When is Friendship Day 2023 in India? Date, Significance, History and Importance of Friendship Day

“Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.” – Woodrow Wilson

As we traverse the journey of life, we come across countless individuals- some fleeting, while others leave an indelible mark on our hearts. Among these, true friends emerge as our guiding light, leading us through our darkest times and rejoicing with us in our moments of triumph. The presence of these friends fills our lives with laughter, love, and understanding making our world a better place. Friendship Day is a joyous occasion dedicated to the essence of true friendship and it serves as a heartfelt reminder of the significance of companionship and the profound impact it has on our lives.

In a world that continues to evolve rapidly, one thing remains constant and invaluable and that is the beautiful bond of friendship. Every year, on the occasion of Friendship Day, people from all walks of life, all over the world come together to celebrate a day that honors these cherished connections.

In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the depths of Friendship Day, its origins, its significance, and the various customs and traditions observed worldwide to commemorate this special occasion.

FRIENDSHIP AND THE MYTHOLOGIES OF THE WORLD

Friendships have been a prominent theme of mythologies across cultures, often portrayed through various myths, legends, and stories. In these ancient tales, friendships are celebrated for their loyalty, sacrifice, and the profound impact they have on individuals and communities. Here are some examples of how friendships have been referred to in different mythologies:

1. Greek Mythology: One of the most famous examples of friendship in Greek mythology is the bond between Achilles and Patroclus. They were close companions and warriors during the Trojan War, with their friendship often depicted as intense. The story of Damon and Pythias also stands as a symbol of loyalty and sacrifice.
2. Hindu Mythology: In Hindu mythology, the friendship between Lord Krishna and Sudama is celebrated for its purity and selflessness. Sudama, a poor Brahmin, visited Krishna, who was a king at that time, and offered him a humble gift of beaten rice. Krishna welcomed his friend with open arms showing that true friendship transcends material wealth.
3. Chinese mythology: In Chinese mythology, the story of Houyi and Chang’e portrays a deep friendship between the legendary archer and his wife. Their bond is tested when Chang’e becomes a celestial being, and the tale reflects the eternal longing  between friends separated by destiny.

WHEN IS FRIENDSHIP DAY CELEBRATED?

World Friendship Day or International Day of Friendship is celebrated in different countries on different dates. In countries like India, Bangladesh, UAE, and Malaysia, it is celebrated on the first Sunday of August. This year it happens to be on 6^th August. While in many countries, it is celebrated on July 30 every year.

HISTORY AND ORIGINS OF FRIENDSHIP DAY

The idea of an occasion dedicated to friends was first introduced by the founder of Hallmark Cards, Joyce Hall, in the United States of America in 1930. However, many people regarded it as a marketing gimmick and soon the idea got lost in obscurity. Somehow, it was later revived in popular culture and adopted by many countries around the world. The official date remains the first Sunday of August in many countries including India as suggested by Hall.

The United Nations has, however, adopted July 30 as the official date of the International Day of Friendship. A Paraguay-based foundation ‘World Friendship Crusade’ proposed the idea of the International Day of Friendship and worked hard for years to have it recognized by the United Nations. After much persuasion, a resolution was passed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011 adopting July 30 as the International Day of Friendship to enhance cross-cultural harmony and solidarity amongst individuals and communities of different races and religions.

SIGNIFICANCE OF FRIENDSHIP DAY IN OUR DAILY LIVES

In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, the importance of Friendship Day holds immense significance. Here are some of the reasons why the celebration continues to be relevant:

