Remarkably, India would continue to observe International Friendship Day on the very first Sunday of August even though the United Nations designated it as such on July 30 of every year.
India observes Friendship Day on the first Sunday of August each year. And It falls on August 7 of this year 2022. The idea for the holiday initially started in Paraguay in the year 1958 by Joyce Clyde Hall, the creator of Hallmark cards. The day became well-known over time because of Hallmark cards.
The Day is marked annually to recognize the value of this wonderful relationship. And friendship certainly is one of life’s most precious happenings. Even if one telecommunicates and hangs out and has fun with friends every other day, it is only right to have a day set apart to honor this special relationship.
Change of Date to July 30 for Friendship Day
Winnie the Pooh was designated as the global ambassador of friendship by Nane Annan in 1998 in recognition of the Day. He is the amiable bear and friend of Christopher Robin, a fictional character. Additionally, it is believed that Dr. Ramon Artemio Bracho had the idea for a “Global Friendship Day” on July 20, 1958. It was so while he was sitting down to dinner with his few friends in Puerto Pinasco, Paraguay.
The “World Friendship Crusade,” was established in that year on July 30. It is a foundation that encourages camaraderie across all people, irrespective of their race, color, or religion. Since then, each year, July 30 was observed as Friendship Day in Paraguay. Nevertheless, this custom has since spread to a number of other nations as well.
Later the World Crusade asked the UN for July 30 to be recognized as World Friendship Day. The day was declared the International Day of Friendship by the UN General Assembly. It was in the year 2011, and all member states were encouraged to observe it on July 30.
As previously mentioned, India still observes it on the first Sunday in August. The day is incredibly well-liked among young people thanks to pop culture and Bollywood references. On this day, they trade gifts and inbox their friends with messages to celebrate the day.