Friends play a very valuable role in our life.
Today is Friendship's Day!
There are numerous mythological legends that show that friends and friendship have existed since ancient times.
Studies have linked friendship to physical, emotional and mental health benefits.
Joyce Hall the founder of Hallmark Cards which created greeting cards for several occasions.
He originally proposed Friendship Day in 1919.
It was proposed to be celebrated on the first Sunday of August.
Slowly and gradually the festival became popular.
People started tying friendship bands and giving gifts.
On 27th April 2011 the United Nations General Assembly
declared 30th July as official International Friendship Day.
However Friendship Day celebrations are held on different dates in different countries.
In 1998 Nane Annan, the wife of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan,
declared Winnie the Pooh as the global Ambassador of Friendship at the UN.
In India, it is usually celebrated on the first Sunday of the month of August.
This year in India, Friendship Day will be celebrated on 2nd August 2020.
People Exchange gifts and children tie friendship bands to each other.
This year due to the coronavirus pandemic, everyone has to remain at home due to the lockdown.
Since people had to be at home for months, many became stressed.
During these difficult times, it was friends who were of great help as stress busters and a ray of positivity.
Since many are isloated and stressed, friends were able to talk to them on the phones or video calls.
This support was boost of self confidence and motivation.
They also helped cope with trauma like job loss or death or fear.
Friends are very important.
Friends also helped in changing the unhealthy lifestyle like smoking, excessive drinking
and help follow a healthy lifestyle.
Although this year Friendship Day may not be celebrated as it is done normally done by going out,
due to the lockdown. We can't celebrate and give gifts.
However, there are other ways to celebrate!
Gifts, card, etc can be sent via courier or through online sites.
It can be celebrated on social networking sites where friends can wish each other or share posts about one another.
This friendship day let's remember to share positivity and support all our friends during such difficult times.