What is Happiness Day?

The International Day of Happiness is celebrated annually on March 20th. Each year, the celebration has a theme focusing on different aspects of happiness, such as kindness, community, and well-being.

Governments, organizations, and individuals participate by promoting positive actions for well-being. Social media campaigns encourage people to share messages of happiness. Many communities host events focused on gratitude, kindness, and mindfulness. Schools and workplaces may organize activities to foster positivity and mental health awareness.

The theme for the International Day of Happiness changes each year, focusing on different aspects of well-being and positivity.

The International Day of Happiness is celebrated to recognize the importance of happiness and well-being in people's lives and as fundamental human goals. It was established by the United Nations in 2012 following Bhutan’s advocacy, a country that values Gross National Happiness over Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The day promotes well-being and encourages people to focus on mental, emotional, and social well-being. It also highlights the importance of happiness in public policies. The day of happiness reminds governments and organisations to prioritize human happiness alongside economic growth.

This day encourages people to be positive. Happiness day inspires people to spread kindness, gratitude, and positivity in their communities. Another beautiful thing is that this day unites people from different backgrounds to work towards a more compassionate and sustainable world.

Happiness and mental health go hand in hand. A balanced lifestyle focused on faith, relationships, self-care, and purpose can help improve both. While life has struggles, building resilience and focusing on inner peace (rather than external circumstances) leads to deeper, lasting joy.

It is said that happiness improves mental health. Studies show that people who cultivate happiness through gratitude, social connections, and purpose have lower levels of anxiety and depression.

The Oxford English Dictionary describes the word ‘happiness’ as ‘the state of feeling or showing pleasure or contentment’. The Bible teaches us that happiness comes from trusting in God, gaining wisdom, and living according to His ways, not just from external circumstances. In many translations, "happy" is rendered as "blessed" because biblical happiness is deeply tied to spiritual well-being. Joy is also a word that occurs a lot in the Bible. It is similar to happiness. 

In John 15 Jesus tells about the vine and the branches. He tells the people that it is important to remain in him, so he can remain in us. It makes us be fruitful. Jesus is the vine and we are the branches, according to the Bible book John.  After telling the story about the vine and the branches he says in John 15:11: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

According to Galatians 5:22-23 joy is also a fruit by itself: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." And Proverbs 16:20 tells us that we are blessed if we trust in the Lord: “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.” 

In Nehemia 8:10 joy is related to strength: “Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 

Seeking happiness is a fundamental human pursuit, but it often takes different forms for different people. Philosophers and psychologists suggest that happiness isn't just about pleasure or external success. The feeling comes from a deeper sense of purpose, gratitude, and connection with others. 

Many christians find peace and joy in trusting that God has a plan for their lives. Faith provides a sense of security, reducing worry and anxiety. Seeking happiness through worldly success can be fleeting, but the Christianity teaches that true fulfillment comes from living in alignment with God's purpose.