Friendship Day 2025 - Sunday, Aug 3 2025

It was in Paraguay where in 1958, the first World Friendship Day was proposed. Dr. Artemio Bracho who was enjoying Dinner with his friends came up with the idea to have a separate day reserved just for friends and their lovely bond. From then on several southern American lands have been celebrating it with full enthusiasm. In India and the neighboring countries, wide use of mobile phones and internet led to the wide spread of this festival. What began with the greeting card industry, is now a popular day where wrist bands, flowers and other gifts are exchanged in order to attribute this day and thank friends for being there.

Friendship Day is a special day dedicated to celebrating friendships and the bond between friends. It is observed in various countries around the world, though the dates and customs can vary.
Originally, the World Friendship Crusade proposed to celebrate it on 30th of July, 1958. However, in 2011, the General Assembly of the UN, declared 30th July as the International Friendship Day. But some countries like Oberlin and India have different days and dates to celebrate it. While Oberlin commemorates the day on 8th April every year, Indians celebrate it on the first Sunday of August. Friendship Day was initially promoted by Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark cards, in 1930. The original idea was to mark the day with the exchange of friendship bands, cards, and gifts. Although it was initially created as a commercial event, the spirit of the day has since evolved into a genuine celebration of friendships.

History of Friendship Day

The history of Friendship Day dates back to 1930 when it was first proposed by Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark cards in the United States. He intended it to be a day where people would celebrate their friendships by exchanging cards and gifts. Over time, the idea gained popularity, and Friendship Day became an annual event celebrated in various countries around the world.

The exact date of Friendship Day varies in different countries and cultures. For example:

• In the United States, Friendship Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of August.
• In India and some other South Asian countries, Friendship Day is typically celebrated on the first Sunday of August as well.
• Several countries observe International Friendship Day on July 30th, a date recognized by the United Nations since 2011.

The purpose of Friendship Day is to honor and celebrate the relationships of friendship and to recognize the importance of friends in our lives. It's a day for people to express gratitude, affection, and appreciation towards their friends through various gestures such as exchanging gifts, cards, or spending quality time together.

In 1998, Winnie The Pooh was symbolized as the Ambassador of Friendship at the UN to attract the world communities and it s people towards this day. With time, it became a worldwide day of festivity.

The Significance of Friendship

Friendship holds significant meaning in our lives across cultures and time. Here are some key aspects that highlight its importance:

1. Emotional Support: Friends provide us with emotional support during difficult times. They offer a listening ear, empathy, and encouragement, which can be crucial for our mental well-being.

2. Companionship: Friends provide companionship and help alleviate feelings of loneliness. Whether sharing activities, hobbies, or simply spending time together, friends contribute to a sense of belonging and connection.

3. Trust and Loyalty: Friendships are built on trust and loyalty. Knowing that we can rely on our friends fosters a sense of security and strengthens the bond between individuals.

4. Personal Growth: Friends often challenge us to grow and become better individuals. They provide constructive feedback, support our goals, and inspire us to step out of our comfort zones.

5. Shared Experiences: Friendships are often forged through shared experiences, both positive and challenging. These shared moments create lasting memories and deepen the bond between friends.

6. Health Benefits: Studies have shown that having strong friendships can have positive effects on our physical health, such as reducing stress levels and promoting longevity.

7. Different Perspectives: Friends offer different perspectives and viewpoints, broadening our understanding of the world and helping us see situations from various angles.

As emotions and feelings are intrinsic to human nature, to have somebody relieve them, and share them is the best feeling on earth. To honor the presence of friend in one’s life the US congress declared a proclamation in 1935, according to which every First Sunday of the month of august is celebrated world-wide as the “Friendship Day”.

Friendship Day Celebrations Around the World

Friendship Day is celebrated with enthusiasm in various parts of the world, often with unique customs and traditions. Here's a glimpse of how Friendship Day is observed in different countries:

1. United States: In the US, Friendship Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of August. Friends exchange cards, gifts, and often organize outings or parties to commemorate their friendships.

2. India: Friendship Day in India is a big occasion, celebrated on the first Sunday of August. Friends tie friendship bands on each other's wrists as a symbol of their bond. It's also common for friends to exchange gifts and spend quality time together.

3. Argentina: Known as "Día del Amigo," Friendship Day in Argentina is celebrated on July 20th. Friends gather to share meals, exchange gifts, and enjoy each other's company.

4. Brazil: In Brazil, Friendship Day ("Dia do Amigo") is celebrated on July 20th. It's a day when friends exchange small gifts and cards, and many restaurants and bars offer special discounts for groups of friends.

5. Paraguay: Paraguay celebrates Friendship Day ("Día de la Amistad") on July 30th. Friends exchange gifts and cards, and it's common for people to organize gatherings or parties to celebrate their friendships.

6. Nepal: Friendship Day in Nepal is celebrated on the first day of the Nepali month of Shrawan, which usually falls in July or August. Friends tie colorful friendship bands (known as "dhago") around each other's wrists and exchange sweets and gifts.

7. Spain: In Spain, Friendship Day ("Día del Amigo") is celebrated on July 20th. Friends exchange small gifts or cards and often spend time together enjoying meals or activities.

8. Malaysia: Friendship Day in Malaysia is celebrated on the first Sunday of August, similar to the US and India. Friends exchange gifts and may organize outings or parties to mark the occasion.

 Wish You A Very Happy Friendship Day!!!

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