International Friendship Day: Who introduced the concept of friendship day? When is it celebrated & why

"A friend is one soul abiding in two bodies." — Aristotle.

Friendship is a beautiful bond, and no matter how cliché it sounds, there’s no better relationship than friendship. To honour this special bond, we celebrate Friendship Day annually on the first Sunday of August.

But why do we do this? Even though the UN has declared July 30 as International Friendship Day, in India, we celebrate Friendship Day on the first Sunday of August, which falls on 4 August this year.

History of Friendship Day

The idea of Friendship Day was introduced by the Greeting Card National Association in 1920 to boost greeting card sales. However, people soon realized it was just a marketing gimmick and stopped following it. The concept was later revived by Joyce Hall, the owner of Hallmark Greeting Cards, in 1930.

Nearly three decades later, in 1958, the World Friendship Crusade proposed the idea again, but it wasn't until 2011 that the United Nations officially declared July 30 as World Friendship Day. While different nations celebrate it on this day, India, along with countries like Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Bangladesh, celebrates it on the first Sunday of August.

3 Best Ways to Celebrate Friendship Day:

Go for a Movie Date:

If your friend is a movie enthusiast, there’s nothing better than a movie date followed by a delicious meal at your favorite restaurant.

Explore the City:

In our busy schedules, we often forget to spend quality time with our friends. This Friendship Day, explore the city, discover new places, and make new memories with your friends.

Plan a Staycation:

Since Friendship Day falls on a Sunday, a staycation is a perfect idea. Surprise your friend by booking a cozy bed and breakfast or a room and spa with a pool, and spend an amazing day with your BFF.

Also watch: Peanut Butter and Chocolate Day: Store bought or home made which should you choose as your spread?