International Friendship Day: How and when did it originate?

Every year, it is celebrated on the first Sunday of August and this year it falls on the 6th.

Friendship Day
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Friendship Day is dedicated to all the friends across the globe, who stand by their friend's side whenever they need. Every year, it is celebrated on the first Sunday of August and this year it falls on the 6th. People tie friendship bands to their friends as a symbol of friendship. Along with the Friendship bracelets, friends also share gifts, cards, chocolates to celebrate this day.

Since the beginning of civilization, friendship has been a vital part of society and is recognised in many folktales and mythological legends. Friends are for life, but a true friend is extremely hard to find. In 1935, the US Congress formally declared the launch of Friendship Day, which was also announced as a federal holiday.

Although, there isn't much information about the exact origin of Friendship Day, but it is believed that it may have been conceived to reinforce valuable bonds between people and divert attention from the mistrust, hatred and hardship caused by WWI as WWII loomed large.

Gradually, the day became quite popular in several countries and its people and now it has been recognized around the world. Initially, the United Nations declared 30 July as International Friendship Day. But, the youngsters prefer to celebrate it on the first Sunday of August and dedicate the day to the eternal bond of trust and love.

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