June 21, 2024. World Music Day or Fete De la Musique as said in French, takes place on the 21st of June each year. The purpose of celebrating this day was to make the music accessible to everyone and promote the music and its diversity. It enables the professional musicians, the amateurs and the general public to all bond over music.
History
The celebration of World Music Day started in France in the year 1982 by the then Minister of Culture of France Jack Lang along with Maurice Fleuret.
Maurice Fleuret had taken up the role of Director of Music and Dance in the French ministry on the year 1981. On the same year he discovered that in France, one in two people among the young population could play an instrument. After this discovery, he wanted to find a way to bring out all the people of Paris out on the streets to celebrate music and this became possible in 1982 on the day of Summer Solstice when they celebrated music the whole day for the first time. This day was later recognised and celebrated by more than 120 countries all over the globe, including India, US, UK, Australia, Canada etc.
On this day, the public is encouraged to play music outside of their houses, in their neighbourhood, on the streets, in public places like parks and empty spaces. Concerts are held all over the city for free of cost. Most of the public places are livened up by the performances of musicians.
Significance
On this day people set aside their differences and become one through the power of music. This brings the people from all aspects of the society together. Amateur musicians, even the people who can just about play an instrument or can sing a little bit also join and showcase their talent and their passion for music without any barriers to stop them.
Benefits
Now that we know about the World Music Day that is today, let us look at the importance that music has in our lives and the benefits that it brings which also affect our health.
Most of us, at some point in our lives, could remember using music as a method of feeling good at times when we were stressed out, or bored. But, along with that, we also use music as a method to increase our happiness, celebrate, feel even more ecstatic. And this aspect may often be looked over by us as we don’t pay much attention to the importance of music as compared to other things in our respective lives. Music has the potential to heal us mentally and reduce stress and promote better mental health.
How to Celebrate?
We can celebrate world music day in many different ways. If you are in India, many different cities in various states have many festivals going on for world music day. You can just look it up online. In New Delhi, many cafes in different regions are celebrating World Music Day by bringing in different artists, hosting DJ parties. Notably in Hauz Khas Village there are many various functions for World Music Day. However, unlike Paris, these are not free.
If you cannot find any events near you, no need to be sad, you can always join various online event that takes place on this day by simply searching online.
