Friendship Day: Of BFFs, Bands and Buddies

  •   Sat, Aug 06 2016
  •   By Anagha Biju

August 7, 2016

Lost in my own world, I was busy window shopping when someone gave me a tight hug from behind. Surprised, I turned to see my long lost friend standing before me. We had parted ways years back and there had been no contact. And so my joy knew no bounds seeing her and that too on the eve of Friendship Day.

Man is a social animal. Even if he is provided all amenities in life, his heart craves for being amidst people. No wonder there is so much importance given to relations in life. Hence, there are also special days dedicated to celebrating these relations - Mother's Day, Sister's Day, Valentine's Day and so on.

In the course of the 50-60 years of an average human life, one comes across innumerable persons. Some leave a lasting impression on our lives, others just drift in and out. A few, well, they become a part of you - they are tagged 'besties' and 'bff' - best friends forever!!

Lucky are those who have a long list of true best friends. But even if you have only one or two of them it is more than enough. And one day devoted to friendship is the Friendship Day, celebrated on the first Sunday of every August.

The first World Friendship Day was proposed for July 30 in 1958 by the World Friendship Crusade. On April 27, 2011 the General Assembly of the United Nations declared July 30 as the official International Friendship Day. However, many countries including India, have dedicated the first Sunday of August for commemorating true friendship.

Friendship Day is a rage amongst India's youth and kids. The streets have small stalls set up, displaying bands of varied colours and designs on display. Children and teenagers alike, throng the place to buy the friendship bands. Everyone wants his band to be the most beautiful and unique one.

I remember carrying rolls of colourful friendship bands to tie to every willing wrist during my school days. Red, blue, green, orange, yellow, pink-bands of all these and many other colours adorn your hand for the next 2-3 days after the big day. Children compete to get the maximum number of bands tied. More the bands, bigger your friend circle.

Over the years, Friendship Day meant going out with your best friends, cutting cakes, exchanging gifts and taking a zillion selfies-yes that is an inevitable task for any occasion. You all might be in the same or different colleges, you may meet daily or infrequently. But this day you have no other plans, but to decide on a favourite spot and relish fond, old memories.

Today's technology helps one connect with each other every other second. Social media like Facebook and Whatsapp have brought everyone closer and all are updated about the other's activities. But on the other hand, social networking is alo tearing people apart in a face to face communicaton, making relations undervalued.

Especially this generation!! You always see a bunch of friends hanging out together when each of them is caught in his digital device. They constantly want to check what everyone's tweeting, instead of talking to the friends they are sitting with, or holding conversation and engaging with each other. This generation seems to live in a virtual world than the real world.

You might be in contact with friends through online chat forums and you might be sharing your pictures with them daily. However, make sure that you meet them, give a girly hug or a boyish pat and spend time together this Sunday. You can not imagine the sense of satisfaction a hug and a word or two can give to your heart.

Friendship Day is not only to keep the flame of your friendship going on but also to make new friends. Every day offers new experiences and life brings new people before you. Just a smile is enough to initiate conversation. Who knows perhaps, that person could be a new entrant in your bff list! Also forget any conflicts or ego clashes you have had and tie your foe the friendship band, binding him or her to your life forever.

So this Friendship Day, leave your gadgets, call up your chums and get ready to have a memorable time. You can also engage in activities that you as a group love as it will help you bond further. Go visiting your friendship spot; cuddle in with some nice freindship themed flicks or make an album or poster with your gang photos.

Mind you - leave behind your mobiles and laptops!

 

 
By Anagha Biju
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Comment on this article

  • Vidyashree Patil , Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 07 2016

    Hello! That was a really beautiful article...Friends are someone who are always beside us, no matter how hard our lives seem to be, they are WITH us. Life is difficult to be imagined without a friend especially when you are tight lipped you crave for a friend who loves you without any demands. I'm one of them.... and I 'm really glad to have found a best friend in you. Thank you for being in my life Anagha. Keep up the good work!!


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