Mumbai: Friendship Day, celebrated annually on the first Sunday of August, is a special occasion dedicated to honouring the cherished bonds of friendship. This year, it will be observed on August 4th. This day is about expressing gratitude for friends who bring joy, support, and love into our lives. Whether through simple gestures or grand celebrations, Friendship Day focuses on recognising the importance of these relationships.
When is International Friendship Day 2024?
Understand when is International Friendship Day and when Friendship Day is celebrated in India along with its origin and significance.
Origin of Friendship Day
Among the various theories about the origin of Friendship Day, it is widely believed that the celebration was first organised in 1930 by Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards. He envisioned the day being celebrated on August 2, encouraging people to come together and express gratitude for the feelings they share. However, the celebration gradually lost its popularity in the following years.
In 1935, the US Congress decided to dedicate a day in honour of friends, recognising the need to show warmth and camaraderie during a time when the world was suffering from the devastating effects of World War I and widespread hatred.
In 1958, the World Friendship Crusade, an international civil organisation, proposed July 30th as the first International Friendship Day. Their campaign aimed to promote a peaceful culture through friendship.
The United Nations (UN) General Assembly officially adopted Friendship Day in 1997. In 1998, Nane Annan, wife of then-UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, named Winnie the Pooh as the world’s Ambassador of Friendship at the UN.
In 2011, the UN General Assembly proclaimed the International Day of Friendship, with the belief that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures, and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. July 30 was declared the official date for celebrating International Friendship Day.
However, many countries, including India, now celebrate it on the first Sunday of August. This year, Friendship Day in India will be celebrated on August 4th.
Significance of Friendship Day
Friendship Day is more than just a time to exchange gifts and messages; it is an opportunity to reflect on the essence of friendship. Friends are the family we choose, providing unwavering support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. They stand by us through thick and thin, making life’s journey more enjoyable and less daunting.
Whether through heartfelt wishes, inspiring quotes, creative posters or thoughtful gifts, this day is all about celebrating the connections we have with our friends that make our lives richer and more fulfilling.
Here are Friendship Day wishes, quotes, posters and gift ideas:
Happy Friendship Day 2024 wishes
“Happy Friendship Day! Your friendship is a treasured gift that I cherish every day.”
“To the friend who always knows how to bring a smile to my face, Happy Friendship Day!”
“On this Friendship Day, I want to thank you for being my rock and my confidant. Cheers to many more years of friendship!”
“Happy Friendship Day to the one who understands me like no one else. You make every day brighter.”
“Friendship is the golden thread that ties the heart of all the world. Happy Friendship Day!”
“Wishing a joyful Friendship Day to the person who makes my life extraordinary with their presence.”
“To the friend who has been with me through thick and thin, Happy Friendship Day! Here’s to many more adventures together.”
“Happy Friendship Day! May our bond of friendship continue to grow stronger with each passing day.”
“On this special day, I want you to know how much your friendship means to me. Happy Friendship Day!”
“Sending you lots of love and happiness on this Friendship Day. Thank you for being such an amazing friend!”
Friendship Day quotes
“A friend overlooks your broken fence and admires the flowers in your garden.”
“Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.” – Woodrow Wilson
“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” – Walter Winchell
“Friends are the siblings God never gave us.” – Mencius
“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’” – C.S. Lewis
“A true friend is someone who is there for you when they would rather be anywhere else.” – Len Wein
“Friendship is not about whom you have known the longest. It is about who came and never left your side.” – Unknown
“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.”
“Good friends are like stars. You don’t always see them, but you know they’re always there.”
“True friendship comes when the silence between two people is comfortable.” – David Tyson Gentry
Friendship Day posters
Friendship Day posters (All images: Pinterest)
Friendship Day gift ideas
Memory scrapbook: Create a scrapbook filled with photos, mementoes, and handwritten notes capturing your favourite memories together.
Handmade friendship bracelet: A classic token of friendship, you can make it yourself for a personal touch.
Experience gift: Plan an outing or activity that you both enjoy, such as a cooking class, spa day, or concert tickets.
Books by their favourite author/ genre: Give a book by their favourite author or a new release in a genre they love, with a personalised note inside.
Personalised stationery: Custom-made notepads, pens, or journals with their name or a special message.
Customised puzzle: Create a puzzle featuring a favourite photo of the two of you, providing a fun activity and a cherished keepsake.
Friendship lamps: These lamps connect via Wi-Fi and light up when one person touches theirs, letting the other know they’re being thought of, no matter the distance.
Recipe book: Compile a book of your friend’s favourite recipes or recipes that you’ve enjoyed together, adding personal notes or stories related to each dish.
DIY spa kit: Put together a spa kit with items like bath bombs, candles, face masks, and lotions for a luxurious self-care experience at home.
Aromatherapy diffuser: An elegant diffuser paired with essential oils can help create a relaxing atmosphere for your friend.
As we celebrate International Friendship Day 2024, let’s take a moment to reflect on the importance of friendship in our lives. Whether it’s sending a heartfelt wish, sharing an inspiring quote, creating a vibrant poster, or giving a thoughtful gift, every gesture counts. Let’s make this day memorable by expressing our gratitude and love for the friends who stand by us through thick and thin, making our journey through life a little brighter.
International Friendship Day 2024 is the perfect occasion to express gratitude and love for the special friends who enrich our lives. Discover a collection of meaningful wishes, inspiring quotes, vibrant posters, and thoughtful gift ideas to make this day memorable. Events Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
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