International Day of Happiness

International Day of Happiness is celebrated every year on March 20 th. It is an annual event which is lauded all over the world. The first International Day of Happiness was held on March 20, 2013. The event is celebrated in 193 countries, two observer states and in 11 territories.

What is it?
The day was created by a special advisor to the United Nations named Jayme Illien. Jayme first brought up the idea of creating a new day to celebrate happiness to senior United Nations officials back in 2011. He thought of this to inspire, mobilize, and advance the global happiness movement. The idea was even backed by former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki Moon, who agreed it should be made an official international UN calendar day.

What is the theme this year?
The 2019 theme was Happier Together. The International Day of Happiness website says its a time to focus on what we have in common, rather than what divides us. And to celebrate our common humanity people were sharing pictures and quotes on social media using #InternationalDayOfHappiness or #happiness.

Why is it celebrated on March 20?
Jayme chose March 20 for International Day of Happiness because it coincides with the March equinox. The March equinox is when night time and day time are nearly the same length – roughly 12 hours each.

Everyone wants to be happy – and life is happier when we’re together. So, we should celebrate our common humanity. Happiness reduces our troubles.