International Friendship Day

International Friendship Day will be celebrated on 30 July 2025, Sunday

In 2011, the United Nations General Assembly declared 30 July to be International Friendship Day. While this is an international holiday, it is celebrated on different days in different countries. In India, it is always celebrated on the first Sunday in the month of August.

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When is International Friendship Day in 2025

Date

Day

Celebrated

30 July 2025

Wednesday

International Friendship Day

A Brief History

Friendship Day

The idea of a World Friendship Day was first suggested in the year 1958 in Paraguay by Dr. Ramon Artemio Bracho. This led to the formation of the World Friendship Crusade. Due to the efforts of this foundation, the United Nations (UN) recognised 30 July as the International Day of Friendship. Member nations of the UN observe this day according to local customs and culture. In 1998, Winne the Pooh was named the global Ambassador of Friendship at an event at the United Nations.

Why Celebrate Friendship Day

This day is celebrated solely to honour the friends we have made in life and thank them for the meaningful direction that our lives have taken since we met them. The significance of friends has only grown as societies have moved from joint families to nuclear families. Bonds are formed so strong, that friends regard each other as family rather than friends.

Friendship Day is a constant in our everchanging lives. The reason to celebrate this day is that no matter how strong relationships are, they do need validation and nurture on occasions. And Friendship Day is an opportunity to realise and show our unconditional love and support to our friends.

International Friendship Day Traditions

International Day of Friendship is a day to celebrate those friends who stand up for us, challenge our stubbornness, make time for us when the rest of the world is busy growing up, come to our homes in the dead of night to comfort us, and even long distance friends whose friendship has survived overseas. 

Everyone’s definition of friendship is different, and so is the bond. Friends we have known for years may not be our closest friends, while we may think of someone we’ve only known for a few months as our best friend. That’s why traditions and celebrations vary from person to person. 

Some people celebrate International Day of Friendship in a low-key way, like just hanging out with your friends and doing your ‘thing’, while others celebrate in more traditional ways like throwing parties, exchanging gifts, and showing your friends how much they mean to you.  

Another common tradition on this day is reaching out and reconnecting with friends you haven’t seen in a while.

Friendship Day celebrations

Friendship Day is celebrated all over the world where friends exchange cards, flowers, and gifts. They tie Friendship bands on others' wrists to commemorate their friendship and bond. Many even make bands and bracelets at home, customising them for friends.

Apart from material gifts, you will also find Friendship Day poems, songs, messages, quotes, and images shared between friends.

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FAQs on International Friendship Day

  • Is it a public holiday on International Friendship Day?

    No, it is not a public holiday on International Friendship Day.  

  • Are there any symbols associated with International Friendship Day?

    Friendship bracelets, flowers, and greeting cards are common symbols associated with International Friendship Day. These items are often exchanged between friends as tokens of affection and appreciation. 

  • How is social media involved in Friendship Day celebration?

    You can share messages, posts and videos related to Friendship Day on social media.  

  • What role does the United Nations play in International Friendship Day?

    The United Nations promotes International Friendship Day as part of its efforts to build bridges between communities and cultures. The UN encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to observe the day through activities that contribute to peace and understanding. 

  • How can businesses and organisations participate in International Friendship Day?

    Yes, businesses and organizations can participate by organizing team-building activities, hosting social events, or supporting community projects that promote friendship and cooperation. 

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