Father's Day in India

The concept of celebrating Father's Day is very new in India. The idea of celebrating Fathers Day has been imported from western countries mainly US,or UK  perhaps less than a decade ago. However, it is remarkable to note that the idea of observing a day in honor of fathers has been appreciated by Indians to a large extent. Today, millions of people in India observe Father's Day on the third Sunday of June by expressing gratitude for their father or men who are like father.

Father's Day Celebration in India:

Father's Day celebration in India takes place in the same way as in UK or US though in a limited way. Awareness about Fathers Day festival is much greater in metropolitan cities and bigger towns due to the greater exposure of people to the western cultures in such places. But thanks to the rigorous advertising campaign launched by card companies and gift sellers the idea of celebrating Father's Day is fast catching on with people in smaller towns and cities of India.

Just as in UK and US people in India too, celebrate Father's Day by expressing gratitude and love for Papa. Children gift cards, flowers and other gifts of love to their dad to show their affection. Dining in restaurants or going out for picnic or movie is another common way of celebrating Fathers Day in India.

Several schools and cultural societies in India organize cultural programs on Father's Day. The idea behind such programmes is to inspire children to pay due respect to their dad and take care of them. Fathers are also encouraged to spend quality time with their children and instill in them noble values and manners.

Father's Day in USA:

Father's Day in USA is celebrated with great enthusiasm and lot of fanfare on third Sunday of June. Observing the day, people reflect on the invaluable role played by fathers in building the character of children and in the development of the nation. On Father's Day people honor their father and express gratitude for his love and affection. As a Father's Day tradition, people in US also pay tribute to grandfather, stepfather, foster father, uncle or any other men who are like father. 

History of Father's Day in USA:-

Father's Day festival as we celebrate today traces its history to United States of America. The idea of observing a day in honor of father was conceptualized by Ms Sonora Smart Dodd, a loving daughter from Spokane. It so happened that Sonora attended a Mother's Day Sermon in 1909 and she was struck with the noble idea that society must observe a day to honor the important contribution made by father in the raising of children. Encouraged by the love of her father, William Smart, a civil war veteran who single-handedly raised her along with her five siblings after the death of her mother, Sonora worked hard to make her concept a reality. The noble idea of celebrating Father's Day soon spread across the nation. Father's Day was recognized by a Joint Resolution of Congress in 1956. Finally, in 1972 President Nixon established Father's Day as a permanent national day of observance on the third Sunday of June.

Fathers Day Celebrations in USA:

Fathers Day celebrations in USA takes place with lot of gaiety and enthusiasm. The day is observed as a time for family reunion in families, as children who are staying away from families take time out to celebrate the day with their father. Indulging daddy with breakfast in bed and gifts like cards, flowers, chocolates and neckties is the traditional way of celebrating Father Day in USA. 

Massive popularity of Fathers Day Festival has led to extensive commercialization of the occasion. Critics rue that rigorous marketing campaign has spoiled the noble idea of honoring fathers on Father's Day as many observe the day by performing the mere formality of presenting gifts to dad. Others, however, see the positive side of commercialization and say that it in fact helps to raise awareness about the day and encourages children to honor their father.