Happy Friendship Day 2025: People in India will celebrate “friendships” today, the first Sunday of August. And as the day draws closer, it brings back memories for me from my school days – when I used to spend this day (read: Sunday) buying colourful “friendship bands” like most girls in the convent I studied at. The next day, I, like many others, would reach school early and tie those bands on the wrists of my friends. After the morning assembly, it was a thing to check out each other’s wrists and count the number of bands, as if it were some sort of status symbol. The more, the merrier.
Cut to the year 2025, when I am writing this. I thought of asking a few people what friendship means to them. I also posted the question on social media. The responses varied – some reacted to the post with emojis, others with words.
One musician simply said, “Family without blood.” And, I am sure most of us would agree.
‘Supporting delulu in front of others’
An MBA professional told me that friendship, to her, means “doing whatever it takes to be there for friends”.
“Whenever they need, even if they say it and most importantly when they don’t say it,” she said, before adding, “Supporting their delulu thoughts in public but correcting them in private.”
Of course, that’s what friends are for. You must have heard the popular phrase – Delulu is the new solulu – quite a lot of times last year, and even if you haven’t, you just read it. It’s a way of saying that it is okay to be a little delusional sometimes (And solulu means – solution).
She also said that for her, friendship is nothing short of a “commitment” and a bond that comes without “judgement”. And in a world that fears commitment, that means something.
‘Doesn’t fade with time’
One person from Bihar said that it means a “safe space” that doesn’t “fade with time”. “Friendship is something that doesn’t fade with time. It deepens with it, even if you don’t talk every day. When you do talk, it should feel like you’re just continuing yesterday’s conversation… preferably over a cup of tea.”
And, she is somewhat right. I don’t talk with my friends for months, but whenever I do, it feels like I’ve been connected ever since. I’m sure you also have one such friend in your life. Call, maybe?
‘They’re a representation of who I am’
A journalist said that he wouldn’t be the person he is today without the support of his friends. “They’re a representation of who I am,” he told me with a smile on his face. And I agree that friends are a reflection of who we are. It reminded me of a popular phrase in Hindi – “Jaisi sangat, waisi rangat [You’re the company you keep].”
He also shared something personal, “I have many friends who are not talking to me right now but I will never give up on them… But I will keep reaching out, no matter how long it takes,” before adding something he truly believes in: “True friendship are worth fighting for, and I want to do whatever it takes to keep my friends in my life.”
A reminder, maybe, for those who take their friends for granted, or have been ignoring the ones who’ve been trying after a fallout. Maan jaao, please. What better day to reconnect than Friendship Day itself?
He also mentioned that one of his best friends is his mom. “She is always there for me, and I can talk to her about anything. She gives me the best advice and has always supported me, no matter what.”
As we grow up, our bond with our parents grows stronger. They become our closest friends – the ones we turn to when things go south, or when we just need advice, or someone to listen. Smile if you agree. I just did.
‘One of life’s greatest treasures’
“It’s the comfort of knowing there’s someone who truly understands and accepts you, with all your flaws,” said a former banker. She believes that “friendship is one of life’s greatest treasures”.
It also means never having to face the world alone. “True friendship is built on trust, honesty, and mutual respect; it’s a bond that grows stronger with time and shared experiences. It’s about being there for one another, offering support and encouragement, and celebrating both little and big victories together,” she added.
Couldn’t agree more. Because honestly, what is life without friends? I can’t imagine mine without them.
‘Time zone doesn’t matter’
One individual from Australia said, “Friendship is knowing that no matter the miles or how often life lets us catch up, there’s someone in another corner of the world who’s thinking of you, cheering you on quietly, keeping you in their prayers, and holding you close in their heart even when you’re far away.”
Since she lives away from her home country – India – it also means “planning surprises” and “buying thoughtful” gifts for her friends. We all agree, even if we don’t say it out loud, that we all look forward to little surprises.
“It’s the joy of planning little surprises and thoughtful gifts for that long-awaited reunion, the excitement that bubbles up when you know you’ll finally see each other after so long, and the beautiful realisation that even after all this time, nothing between you has changed.”
She added, “It’s also sending each other silly memes at odd hours, randomly thinking ‘she would love this’ and smiling at your phone just because they crossed your mind.”
True that. We all want our friends to at least see that one meme (the one that made us go ROFL) and laugh their hearts out. Sometimes, we send them a meme and call them up, practically pleading with them to drop everything and see it.
Social media users chime in
And, how can I forget those with whom I’m connected on social media? While some simply reacted with “hearts”, others took the time to respond (and I am glad they did).
One of them said, “They tell you the hard truth. This is the most important tenet of friendship.”
“Neither demanding any rights nor expecting any sacrifice, yet when the time comes, sacrificing everything is the true meaning of friendship,” read another comment when translated to English.
One person on Instagram said, “Friendship is definitely the most beautiful relationship in the world.”
If you stayed with me till now, I’m guessing you’re thinking about your friends. Why not tell them with pop culture references – “To infinity and beyond!” or “I’ll be there for you…” – Brownie points if you sing this song from FRIENDS to them.
You can also say – “I love you 3000.”
Happy Friendship Day.
