- First Sunday of August in India
- UN day on 30 July
- Friendship bands
Where it began
Friendship has been praised in every culture. Old Tamil, Greek and Chinese writings speak of the true friend as one of life's great treasures.
The idea of a special day for friends took shape in the 20th century. In 1958 a group in Paraguay proposed a World Friendship Day on 30 July, and the idea grew across South America.
In 2011 the United Nations named 30 July the International Day of Friendship, to build bridges between people, cultures and countries.
How it grew over time
Ancient times
Poets and thinkers in many lands write about the value of true friends.
1958
A World Friendship Day on 30 July is proposed in Paraguay.
Late 20th century
The first Sunday of August becomes a popular Friendship Day in India and elsewhere.
2011
The United Nations names 30 July the International Day of Friendship.
Today
Friends tie bands, meet up and send messages to those far away.
How it is celebrated in different places
India
Students tie colourful friendship bands on each other's wrists and meet for food.
Argentina
Friend's Day is on 20 July, and cafes and restaurants are full of groups of friends.
Paraguay
Friendship is celebrated on 30 July with small gifts and get-togethers.
Malaysia and Bangladesh
Young people mark the first Sunday of August with cards and outings.
Friendship Day moments
Friendship Day today
Today Friendship Day is simple and warm. People share old photos, plan a day out, or call a friend they have not spoken to in a while.
