International Friendship Day – A Bond Beyond Blood
Friendship is not just a relationship. It is a feeling. A person who stands by you during your ups and downs, smiles with you, cries with you, and never judges you—that person is a friend. In our busy and digital lives, we often forget to say “thank you” or “I care” to those who are always there for us. That is why International Friendship Day is so important. It gives us a chance to pause and show love to our friends.
International Friendship Day is celebrated every year to honour the bond of friendship. It is a day to express how much your friends mean to you. But did you know the day has an official declaration by the United Nations? Or that different countries celebrate Friendship Day on different dates? Let us go deep into this beautiful day that connects hearts across the world.
When is International Friendship Day Celebrated?
The United Nations declared July 30 as International Friendship Day in 2011. However, many countries, including India, celebrate it on the first Sunday of August. In 2025, the first Sunday falls on August 3, so that is when many will celebrate it in India.
Celebrated on Different Dates:
- UN-recognized date: July 30
- India, USA, and others: First Sunday of August
- Argentina and Brazil: July 20
- Paraguay: Celebrated on July 30 since 1958
The date may change, but the emotion remains the same—gratitude and love for friends.
The Origin and History of Friendship Day
The idea of a day to honour friendship was first proposed by Dr. Ramón Artemio Bracho, a Paraguayan doctor, in 1958. He wanted to promote peace and friendship among people. Paraguay celebrated the first Friendship Day on July 30, 1958, and the idea slowly spread across the globe.
Later, the United Nations General Assembly officially announced July 30 as International Friendship Day in 2011, believing that friendship between peoples, countries, and cultures can help build peace and understanding.
Friendship Bands – A Popular Tradition
One of the most common ways people celebrate Friendship Day in India and many other countries is by tying friendship bands on each other’s wrists. These are colorful bands made of threads, rubber, or ribbons. The band is a sign of love and trust.
In schools and colleges, friends wait for this day to exchange bands and make promises to stand by each other forever.
Some also write cute messages or make handmade greeting cards. A simple hug or message like “Thank you for being my friend” also makes the day special.
Social Media – A New Way to Celebrate
Friendship Day celebrations have taken a digital twist. Now, people:
- Share friendship quotes on WhatsApp
- Post throwback photos on Instagram or Facebook
- Use hashtags like #FriendshipDay, #BestFriendsForever, #BFFGoals
- Tag friends in memes or friendship reels
In the age of technology, these small actions also show care and appreciation.
Gifts You Can Give Your Friends
Gifts are not about money, but about feelings. On Friendship Day, people give:
- Handmade cards or notes
- Personalized mugs, photo frames, or keychains
- Chocolates and snacks
- Books or friendship bracelets
- A heartfelt letter or poem
Even a small voice message saying “I am lucky to have you” can mean a lot.
Why Friendship Is So Important
Friendship is not just about fun and laughter. Good friends:
- Support you during bad times
- Give honest advice without judging you
- Make you feel confident
- Reduce stress and loneliness
- Help improve mental health
In today’s fast-moving world, friends are like anchors. They help us stay strong when life gets tough.
Best Friendship Day Quotes
Let us look at some beautiful quotes that express the meaning of friendship:
- “A friend is one soul in two bodies.” – Aristotle
- “True friends are never apart, maybe in distance but never in heart.”
- “Friendship is the golden thread that ties the heart.”
- “Good friends are like stars. You don’t always see them, but you know they’re there.”
- “A true friend sees the pain in your eyes when everyone else believes your smile.”
- “Friends are the family we choose for ourselves.”
- “Life is better with true friends.”
- “Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.” – Woodrow Wilson
- “A real friend walks in when the rest of the world walks out.”
- “Friendship is a sheltering tree.” – Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- “Best friends make good times better and hard times easier.”
- “There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.” – Thomas Aquinas
- “One loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives.” – Euripides
- “Friends are the sunshine of life.”
- “Every friendship is a story waiting to be told.”
- “A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey.” – Winnie the Pooh
- “Friendship isn’t a big thing—it’s a million little things.”
- “Best friends are people you can do nothing with and still have the best time.”
- “True friendship comes when the silence between two people is comfortable.”
- “No friendship is an accident.” – O. Henry
- “Friendship is born when one person says to another: ‘You too? I thought I was the only one.’” – C.S. Lewis
- “In the cookie of life, friends are the chocolate chips.”
Role of Friendship in Mental Health
In many studies, it has been seen that people who have good friendships:
- Are less likely to suffer from depression
- Recover faster from illness
- Live longer and happier lives
When we are sad or stressed, just talking to a friend can lift our mood. They may not have solutions, but they listen. And sometimes, that is all we need.
Top Movies That Show the Power of Friendship
1. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) – English
- Friendship Type: Father-son and supportive friendship
- Why Watch: It shows how one friend (Christopher) believes in his father no matter what. It teaches that friendship is not always between same-age people.
2. Harry Potter Series
- The bond between Harry, Ron, and Hermione is one of the most loved examples of true friendship.
3. 3 Idiots (2009) – Hindi
- Friendship Type: College friends
- Why Watch: A perfect example of true friendship where friends support each other through success and failure. It has humor, emotions, and deep lessons.
4. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) – Hindi
- Friendship Type: Adult male bonding
- Why Watch: This movie shows how friendship helps in healing, forgiving, and discovering the meaning of life.
5. The Intouchables (2011) – French (English subtitles)
- Friendship Type: Rich-paralyzed man and a poor caretaker
- Why Watch: It’s based on a real story where two people from very different backgrounds become best friends.
