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Hello All,

I wish you and your family, friends, near and dear........

A very happy, honoring and joyful Friendship Day wishes (02/08/09).

Friendship Day celebrations take place on the first (1st) Sunday of August every year. The tradition of dedicating a day in honor of friends began in US in 1935. Gradually the festival gained popularity and today Friendship Day is celebrated in large number of countries including India. On this day people spend time with their friends and express love for them. Exchange of Friendship Day Gifts like flowers, cards and wrist bands is a popular tradition of this occasion.

The United States Congress, in 1935, proclaimed the first Sunday of August as National Friendship Day. Since then, celebration of National Friendship Day became an annual event. The noble idea of honoring the beautiful relationship of friendship caught on with the people and soon Friendship Day became a hugely popular festival. Following the popularity and success of Friendship Day in US, several other countries adopted the tradition of dedicating a day to friends. And now, International Friendship Day is enthusiastically celebrated by several countries across the world, however, some countries celebrate the "Friends Day" on July 20th. For this reason, on 17th July 2009, Facebook (a social networking website) launched a marketing campaign declaring "Friends Day" on 20th July. In 1997, the United Nations named 'Winnie the Pooh bear' as the world's Ambassador of Friendship.

There are numerous folktales and several instances in mythological legends which show that friends and friendship have been valued since the beginning of civilized world. As an intrinsically social creature, human loves to make friends to further this process of socialization. The Bible, the primary text of the western civilization, reflects upon friendship as the bond that forms the foundation to human faith, trust and companionship. Besides, there are several tales from the Old Testament and the New Testament about the value of friendship and how true friendship is a treasure to unearth. A noticeable point is that, both the versions make a difference between the two broad meanings of friendship- one is a mere acquaintance, the other is a more affectionate relation.

In the Old Testament, Abraham is called the “Friend of God” because of the intimacy of his relations. The Old Testament is replete with such interesting tales of friends and friendship. In the New Testament, the relationship between Jesus and his disciples clearly depicts how human friendship can constantly grow. From being teacher and disciple, to lord and servant their relationship finally grew to an unparalleled friendship. In the famous Hindu epic ‘Mahabharata’, Lord Krishna demonstrates many colors of friendship - affection, romance, brotherhood, protection, guidance, intimacy and even teasing. Friendship is all about these and much more.

Lot many social and cultural organizations too celebrate the occasion and mark Friendship Day by hosting programs and get-togethers. It may be noted that some associations celebrate Friendship Day in an entirely different time of the year and with different customs. For instance, World Friendship Day is on the first Sunday in August every year; Women's Friendship Day is on the third Sunday in September; International Friendship Month is February; National Friendship Week is the third week of May. However, what is remarkably same is the idea behind the celebration of the day. Everywhere, people express love for their friends and cherish their presence in life.

“Friendship has no survival value; but gives value to survival.”

Many many happy returns of the day.

All the best and take care….

With thanks, regards and best wishes,
G.Srikanth.