Friendship Day

What distinguishes human beings from other living creatures is their sense of relationships. While some connections are by blood – one’s parents and children – there are others that are acquired through betrothal or contract like spouse and in-laws. However, one relationship that is neither acquired by blood nor betrothal and that involves no responsibility, commitment, duty, impulse or formality but is purely a matter of heart and choice is friendship.

Friends are such an important part of our life, so we celebrate our friendship every year on 'Friendship Day'.  Usually, it is celebrated by exchanging gifts like flowers, cards or wristbands among friends. It was initially promoted by Hallmark cards. For the first time, Friendship Day was celebrated on 30th July 1958 in Paraguay. The International Friendship Day is celebrated each year on July 30th however, in a few South Asian countries including India, we celebrate it on the first Sunday of August. So, this year we'll be celebrating our friendships on August 2nd. 

Friendship Day is celebrated in various ways depending upon the age group. I remember being a little kid exchanging bands with all of my friends. I always gave the best bands to the closest ones. And then we all used to compare who got more and who got prettier ones. When I was in my early teenage, I would go for an outing with friends and then come back before it starts to get dark so that my parents don't worry. In High School, I would leave at dusk and come back late at night after a dinner party with friends. My parents always just make some calls to wish their closest friends. But have you ever wondered if the Friendship Day is just about wishing and celebrating friends? Not at all. You should celebrate with your friends, no doubt. But at the same time, it is also about making new friends, about reanimating the dismantled bonds. 

There surely must have been friendship breakups at some point in your life. To be honest, I have had many. Be it because of some misunderstanding or maybe a stupid mistake one of us made. But now that I think if that misunderstanding is worth letting the friendship we had to go? In most cases, it's not. Now that we know what the actual purpose of Friendship Day is, why not fulfil it? This friendship day, let's befriend a ton of people. Get in touch with those friends again with whom you have lost contact, intentionally or not. I know that I would surely get back with all of those who have not been in contact lately and I know your friends would too. Specifically, at this point in time when most of us are stuck in our homes, talking to old friends would feel like living in the fragrant memories again. Let's make them feel special, not just the old-lost friends but everyone out there. Make it beautiful for everyone.

Wishing you all a very Happy Friendship Day!

By: Hammy