The International Day of Friendship is celebrated every year on July 30 across the world. At the same time, in India, the day is celebrated on the first Sunday of August. Both events are the same, but the dates vary because of differences in origin, objectives, and cultural history.
International Day of Friendship:
The International Day of Friendship observed by the UN in 2011 was an exchange of friendship looking forward to global peace and unity. July 30th was chosen, but with greater emphasis on creating better understanding and cooperation among people of different cultures and communities.
Indian Friendship Day:
In contrast, Indian Friendship Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of August. It is this timing that has been commercialised by business people and the media, hence being perpetuated by its celebration on this day. The choice of the first Sunday of August allows one to get together with friends easily, as people automatically have the day off from work. This timing falls within the summer season, which is associated with warmth and social activities.
Origins and popularisation:
The idea of the Day of Friendship gained origin in the United States in the 1950s by Joyce Hall, founder of Hallmark Cards. The date of the celebration was not specified, but the idea spread across borders almost immediately.
In India, the first Sunday of August emerged as a practical and culturally suitable date for celebrating Friendship Day. This choice enables people to enjoy the occasion with more leisure and enthusiasm, making it easier for social interactions and festivities.
While the International Day of Friendship and Indian Friendship Day share the same feelings with regard to this very special relationship called friendship, they are celebrated on different days of the year with a different focus. While the international day was envisioned to bring about unity among people around the globe, the Indian one focuses on personal relationships and social activities. All these differences notwithstanding, both days remain in place to celebrate the emotion of friendship.
Featured Video Of The Day
Kerala Landslide Deaths Rise To 291, Nearly 200 Still Missing
India vs Sri Lanka Live Score, 1st ODI: Focus On Kohli's Role As Gambhir-Rohit Era Begins India vs Sri Lanka Live Streaming 1st ODI Live Telecast: When And Where To Watch Match Live "Whether He Will Laugh Or Not...": Rohit Sharma's Straight Take On New India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir Death Awaited Hamas Chief For 2 Months In A Posh Tehran Locality Explained: Women's Boxing Match At Paris Olympics Sparks Gender Row Woman Claims Man Raped Her From "1987 To 2017". Why Court Cancelled Case US-Russia Prisoner Swap: Trump's Campaign Promise, Delivered By Biden On Exclusion Of Transgenders, Gays From Blood Donation, A Notice To Centre CBSE Class 10, 12 Supplementary Exams 2024 Scorecards To Be Out Soon Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.