1. Promotes Emotional Well-being: Strong friendships contribute to our emotional well-being by providing a support system during difficult times, reducing the fear of loneliness, and increasing overall happiness and contentment. So Friendship Day is a day to honor such friendships and acknowledge and appreciate the meaningful connections in our lives.
2. Strengthens Social Bonds: Friendship Day encourages people to come together, strengthen their social bonds, and create lasting memories. It fosters a sense of community and belonging which is essential to build a healthy society.
3. Encourages acts of Kindness: On this special occasion, people express their love and gratitude to their friends through acts of kindness, thoughtful gestures, and heartfelt messages. This celebration encourages a culture of compassion and empathy, inspiring individuals to be more caring and considerate towards one another.
4. Celebrates Diversity: Friendship knows no boundaries of race, religion, ethnicity, or nationality. Friendship Day celebrates the diversity of friendships and emphasizes the importance of embracing different perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds, promoting harmony and understanding among people.
5. Reduces Stress and anxiety: True friends provide a safe space to share thoughts and feelings without judgment. Celebrating Friendship Day encourages people to engage in meaningful conversations, which can help reduce stress and anxiety levels and improve mental health.
6. Nurtures lifelong bonds: This day serves as an occasion for people to rekindle old friendships, make new connections, and invest in relationships that matter most. It reminds us to prioritize nurturing these bonds for a lifetime of shared experiences and memories.
7. Inspires acts of gratitude: Expressing gratitude to friends on this special day not only strengthens the bond between individuals but also encourages a culture of appreciation and thankfulness. Gratitude is known to improve overall well-being and create a positive outlook on life.
8. Promotes peace and harmony: Genuine friendships can bridge gaps between people and cultures, promoting peace and understanding. By celebrating Friendship Day, we promote the values of love, tolerance, and acceptance, fostering an atmosphere of harmony in our world.
9. Encourages Self-reflection: Friendship Day prompts individuals to reflect on their role as a friend and the impact they have on others. It offers an opportunity for personal growth, allowing people to become better friends by learning from their experiences and mistakes.  

Friendship Day serves as a vital reminder of the profound influence of friendship on our lives and the world around us. By celebrating this day, we acknowledge the power of genuine connections and the positive impact they have on our individual and collective well-being. It encourages us to cherish our friends, spread kindness, and cultivate a more compassionate and harmonious society.

HOW FRIENDSHIP DAY IS CELEBRATED THE WORLD OVER

Friendship Day is celebrated with enthusiasm and joy in various ways all over the world. People come together to honor and cherish their friends, expressing gratitude for the special bonds they share. Here are some of the ways this joyous occasion is celebrated by people.

1. Exchanging gifts, cards, and flowers: This is one of the most common practices followed by people. It is usually accompanied by hand-written notes and heartfelt messages expressing love and gratitude.
2. Posting pictures and dedications of social media platforms: Social media platforms play a significant role in showcasing the strong friendship bonds people have forged in their lives.
3. Participating in community events: Many communities organize friendship-themed events, parties, and gatherings providing an opportunity for friends to spend quality time with each other.
4. Friendship bracelets or bands: In some cultures, it is celebrated by tying friendship bracelets or bands on each other’s wrists symbolizing the enduring nature of their bonds.
5. Outings and Hangouts: Many youth spend the day with their friends, going on outings, visiting amusement parks, or simply hanging out at their favorite cafes and restaurants.
6. Movie Marathons: Friendship Day is an excellent day to watch movies with their friends, especially those that celebrate the theme of friendship. Check out the best friendship movies list here to watch out with your friends.
7. Virtual celebrations: Friends who are physically distant from each other often celebrate friendship day virtually through video calls and online gatherings.

Whether it’s a small get-together or a grand celebration, the spirit of Friendship Day brings people closer and strengthens the fabric of relationships across the globe.

HOW FRIENDSHIP DAY STARTED IN INDIA

In India, the concept of Friendship Day gained popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, primarily influenced by the widespread celebration of the day in Western countries. Indian youth, who were exposed to global trends and cultural influences, readily embraced the idea of dedicating a day to celebrate their friendships.

Initially, Friendship Day was mainly popular among school and college students who exchanged friendship bands, cards, and gifts to express their affection for their friends. The trend gradually spread across various age groups and became a commercialized event, with businesses promoting special offers and products relating to friendship day.

Social media platforms also played a significant role in popularizing Friendship Day in India. People started sharing messages, photos, and dedications to their friends on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, making the occasion even more widely recognized and celebrated.

