Dates of Friendship Day in India
2025 | Aug 3 |
2024 | Aug 4 |
India Holiday Calendars
Friendship Day is a special occasion celebrated to honor and cherish the bond of friendship. Observed on the first Sunday of August in India, people express their love and gratitude to friends through messages, gifts, and spending quality time together. It's a day to strengthen relationships and create lasting memories.
Friendship Day: A Public Holiday?
Friendship Day is not a public holiday in India. It is celebrated informally on the first Sunday of August, with people exchanging gifts, messages, and spending time with friends, but offices, schools, and businesses remain open as usual.
Friendship Day
Friendship Day was first proposed in 1930 by Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards, as a day to celebrate the bond of friendship. The idea gained popularity over time and was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2011, designating July 30 as International Friendship Day. However, many countries, including India, celebrate it on the first Sunday of August. The day is dedicated to honoring the value of friendship and the role it plays in fostering peace and understanding among people.
Friendship Day in India gained popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, primarily among the youth, inspired by Western traditions. The concept of celebrating friendship was introduced through pop culture, movies, and advertisements, making it a widely recognized occasion. Celebrated on the first Sunday of August, it has become a day to honor the bond of friendship with exchanges of gifts, friendship bands, and heartfelt messages. While it does not have deep historical roots in India, it has grown into a beloved informal celebration across the country.
Observance on Friendship Day in India
Friendship Day is celebrated enthusiastically in India, especially among young people and children. Friends exchange gifts, greeting cards, and messages to express their love and appreciation for one another. One of the most popular traditions is tying friendship bands, colorful bands that symbolize the bond between friends. Many people plan outings, parties, or casual get-togethers to spend quality time with their friends. Social media also plays a big role, with friends sharing photos, messages, and posts dedicated to their cherished relationships.
The celebration is not limited to physical gatherings. Some people use this day to reconnect with old friends, send heartfelt messages, or make phone calls to express gratitude. The day is a reminder to nurture friendships and acknowledge their importance in life.
Friendship Day highlights the value of friendships, offering support, joy, and companionship in life. It encourages rekindling old bonds, strengthening relationships, and promoting unity, love, and mutual respect in a fast-paced world.
Friendship Day Observances
Year | Date | Weekday | Name | Holiday Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | Aug 4 | Sun | Friendship Day | Observance |
2025 | Aug 3 | Sun | Friendship Day | Observance |