Why Do We Celebrate Friendship Day?
Friendship Day was originated by the founder of Hallmark cards, Joyce Hall in 1930. He chose 2nd August to be Friendship Day as it was at the centre of the biggest break between holiday celebrations and when the sales of greeting cards hit rock bottom. However, people saw through the obvious commercial gimmick and the holiday largely died out in the Americas at the dawn of the 40s.
However, Friendship Day got a cultural revival in the last decade with the advent of affordable internet in southeast Asian countries. On 27th April 2011, the General Assembly of the United Nations declared 30th July as official International Friendship Day. Nevertheless, in India, we celebrate it on the first Sunday of August.
This day has gained popularity on social media in the country as well as across the world, especially in fellow southeast Asian countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore, South American countries of Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Ecuador and Venezuela. It has also picked up steam in UAE, Spain, the USA and Mexico.
Though there is no historical precedent to this day, the universality of friendship and love is reason enough to celebrate. The day provides an opportunity for us to remind our friends how much we love them and care for their happiness, which we often forget as we get busy with life.
