- By Nirmal Ajwani
- 02 Aug 2025
Friendship Day 2025: Date, History, Significance, and Heartfelt Wishes to Celebrate This Special Bond
Mumbai, July 29 – As the calendar inches closer to August, the excitement surrounding Friendship Day 2025 begins to take hold. A day marked with laughter, nostalgia, and heartfelt moments, Friendship Day in India will be celebrated on Sunday, August 3, 2025. While the United Nations commemorates the International Day of Friendship globally on July 30, India observes the occasion on the first Sunday of August each year, making it a weekend affair dedicated entirely to cherished companionships.
When Is Friendship Day 2025 in India?
Friendship Day does not have a fixed date in India but is annually observed on the first Sunday of August. This year, it falls on August 3, providing a perfect opportunity for people across age groups to honour friendships both old and new.
From schoolchildren tying friendship bands on wrists to adults planning reunions, brunches, or casual catch-ups, the day has evolved into a full-fledged celebration of human connection and emotional solidarity.
History and Global Context
The tradition of Friendship Day can be traced back to Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards, who first promoted the idea in the 1950s. His vision was to dedicate a day to appreciate the profound impact of friends on one’s life.
While the concept initially gained traction in the United States, it gradually spread across continents. Recognising its growing importance, the United Nations officially proclaimed July 30 as the International Day of Friendship in 2011.
India, however, continues to follow the tradition of celebrating it on the first Sunday of August, largely for practical reasons. Holding it on a Sunday enables greater participation, given that most people are off work and school.
Significance of Friendship Day
In a world where digital communication often replaces personal interactions, Friendship Day serves as a gentle reminder to reconnect with the people who truly matter. Friends are not only confidants but also emotional anchors, often stepping in where even family members may not. This day allows people to express gratitude, apologise for past rifts, and strengthen bonds through simple gestures.
The occasion also has a mental wellness angle—various studies suggest that individuals with close friendships are likely to report higher levels of happiness and lower levels of stress and anxiety. Whether it’s a heartfelt phone call, a surprise visit, or a simple “thinking of you” message, the day encourages meaningful actions.
Ideas to Celebrate Friendship Day 2025
Whether you're a student or a working professional, celebrating Friendship Day can take many creative forms:
Host a memory night where you go through old pictures and letters with your friends.
Plan a surprise get-together or a group trip.
Exchange handmade gifts or letters, reviving the charm of thoughtful tokens.
Watch a friendship-themed movie together—classics like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara or Dil Chahta Hai never fail to stir emotions.
Organise a digital catch-up for long-distance friends using video call apps.
Or simply share unique wishes to brighten someone’s day.
Unique Friendship Day 2025 Wishes
To make your celebrations even more special, here are some original Friendship Day wishes you can send to your loved ones:
- “You’re the chapter in my story that I’ll never stop rereading. Happy Friendship Day to the one who makes life unforgettable.”
- “We may not talk every day, but every memory with you is a reminder that true friendship never fades.”
- “Real friends are not just found—they're built with trust, sealed with laughter, and held together with care. Happy Friendship Day.”
- “To the one who never judges, always listens, and somehow knows when I need a silent presence—thank you, and Happy Friendship Day.”
- “In the book of life, some pages are more colourful than others—thanks for being my brightest page.”
- “Friendship isn’t measured by frequency but by depth. Even miles apart, I feel your presence every day. Happy Friendship Day.”
- “A friend is not someone you’ve known the longest, but someone who walked in when the world walked out. You are that friend for me.”
- “To the one who’s my 3 a.m. call, my secret keeper, and my loudest cheerleader—may our friendship only grow stronger.”
Looking Ahead
As Friendship Day 2025 approaches, social media platforms are expected to buzz with heartfelt notes, old photographs, and tributes to lifelong friendships. Brands, too, are gearing up with themed campaigns, discounts, and contests that resonate with the spirit of camaraderie.
While gifts and celebrations hold their charm, the true essence of the day lies in genuine connection—taking the time to reach out, check in, and let your friends know they matter. After all, in a world of fleeting interactions, lasting friendships are among the most valuable treasures one can have.
