The International Day of Happiness is a global celebration spearheaded by the United Nations (UN), emphasizing the importance of human joy and well-being. Celebrated across the globe on March 20, this day gathers 193 UN member states to highlight happiness as a fundamental human goal.
Since its inception, the UN has made a commitment to promoting happiness and well-being through a more inclusive and balanced approach to economic growth. The significance of this day is underscored by the publication of the UN's World Happiness Report, which ranks countries by their residents' happiness levels through survey data collected from over 150 countries.
In 2025, Finland once again tops the list as the happiest country, marking its seventh consecutive year at the number one position. Following Finland in the rankings are Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden. In stark contrast, the United Kingdom has dropped to 23rd in the happiness rankings, its lowest since 2017.
This year’s theme for the International Day of Happiness is "Caring and Sharing." The theme, as outlined on the special occasion's website, emphasizes that lasting happiness stems from caring for each other, feeling connected, and being part of something larger than oneself. This focus aims to encourage individuals to partake in acts of kindness that facilitate joy for all.
The origins of the International Day of Happiness can be traced back to March 20, 2013, when the first celebration was held. This initial event saw singer-songwriter Pharrell Williams perform his hit song "Happy," following a campaign initiated by UN adviser Jayme Illien. Illien’s advocacy first came to the forefront during the first-ever UN Conference on Happiness, held in July 2012, when he proposed the establishment of a day dedicated to happiness. The first celebration was launched by Ndaba Mandela and Chelsea Clinton at the TedXTeen conference in New York City.
Scientific studies emphasize the profound importance of happiness for individual and societal health. Research suggests that happy individuals tend to live longer, experience fewer severe health issues such as heart diseases, and exhibit greater productivity. Moreover, happier people yield numerous benefits for society, contributing to reduced stress hormones in the body and significantly fewer mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. There's a substantial economic impact as well—when individuals thrive, they cultivate a more prosperous society overall.
To connect with the spirit of the day, individuals around the world are invited to share moments of joy. Photojournalists from The Everyday Projects, a global community of photographers, have captured images that encapsulate happiness. These visuals provide an uplifting glimpse into the human experience, connecting narratives of joy amid various cultural contexts. For instance, one photo features a boy jumping into the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok, Thailand, symbolizing carefree childhood memories associated with warmth and happiness. Andre Malerba, the photographer, notes this moment reflects a sense of wholeness and peace that many can still connect with.
Another powerful image features members of the Roma community in Sofia, Bulgaria, celebrating a wedding with music and festivities, symbolizing community joy. These events serve as reminders of the power of human connection and cultural celebration in fostering happiness.
Other notable photographs include children in Kharkiv, Ukraine, learning how to breakdance amidst the ongoing war, showcasing resilience and the quest for joy—even within turmoil. Every captured smile and moment shared further drives the simplicity of happiness, reinforcing that regardless of circumstances, happiness can be found and celebrated.
In a unique intersection with wellbeing and happiness, Ayurvedic practices offer another avenue to nurture happiness in alignment with the International Day of Happiness. In Chichester, Jane Eastwood, a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, is promoting an exclusive seasonal wellness offer that underscores the concept that happiness is intimately linked with physical, emotional, and mental balance. Her approach emphasizes treatments designed to rejuvenate and revitalize individuals as they transition into spring, addressing seasonal lethargy often left over from winter.
Eastwood highlights Udvartana massage, an authentic Ayurvedic exfoliation that utilizes herbal powders and warm oils to stimulate circulation and detoxify the body. According to her, these treatments can help individuals shed winter burdens, rejuvenate their energies, and embrace the new season fully. Her services, available until April 17, 2025, serve as a timely reminder that nurturing oneself is a step towards fostering happiness.
As the International Day of Happiness approaches, the global conversation around well-being thrives, inviting everyone to consider their own happiness and that of others. The underlying message remains clear: happiness matters not just on one designated day but is an ongoing commitment to ourselves and our communities. How we celebrate it, whether through acts of caring, sharing kind words, or engaging in holistic practices like Ayurveda, shapes the lives we lead and the societies we build together.
