From chocolates to favourite clothes, from our deepest secrets to life goals and from our profound sorrows to the funniest jokes, we share a part of ourselves with our friends. The much-awaited occasion of Friendship day to reminisce the beautiful bond of a special relationship between friends is finally here! People tie popular friendship bands, share cards with wishes and gifts to celebrate their friendship.
A relation with a friend is not consigned by birth but by choice. Having even one true friend is believed to be one of the greatest blessings of life. Friendship is a pure bond celebrated with the exchange of gifts, cards, bands, flowers and much more. Some throw a party while some go on a vacation. Many restaurants and outlets come up with discount deals.
Why is it celebrated?
Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards in 1930, originated Friendship Day. It was intended to be on August 2 each year when people would be celebrating their friendships by holiday celebrations.
The US marked the beginning of this occasion in 1935 while initiating the celebration as National Friendship Day. The idea of “International Friendship Day” sprouted in the mind of Dr Ramon Artemio Bracho’s in 1958 while having dinner with his friends in Puerto Pinasco in Paraguay. The foundation named as World Friendship Crusade was born out of this humble meeting of friends. Since then, friendship day has become the trend prevailing in the society.
30th July was officially declared as International Friendship Day by the General Assembly of the United Nations on April 27, 2011. In a cheering moment, the UN declared Nane Annan, named Winnie the Pooh as an International Brand Ambassador of friendship in 1998. A day dedicated to the honour of friends originated about 101 years back in 1919 in the US.
It often occurs on different dates in different countries while India celebrates it on the first Sunday of August each year. This year it falls on 2nd August.
To know top 50 wishes, messages and quotes on friendship day, visit ToI
A unique way to celebrate
“I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light,” says Helen Keller.
A trustworthy friend is said to be one who understands you, listens to you, uplifts you, guides you and supports you in the ups and downs of life. This day is not about just sharing the gifts and sweets, but to exchange the feelings to words.
This friendship day let’s acknowledge our friend’s mental health, let’s talk about it, and let’s support them to combat their mental illness, let’s get ready to listen to their stories, let’s share their grief. And let’s make this day remarkable to break the taboos associated with mental health during this crisis. Let’s stop name-calling and judging others and make a chain to appreciate whoever they are. Whatever their personality, colour, religion, or sexual identity is. Let’s learn to encourage each other and spread some positive vibes for living a better life. Most importantly, let’s become our friends and promote self-love. Let’s pat on our backs for being so strong throughout these tough times and take care of ourselves and others. Try to make it the happiest Friendship Day ever!!
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