International Day of Happiness – March 20

International Day of Happiness is observed every year on 20th March every year and is a way to recognize the importance of happiness in our lives. Our small action of #HappyActs has a big impact on someone’s day by making it a little brighter.

Happiness is directly related to welfare, and people now believe that the focus should not only be on the growth of a country’s economy but also to ensure happiness among humans. It is considered a wonderful art to always have a sweet smile on your face. For which you find a reason or the other. Everyone wants to be happy, never to be sad. For this, many people calm their minds as well as watch funny things or even funny videos.

How the International Day of Happiness started

The idea of celebrating the International Day of Happiness was started by the UN’s famous social worker, Jayme Illien. Who insisted that every high can be touched by making happiness the purpose of your life. The day was celebrated for the first time on 20 March 2013. All 193 United Nations member states have agreed to unite that happiness should be given more priority. Thousands of people from all over the world came to build new positive and prosperous relationships with others.

Many writers, philosophers, and business people have shared their knowledge about being happy. Roald Dahl once wrote in his book The Twits: If you have good ideas, they will shine like the light from your face and you will always look beautiful.

Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions — The Dalai Lama

Who is Jayme Illien?

Jamie Illien was an orphan raised 32 years before the International Day of Happiness by the institution of famous social worker Mother Teresa from the streets of Calcutta. Jamie was later adopted by a single American woman named Ana Bell Illyan. Jamie has been a consultant to the UN. He made the world realize that it is not only important for humans to grow financially but also to increase people’s happiness.

There is a special theme of the International Day of Happiness every year. In 2023 the theme was “Be Mindful. Be Grateful. Be Kind.” The purpose of this theme is to pay attention to those things which are similar to us rather than those which divide us among ourselves. Everyone wants to be happy and life is happier when we are together.

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Top 5 most happy countries

1. Finland

The total population of Finland is 5.5 million. In 2015, the murder rate here is only 1.28 percent of the population of one lakh. In 2015, there were only 50 murders. Organized crime is negligible here. The police are very reliable and competent. Police and Internet security are considered to be the second-largest in the world. The law is strictly followed, but it is also to be kept in mind that the citizens of this place occupy the number one position among those who believe in politics, law, and policing.

2. Norway

Norway rank as the second most happy country. The Brig harbor is famous worldwide and thousands of people come here every year for tourism. It is also named in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

3. Denmark

Denmark’s country of Europe comes third in happiness. According to the Global Peace Index, Denmark is the world’s quietest country after Iceland. It is among the least corrupt countries in the world according to the Corruption Attitudes Index and ranks first with New Zealand and Sweden.

4. Iceland

Northwest Europe, Iceland has been ranked number 4 happiest country in the North Atlantic. Iceland has about 1 million tourists who come to see its wild nature such as glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes, and geezers. In recent years tourism in Iceland has increased during the winter.

5. Switzerland

Switzerland is considered the 5th happiest country in the world. 60 percent of its place is covered by the Alps mountains. So there are very beautiful mountains, villages, lakes, and pastures in this country. The standard of living of Swiss people is one of the highest lifestyles in the world, Swiss watches, cheese, chocolate are very famous.

India rank at 140th position in terms of happiness and terrorism-stricken Pakistan and poverty-stricken Nepal is better than India in this index. Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka are way ahead in the happiness rankings. In 2019 Pakistan stands at 67th rank, China at 93, Bhutan at 95, Nepal at 100, Bangladesh at 125, and Sri Lanka at 130, leaving India way behind. What is worrying is that due to the increasing corruption, crime in India, it has got this place out of 156 countries. Most of India’s neighbors are in better condition. Various factors that determine the happiness levels of a country include life expectancy, social support, income, freedom, trust, health, and generosity, amongst others.