Fathers Day

Father's Day History

Father's Day is a special occasion dedicated to celebrating and acknowledging the contributions, love, and sacrifices of fathers and father figures, as well as their impact on their children's lives. It is an opportunity to express gratitude, affection, and respect for one's father, reinforcing the bond between parent and child. This day serves as a reminder of the significant role that fathers play in nurturing, guiding, and supporting their children, which is often overshadowed by the emphasis on mothers in many cultures.

In India, the concept of Father's Day has been embraced in recent years, mainly as an extension of the Western tradition. It was first introduced in the United States in 1910 by Sonora Smart Dodd, in honor of her father, a civil war veteran who singlehandedly raised his six children after the death of his wife. The relevance of Father's Day to Indians lies in promoting the idea of recognizing the crucial contributions of fathers to their families and communities, thus fostering greater appreciation for their roles and responsibilities.

Typical customs and activities for Father's Day celebrations in India include presenting gifts, such as clothes, gadgets, or other items that show love and appreciation for one's father. Children may also spend quality time with their fathers on this day, engaging in recreational activities or conversations that strengthen family bonds. Dining out or preparing a special meal at home in honor of their father is another common tradition. Father's Day is observed on June 18th of this year.

Fathers Day facts

• Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd first came up with the idea for Father's Day after hearing a Mother's Day sermon in church. She was raised by her father and wanted to honor him.
• According to Hallmark, Father's Day is the fourth-largest card-sending occasion with 72 million cards given every year.
• The official flower for Father's Day is a rose. Wearing a red rose signifies a living father, while a white rose represents a father who has passed away.
• Single men above the age of 25 are now allowed to adopt children, though there are certain restrictions on the gender and age of the child, primarily to avoid any misuse of the adoption process.
• Traditionally, Indian fathers have played an essential role in arranging and financing their children's marriages. As social norms change, many modern Indian fathers are now allowing their children to find their life partners independently and marry for love.

In the News and Trending in India for Fathers Day

Top things to do in India for Fathers Day

• Arrange a BBQ and invite all of the fathers in your family.
• Spend the day with Dad doing one of his favorite activities: fishing, golfing, hiking.
• Watch a movie about the experience of fatherhood in India. Here are our top picks:
  1. Dangal (2016) - A biographical sports drama film about an Indian wrestler and his journey to train his daughters to become world-class wrestlers.
  2. Fathers (2017) - A documentary series that explores the unique challenges faced by urban Indian fathers as they navigate their roles in modern society.
  3. 102 Not Out (2018) - A Hindi comedy-drama film that features a 102-year-old father who tries to break the world record for the oldest living man, and his relationship with his 75-year-old son.
• Celebrate Father's Day by giving back. Some organizations or groups may hold charity events in honor of Father's Day, where fathers and their families contribute their time or resources for a good cause. This may include supporting children's education or underprivileged families.