A Day for Everything!

The Calendar, once a responsible ledger of wars, national events, has clearly loosened its tie and is having some fun. Somewhere between solemn national holidays and family birthdays and anniversaries lies a parallel universe of commemorative days -- absurd yet celebratory! From World Biryani Day to International Orgasm Day, the modern calendar has decided to celebrate anything and everything under the sun!

All In A Day’s Work

“Many of these days do have genuine origins, especially those linked to health, social awareness or global causes,” says Anamika Shukla, a Corporate Communication & Public Speaking Trainer from Mumbai. For example, days like World Toilet Day are meant to draw attention to issues that are often overlooked but have a significant impact on everyday life. In contrast, World Biryani Day is more cultural and community-driven, having evolved organically over time and later amplified by brands and social media.

Zainab Shaikh, an Assistant English Teacher at Modern School, Mumbai, notes that minor aspects of social issues often seem to be highlighted through the celebration of such days.

Modern almanacks and digital calendars are dotted with days that mark or celebrate something or other daily. From Emoji Day to Popcorn Day, Croissant Day to Kissing Day, and if that’s not enough, you have Chocolate Day, Lazy Day, Orgasm Day, Bag Day, and Biryani Day et al. The list is endless. While some day markers are a brand and marketing gimmick, there are days like the Interna-tional Orgasm Day that focus on breaking taboos and starting healthy conversations around sexual health and overall well-being.

Connect & Spread

Some calendar day markers strike a chord. Others simply go unnoticed. “Many people connect via these days, even if that connection is rooted more in fun, nostalgia or cultural togetherness,” says Anamika, adding that for a large section, such days simply offer a way to feel included in a wider conversation.

If a day manages to make someone smile, feel seen, or spark a conversation, it has already earned its place on the calendar. Many people follow these days as fads. Zainab says, “Many people may not always look for the origins of these days, so if social media handles highlight a bit about why a day is celebrated, it helps spread a lot of meaning and awareness.”

Real vs Fake

Factors such as over-commercialisation or insensitive promotion can dilute the original intent and meaning of certain days. Anamika cautions, “These days can backfire if celebrations become performative or when serious issues get reduced to trends.” For instance, awareness days meant to spotlight serious issues can turn into fleeting social media checkboxes, marked with a hashtag, a themed logo, and promptly forgotten the next day. On World Environment Day, many brands change their profile pictures to “greener themes” despite continuing with unsustainable practices. Or, World Mental Health Day becomes a carousel of inspirational quotes with little to no follow-ups on access and availability of mental care facilities at workspaces.

Zainab says, “When the real purpose behind these days is ignored, the entire celebration turns into a fad, trend or worse, a joke.” When every emotion, habit or preference has a ‘so-called day’ it can feel overwhelming and lose meaning.

In a world clustered with notifications and novelty, these days matter only as much as what we choose to do with them. Not every celebration has to change the world, but the ones that ask us to look closer, care longer, or act beyond the day itself deserve more than just performative applause. Perhaps, a day that truly counts leaves more than hashtags. It leaves a deeper impact!

Quirky Days Ahead

Jan 19: Popcorn Day

Jan 17: Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day

Jan 30: Croissant Day

Mar 19: Let’s Laugh Day

July 6: World Kissing Day

July 17: Emoji Day