International Happiness Day 2020: ‘Happiness For All, Together’

Team Udayavani, Mar 20, 2020, 3:38 PM IST

International Happiness is observed on March 20 every year. The objective of this day is to bring happiness for all. This day focuses on changing the outlook of life by trying to be happy.

Background

The first International Day of Happiness was observed on March 20, 2013. The United Nations declared March 20 as International Day of Happiness based on the initiative of Bhutan.

Bhutan is said to be the only country that calculates the level of happiness for its GDP growth. Bhutan government has declared March 20 as a public holiday so that family members can stay together. The Bhutan government has allowed people of the country to think about what is necessary for achieving happiness in life.

March 20 has been chosen for the International Day of Happiness because of March equinox. March equinox appears at the time when Earth’s equator passes through the centre of Sun’s disk.

International Happiness Day 2020-Theme

United Nations International Day of Happiness is launching the global campaign theme, HAPPINESS FOR ALL, TOGETHER.  This theme was launched to promote and advance worldwide solidarity and unity, in winning the global fight against COVID 19 coronavirus.

The campaign theme is a call for all 7.8 billion members of the global human family, and all 206 nations and territories of earth, to unite in solidarity in fighting back against the COVID 19 Coronavirus, by taking the #TenStepsToGlobalHappiness challenge to celebrate the 2020 #InternationalDayOfHappiness, and ultimately defeating the COVID 19 global pandemic and a threat to all life.

The Ten Steps to Global Happiness Challenge is an annual tradition, with this year’s steps are focused on a great global effort to defeat the COVID 19 virus and global pandemic:

1. Let’s Stick Together
2. Follow the WHO guidance and recommendations
3. Virtually attend a World Happiness Event. The 7 day live streaming World Happiness Fest and the 2020 World Happiness Report is releasing on March 20, 2020.
4. Do what makes you happy and stay social online
5. Be Kind, Share, and say thank you to the Doctors, nurses, drivers, factory workers, teachers, and unsung heroes risking their lives on the frontlines of the fight against COVID 19, to defeat the virus and keep the shelves stocked and society moving forward.
6. Stay Active and Mindful
7. Stay Optimistic, Positive, and, Resilient
8. Stay Informed About Facts, News, and Avoid Myths
9. Enjoy Nature and the Environment
10. Think about systemic change we can make so this never ever happens again.