Friendship Day.

Today,3rd August 2008, is Friendship Day. I have received quite a few SMSes and emails since morning from friends wishing "Happy Friendship Day." I replied back to all such messages wishing the same. However, I didn't send out any messages to anyone on my own.

I don't like celebrating these "special days" that are more into existence because these cards and gifts companies(think Archies/Hallmark etc) want them to exist so that they can make more money. Come to think of it : I had never heard of Valentines Day until one fine day some 10-12 years back I saw an archies ad advertising Valentines Day in India. Since then, I have been hearing about it every year. The same is the case with Friendship Day, Fathers Day, Mothers Day etc etc.

Don't get me wrong: its good to let your loved ones know that you care about them. But do you really need a special day to let them know ? But special cards and gifts marked with the days significance and give to them ? Wouldn't they still know that you love them and care for them if you don't wish them ?

Its not your actions on that one day that matter: it's what you do throughout the year. Someone sent a mass mail today wishing everyone on his contact list a very happy friendship day. I started wondering when was the last time I had spoken to this guy or met him. Do I even have his contact number or details ? Will I even think of him when I am in trouble ? Most likely, No. Hell I probably wouldn't even remember his full name! So why should I wish him Friendship Day ?

In a nutshell, if you treasure someone's friendship , let him/her know often and not once a year. You didn't need a friendship day to have them as your friend. You don't need a friendship day to let them know what they mean to your life.