The International Day of Happiness is celebrated annually on March 20th. It was first celebrated in 2013 after the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming this day as a way to recognize the importance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations of all people around the world.
The theme for the International Day of Happiness 2023 is “Be Mindful, Be Grateful, Be Kind”, but the previous themes have focused on different aspects of happiness, such as “Happiness for All, Together,” “Keep Calm. Stay Wise. Be Kind,” and “Happier Together.”
On this day, various events and activities are organized around the world to promote happiness and well-being, including conferences, workshops, concerts, and community gatherings. The aim is to encourage people to reflect on what makes them happy and how they can help others find happiness and improve their well-being.
How to celebrate the International Day of Happiness 2023?
There are many ways to celebrate the International Day of Happiness, and here are some ideas:
Spread happiness: Share positive messages, stories, and experiences with your friends, family, and colleagues. You can use social media, text messages, or phone calls to share your joy and gratitude.
Engage in acts of kindness: Do something nice for someone else, such as offering a compliment, helping with a task, or donating to a charity. Acts of kindness can boost happiness for both the giver and the receiver.
Practice gratitude: Take a moment to appreciate the good things in your life, such as your health, relationships, and achievements. Write down three things you are grateful for and share them with others.
Connect with others: Spend time with your loved ones, or connect with new people through shared interests or activities. Research has shown that social connections are essential for happiness and well-being.
Take care of yourself: Practice self-care by engaging in activities that bring you joy, such as reading, exercising, or meditating. Taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining happiness and well-being.
Participate in community events: Attend events in your community that promote happiness and well-being, such as a concert, festival, or workshop.
History of International Day of Happiness
The International Day of Happiness was first celebrated on March 20, 2013, after the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on June 28, 2012, recognizing “the pursuit of happiness as a fundamental human goal” and “the need for a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes sustainable development, poverty eradication, happiness, and the well-being of all peoples.”
The resolution was initiated by Bhutan, a small Himalayan country that has embraced the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) as an alternative to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a measure of development. GNH is a holistic approach to development that emphasizes sustainable and equitable socio-economic development, environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and good governance.
The Day aims to raise awareness of the importance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations of all people around the world. It seeks to promote a more inclusive and sustainable approach to economic growth and development that benefits all people, not just a privileged few.
Since its inception, the Day has been celebrated annually on March 20, with various events and activities organized around the world to promote happiness and well-being. The day also provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to reflect on what makes them happy and how they can contribute to a happier world.
International Day of Happiness Wishes and Quotes for 2023
1. Wishing you a day full of joy and happiness on the International Day of Happiness!
2. May this day bring you lots of smiles, laughter, and good vibes. Happy International Day of Happiness!
3. Remember that happiness is a choice, and today is the perfect day to choose happiness. Happy International Day of Happiness!
4. Let’s celebrate the International Day of Happiness by spreading joy and kindness wherever we go.
5. Happiness is contagious, so let’s infect the world with our smiles and positivity. Happy International Day of Happiness!
6. May the happiness and positivity you spread today come back to you tenfold. Happy International Day of Happiness!
7. Happiness is not about having everything, but finding joy in the little things. Happy International Day of Happiness!
8. May your day be filled with sunshine, laughter, and lots of happiness. Happy International Day of Happiness!
9. Let’s make the world a happier place by spreading love, kindness, and compassion. Happy International Day of Happiness!
10. The pursuit of happiness is a journey, not a destination. Let’s enjoy the ride. Happy International Day of Happiness!
11. May your heart be filled with joy and your life with happiness. Happy International Day of Happiness!
12. Happiness is not something you find, but something you create. Let’s create happiness today and every day. Happy International Day of Happiness!
13. Let’s choose to be happy and spread positivity wherever we go. Happy International Day of Happiness!
14. May your day be as bright and beautiful as your smile. Happy International Day of Happiness!
15. Let’s make today a day to remember by spreading happiness and making a difference in the world. Happy International Day of Happiness!
International Day of Happiness Themes
Here are the themes for the International Day of Happiness since its inception in 2013:
2013: The first theme was simply “The International Day of Happiness.”
2014: The theme was “Reclaim Happiness!,” which aimed to encourage people to focus on the things that truly matter in life and to appreciate the simple pleasures that bring happiness.
2015: The theme was “Together We Can Change the World,” which emphasized the importance of social connections and community in promoting happiness and well-being.
2016: The theme was “Happiness for All, Together,” which aimed to promote the idea that happiness is a universal goal and aspiration that can be achieved through cooperation and collaboration.
2017: The theme was “Smiling Together,” which highlighted the importance of smiling as a way to promote happiness, well-being, and positive social connections.
2018: The theme was “Share Happiness,” which aimed to encourage people to share happiness with others, whether through acts of kindness, positive messages, or social connections.
2019: The theme was “Happier Together,” which emphasized the importance of social connections, community, and cooperation in promoting happiness and well-being.
2020: The theme was “Happiness For All, Together,” which was a repeat of the 2016 theme, and aimed to promote the idea that happiness is a universal goal and aspiration that can be achieved through cooperation and collaboration.
2021: The theme was “Keep Calm. Stay Wise. Be Kind.,” which was inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic and aimed to promote resilience, compassion, and well-being in the face of adversity.
2022: The theme of International Day of Happiness 2022 is “Build Back Happier”. This theme encourages us to create a better world after the COVID-19 pandemic, where the happiness and well-being of each person are valued more than material possessions or economic growth. The theme also urges us to support each other, especially those who are most vulnerable or affected by the crisis.
2023: For 2023, the theme of International Day of Happiness is “Be Mindful, Be Grateful, Be Kind”. This theme encourages us to practice mindfulness, gratitude and kindness as ways to enhance our happiness and well-being. Mindfulness is the awareness of our thoughts, feelings and sensations in the present moment. Gratitude is the appreciation of what we have and what others do for us. Kindness is the act of being friendly, generous and considerate towards ourselves and others.
Also read: World Wildlife Day 2023 Themes, Importance
