your friends know how much you appreciate them - with a card, a letter, a phone call, an email, a text, etc.
• Perform random acts of kindness for strangers and make some new friends.
• Friends can take a short road trip to explore and enjoy popular tourist destinations such as Goa, Munnar, Jaipur or Shimla, creating new memories together.
• Participate in social or community work, like cleaning up a local park or volunteering at a nearby NGO. This will not only strengthen your friendships but also give back to the community.