- International Happiness Day (IHD) is observed every year on March 20. The objective of International Happiness Day is to bring happiness to all. It focuses on common facts that make us happy and bring peace to humanity.
- The purpose of celebrating this day is to change the outlook on life. It is important to understand that not only economic development is necessary, but it is also very important to increase happiness.
- It is believed that March 20 has been chosen for the International Day of Happiness because of the March equinox. It is a universal phenomenon for humankind. March equinox appears at the time when Earth’s equator passes through the center of the Sun’s disk.
- The first International Day of Happiness was observed on March 20, 2013. The United Nations has declared March 20 as International Day of Happiness on the initiative of Bhutan. Bhutan is the only country that calculates the level of happiness for its GDP growth.
- Bhutan has declared March 20 as a public holiday so that family members can stay together. The Bhutan government has allowed every countryman to think about what is necessary for achieving happiness in life.
- On this occasion, the United Nations has appealed to repeat the commitment to inclusive and sustainable human development and help others.
- The theme 2021 is ‘Keep Calm. Stay Wise. Be Kind’ and is, of course, in response to the COVID pandemic. As people face an ongoing global crisis together, this year’s International Day of Happiness is a chance to find uplifting and positive ways to look after oneselves, and one another.
