Overview

• The United Nations established July 30 as International Friendship Day in 2011 to inspire global solidarity and cultural dialogue.
• Celebrations today featured social-media campaigns, community gatherings, and symbolic friendship bands to highlight unity.
• Media outlets revisited the holiday’s roots in Paraguay’s 1958 World Friendship Crusade and UNESCO’s 1997 Culture of Peace framework.
• Lifestyle guides offered gift suggestions, Instagram captions, and low-key celebration tips to modernize traditional Friendship Day customs.
• India will observe its national Friendship Day on August 3 with customary friendship bands and local events reflecting domestic traditions.