Fathers Day: Here’s where it all began

Father’s Day is observed on the third Sunday of June. It honours all fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, and father figures for their contribution. It was created to complement Mother’s Day. Father’s Day started in the early 20th century in the United States to celebrate fatherhood and to complement Mother’s Day. It was first celebrated on June 19, 1910 in Spokane, Washington at the YMCA by Sonora Smart Dodd. She heard about Mother’s Day in 1909 and told her pastor the she thought fathers should have a similar holiday. Her father raised six children as a single parent. The local clergymen agreed to the idea and the first Father’s Day sermon was given on June 19, 1910.

The celebration around the world varies from country to country. In India, there is 15 day remembrance of all ancestors called Pitru Paksha (Fortnight for Ancestors). There is also a remembrance day for deceased father (death anniversary for both mother and father). Father’s Day is not a public holiday in India. In recent years, retailers have adapted to the holiday by promoting greeting cards and traditionally masculine gifts such as electronics and tools on third Sunday of June. Some schools and other children’s programs commonly have activities to make Father’s Day gifts in some large cities. A father is meant to be the first ideal person for every child, so image of father for a child is very respectful from the beginning in India.

Father’s Day is a time to recognize fathers and father figures who have influenced a person’s life. It is celebrated through cards, gifts, dining out, gifts such as electronic gadgets, sports attire, household tools or time spent together.

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