6. Toy Story Series (1995–2019) – English (Animated)
- Friendship Type: Toys and their loyalty
- Why Watch: A deep and emotional journey of friendship, love, and sacrifice—even between toys.
7. Stand by Me (1986) – English
- Friendship Type: Childhood friends
- Why Watch: It beautifully shows how kids support and grow with each other in tough times.
8. Sholay (1975) – Hindi
- Friendship Type: Jai and Veeru
- Why Watch: This is a classic film that set the standard for loyal friendship in Indian cinema.
9. The Bucket List (2007) – English
- Friendship Type: Senior citizens
- Why Watch: Two strangers become friends while ticking off their life goals. It teaches how friends can give life new meaning even at an old age.
Best Web Series That Highlight Friendship
1. Friends (1994–2004) – English
- Friendship Type: Group of six friends
- Why Watch: It’s one of the most popular series that shows daily life, love, and emotional support among friends.
2. Stranger Things (2016–present) – English
- Friendship Type: Teen group friendship
- Why Watch: A sci-fi series that also shows the bravery, love, and teamwork among childhood friends.
3. Kota Factory (2019–present) – Hindi
- Friendship Type: Coaching center students
- Why Watch: Shows the struggles of students and how friendship keeps them going even during academic pressure.
4. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013–2021) – English
- Friendship Type: Workplace friendships
- Why Watch: Funny yet emotional, showing how coworkers become like family.
5. How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014) – English
- Friendship Type: Adult friendship with relationships
- Why Watch: Shows how friends help each other through love, heartbreak, career, and life decisions.
6. Little Things (2016–2021) – Hindi-English Mix
- Friendship Type: Couple as best friends
- Why Watch: A young couple navigates life where friendship is the base of their love.
Honourable Mentions (Movies/Web Series)
Anne with an E (2017–2019) – English: Friendship during teenage struggles.
Dil Chahta Hai (2001) – Hindi: Best for adult male friendship and bonding.
Taare Zameen Par (2007) – Hindi: A teacher becomes a friend to a troubled student.
My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997) – English: Love and friendship often mix, but true friendship wins.
Yeh Meri Family (2018) – Hindi Web Series: Shows friendship and love in a middle-class family setup.
How to Make More Friends on this Friendship Day 2025?
- Smile and Say Hello
- A friendly smile is the first step. Don’t wait—say “Hi” first.
- Start Small Talk
- Ask simple things like “What’s your name?” or “Do you like this class?”
- Find Common Interests
- Talk about hobbies like music, sports, or movies you both enjoy.
- Join Groups or Events
- Attend school, club, or community events to meet more people.
- Be Kind and Helpful
- Help others and be nice. People like those who care.
- Be a Good Listener
- Let others speak. Listen and show interest in their stories.
- Be Yourself
- Don’t act fake. True friends will like the real you.
- Don’t Fear Rejection
- Some people may not respond. That’s okay—keep trying.
- Talk Regularly
- Text, call, or meet often. Friendship needs time and care.
- Use Social Media Wisely
- Chat online but keep it real and respectful.
How Schools Celebrate Friendship Day
In many schools, students celebrate the day with:
- Card-making competitions
- Band exchange events
- Singing songs and dances
- Friendship games and quizzes
It teaches children the value of kindness, sharing, and helping each other.
Friendship and Social Media – Pros and Cons
While social media helps us connect with many people, real friendship is deeper.
Pros:
- Helps stay in touch with friends who are far
- Easy to share thoughts and photos
- Can make new friends
Cons:
- Not all online friends are real friends
- Sometimes causes jealousy or fake emotions
- Reduces real-life face-to-face bonding
So, social media is good when used wisely. But spending real time with friends is always better.
How to Be a Good Friend
Everyone wants a good friend, but how can you be one? Here are some tips:
- Listen without interrupting
- Be honest, but not rude
- Respect their space and feelings
- Support them, even when life is hard
- Forgive mistakes
Good friendship is built with small acts of love and care.
Conclusion
International Friendship Day is more than just a celebration—it is a reminder. A reminder that relationships need time and effort. That saying “thank you” and “I care” can make someone’s day. In today’s world where people feel more alone than ever, a good friend is a true blessing.
So, this Friendship Day, don’t just send a forwarded message. Call your old friends. Tie a band. Send a card. Or just sit with them and say, “Thank you for being in my life.”
FAQs
Q1. When is International Friendship Day in 2025?
A: United Nations celebrates it on July 30, but in India, it is on August 3, 2025 (first Sunday of August).
Q2. Who started Friendship Day?
A: Dr. Ramón Artemio Bracho from Paraguay started it in 1958.
Q3. Is Friendship Day celebrated worldwide?
A: Yes, but on different dates. Many countries celebrate it in July or August.
Q4. What is the meaning of tying a friendship band?
A: It is a symbol of love, trust, and the bond between friends.
Q5. How can I celebrate Friendship Day without spending money?
A: Write a letter, make a handmade card, call your friend, or spend time together. Feelings matter more than gifts.
If you enjoyed reading this post, share it with your friends and celebrate this beautiful bond. Happy Friendship Day!
You May Also Love To Read
- Chittaranjan Das Birthday Anchoring Script in Bengali
- International Friendship Day 2025: Why This One Day Means Everything in a Lonely World
- The Best Short Stories for Kids in Hindi Folktales for Child
- Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti Anchoring Script in Hindi
- Hanuman Jayanti 2025: Date, Significance, Rituals, and Powerful Mantras
