Friendship Day in India

Date & Origin: Friendship Day in India is celebrated on the first Sunday of August, following the trend set by the United States in 1935 when Congress proclaimed the day to honor friends and friendships. It has gained popularity in India over recent decades, particularly with the advent of social media and increased exposure to Western culture.

Traditions: In India, Friendship Day celebrations are marked by:

• Exchanging Friendship Bands: Friends gift each other colorful bands as a token of their friendship.
• Social Gatherings: People organize parties or meet up at cafes or restaurants to celebrate the day with their friends.
• Gifts and Cards: Exchanging gifts, greeting cards, and flowers is common among friends to express their affection.
• Social Media Celebrations: Many take to social media platforms to post pictures, videos, and messages celebrating their friendships.

Activities: On this day, people often:

• Spend time with their friends
• Make new friends
• Reconnect with old friends
• Express gratitude for their friendships

The celebration of Friendship Day has evolved with technology, allowing people to reach out to friends across distances through calls, messages, and virtual meetups. Despite its Western origins, Friendship Day has been embraced in India as a joyful occasion to celebrate the invaluable role that friends play in one's life.