Today, Friendship Day is a widely observed event in India, with friends coming together to celebrate quality time with each other, exchange gifts, and cherish the special bonds they share. It has become a joyful occasion to express love, appreciation, and gratitude towards friends, making it an essential part of Indian popular culture.

SPECIAL DEALS AND OFFERS THAT CAN BE ENJOYED ON THIS DAY

On Friendship Day in India, many businesses, restaurants, and online retailers offer special deals and discounts to celebrate the occasion and attract customers. These deals encourage people to celebrate their friendships while also enjoying some benefits during their shopping or dining experiences. Here are some common types of benefits that can be availed by people on Friendship Day in India:

1. Friendship Day sales: E-commerce platforms and retail stores often organize Friendship Day sales, offering discounts on a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, gadgets, home décor, and more. These sales are a great opportunity for friends to shop together and find attractive deals.
2. Buy one, Get one Offer: Many restaurants and cafes run “ Buy one, Get one” offers on friendship day, where customers can get a complimentary item with the purchase of another. This deal enables friends to enjoy meals together and share the cost.
3. Discounted group activities: Various entertainment and leisure venues, such as amusement parks, movie theaters, bowling alleys, and adventure parks, may offer discounted rates for group bookings.
4. Discounted spa and salon services: Spas and salons may offer special discounts on Friendship Day for services like massages, facials, haircuts, and more encouraging friends to pamper themselves together.
5. Exclusive gift bundles: Gift shops and online retailers curate exclusive gift bundles with friendship-themed items such as friendship bands, personalized gifts, greeting cards, and more, often available at discounted rates.
6. Cashback and reward points: Some credit card companies and online payment platforms may run special Friendship Day promotions, offering cashback or reward points on transactions made on that day.
7. Freebies and giveaways: Some businesses may give away freebies or conduct lucky draws with exciting prizes on this day to engage and delight their customers.

To take advantage of these deals and discounts, friends should keep an eye on advertisements, social media announcements, and promotional emails from their favorite brands leading up to friendship day. This way, they can plan their celebrations while making most of the special offers available to them.   

THE NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF FRIENDSHIP DAY CELEBRATIONS

While friendship day celebrations are seen as a fun and positive way to appreciate and strengthen friendships, there are some potential negative points associated with the festivities also. It is essential to be mindful of these aspects to ensure that the celebrations remain meaningful and respectful. Here are some of the negative aspects of friendship day celebrations:

1. Commercialization: Friendship Day has become increasingly commercialized with businesses promoting expensive gifts and merchandise. The focus on material aspects can overshadow the true essence of friendship, which is about genuine connection and emotional support.
2. Peer pressure and obligations: Friendship Day celebrations can create a sense of obligation among friends to give gifts and participate in activities, leading to peer pressure and stress.
3. Superficial Expressions: Some people may participate in friendship day celebrations merely for social validation, without genuinely valuing or understanding the essence of friendship.
4. Financial strain: For those with limited financial resources, the pressure to buy gifts or participate in expensive outings may create financial stress and strain.
5. Disregard for online privacy: On social media, people may share personal messages or details about their friendships that can unknowingly compromise privacy and boundaries.
6. Neglecting other relationships: Celebrating friendship day with a certain group of friends might inadvertently neglect other meaningful relationships with family members or acquaintances.
7. Online comparisons: Social media platforms may increase negative feelings if people compare their friendship day celebrations with others leading to feelings of inadequacy or envy.

It’s essential to approach Friendship Day celebrations with sensitivity and thoughtfulness, making sure that the emphasis remains on genuine appreciation, support, and connection.

CONCLUSION

Friendship Day is a cherished occasion that allows people around the world to celebrate the beauty of friendships and the significance of these cherished bonds in their lives. It is a day filled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt expressions of appreciation for those who stand by us through thick and thin. By approaching the day with sincerity and thoughtfulness, we can truly honor the spirit of friendship and make every day a celebration of the cherished relationships that enrich our lives.