Father’s Day is celebrated annually on the third Sunday of June to recognize and appreciate fatherhood, paternal relationships, and the impact of fathers in society. Father’s Day 2024 will fall on Sunday, June 16.

The History of Father’s Day

The origin of Father’s Day stems from the early 20th century in the United States. Sonora Smart Dodd first proposed the idea with the intention of honoring her father, a Civil War veteran who raised six children as a single parent. Inspired by Mother’s Day, which had become an established holiday, Dodd campaigned for a similar celebration to acknowledge fathers. Her efforts led to the first statewide Father’s Day celebration on June 19, 1910. President Richard Nixon officially recognized this day as a national holiday in the U.S. in 1972 after he signed it into law. Since then, it has become a globally celebrated event, with each country adopting its own unique customs and traditions to honor fathers.

Celebrating Fatherhood

Father’s Day is a time to express gratitude and appreciation for the love, support, and guidance fathers provide. Traditionally, fathers were seen as the primary breadwinners and disciplinarians within the family unit. However, modern society has witnessed a shift in fatherhood roles. Fathers are increasingly involving themselves in childcare, emotional support, and household chores, creating a more balanced and nurturing environment for children.

Global Traditions

Traditions vary by country but commonly include giving cards, gifts, and spending time with fathers. Additionally, many families celebrate by preparing special meals or engaging in activities that the father enjoys. The United States celebrates this day on the third Sunday of June with family gatherings and special events. Father’s Day in Thailand coincides with the King’s birthday on December 5 and includes public ceremonies and acts of charity. In Brazil, this day is celebrated on the second Sunday of August and often involves large family gatherings and feasts. In India also, people celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June, similar to many other countries. This day has gained popularity in recent years, influenced by Western traditions. In the weeks preceding Father’s Day, advertisements featuring gift ideas, promotions, and discounts attract customers’ attention.

Sanskrit Shlokas Appreciating Fatherhood

Sanskrit shlokas portray fathers as symbols of discipline, divinity, and righteousness. The following shlokas encapsulate the importance of fatherhood:

1. पिता धर्म: पिता स्वर्ग: पिता हि परमं तप:। पितरि प्रीतिमापन्ने प्रीयन्ते सर्वदेवता।।- A father is the world’s greatest symbol of discipline; he is as divine as the heavens, and as sacred as the Dharma. If someone can make their father happy, the gods themselves are pleased.
2. न ह्यतो धर्मचरणं किञ्चिदस्ति महत्तरम्। यथा पितरिशुश्रूषा तस्य वा वचनक्रिया।। – Serving one’s father or obeying his commands is the highest kind of observance of righteousness (Dharma).
3. सर्वदेवमय: पिता। – The father is the embodiment of all Devas (gods)

Father’s Day is celebrated annually on the third Sunday of June to recognize and appreciate fatherhood, paternal relationships, and the impact of fathers in society. Father’s Day 2024 will fall on Sunday, June 16.

The History of Father’s Day

The origin of Father’s Day stems from the early 20th century in the United States. Sonora Smart Dodd first proposed the idea with the intention of honoring her father, a Civil War veteran who raised six children as a single parent. Inspired by Mother’s Day, which had become an established holiday, Dodd campaigned for a similar celebration to acknowledge fathers. Her efforts led to the first statewide Father’s Day celebration on June 19, 1910. President Richard Nixon officially recognized this day as a national holiday in the U.S. in 1972 after he signed it into law. Since then, it has become a globally celebrated event, with each country adopting its own unique customs and traditions to honor fathers.

Celebrating Fatherhood

Father’s Day is a time to express gratitude and appreciation for the love, support, and guidance fathers provide. Traditionally, fathers were seen as the primary breadwinners and disciplinarians within the family unit. However, modern society has witnessed a shift in fatherhood roles. Fathers are increasingly involving themselves in childcare, emotional support, and household chores, creating a more balanced and nurturing environment for children.

Global Traditions

Traditions vary by country but commonly include giving cards, gifts, and spending time with fathers. Additionally, many families celebrate by preparing special meals or engaging in activities that the father enjoys. The United States celebrates this day on the third Sunday of June with family gatherings and special events. Father’s Day in Thailand coincides with the King’s birthday on December 5 and includes public ceremonies and acts of charity. In Brazil, this day is celebrated on the second Sunday of August and often involves large family gatherings and feasts. In India also, people celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June, similar to many other countries. This day has gained popularity in recent years, influenced by Western traditions. In the weeks preceding Father’s Day, advertisements featuring gift ideas, promotions, and discounts attract customers’ attention.

Sanskrit Shlokas Appreciating Fatherhood

Sanskrit shlokas portray fathers as symbols of discipline, divinity, and righteousness. The following shlokas encapsulate the importance of fatherhood:

1. पिता धर्म: पिता स्वर्ग: पिता हि परमं तप:। पितरि प्रीतिमापन्ने प्रीयन्ते सर्वदेवता।।- A father is the world’s greatest symbol of discipline; he is as divine as the heavens, and as sacred as the Dharma. If someone can make their father happy, the gods themselves are pleased.
2. न ह्यतो धर्मचरणं किञ्चिदस्ति महत्तरम्। यथा पितरिशुश्रूषा तस्य वा वचनक्रिया।। – Serving one’s father or obeying his commands is the highest kind of observance of righteousness (Dharma).
3. सर्वदेवमय: पिता। – The father is the embodiment of all Devas (gods)