Friendship Day, a day dedicated to cherishing the eternal bonds between friends, is a joyous occasion, especially for children. Friends exchange gifts, attend special events, and gather for delightful get-togethers on this special day. Tieing a decorative thread around your friend's wrist is a customary and traditional way to celebrate, symbolising the enduring love and friendship shared. International Friendship Day was recently celebrated on July 30.
While the United Nations General Assembly officially recognises International Friendship Day on July 30, some countries, such as India, observe it on the first Sunday of August. This variation in dates allows the celebration to be spread across multiple days while maintaining the essence of friendship.
Despite the festive atmosphere surrounding Friendship Day, its inception was fraught with difficulties. Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards, proposed the idea in 1930. She envisioned August 2 as a day for friends to exchange gifts and greeting cards. While the National Association of Greeting Cards supported the proposal, some critics saw it as a commercial ploy to increase card sales.
However, the landscape shifted in 1935, when the United States Congress established a day of friendship in the aftermath of World War I. The initiative sought to alleviate feelings of hatred, mistrust, and enmity among nations and communities. Finally, in 2011, the United Nations declared July 30 to be International Friendship Day, confirming its global significance.
Friendship Day is celebrated with great zeal in India. Restaurants, amusement parks, and other venues hold special events and offer enticing discounts to commemorate the occasion. For many, this day serves as an opportunity to reconcile differences, let go of old grudges, and reaffirm their love for one another. Schools participate in the festivities as well, organising small programmes or feasts for friend groups. Friendship bands exchanged on this day have sentimental value and are frequently kept as cherished keepsakes for years to come.
Friendship Day serves as a heartwarming reminder of the priceless bonds we share with our friends, adding a delightful chapter to the story of life.