Father's Day 2026 फादर्स डे

Why Father's Day is celebrated

Father's Day is a day to thank fathers, grandfathers, uncles and anyone who has played a father's role. In many Indian homes the father's love is shown more through work and sacrifice than words. The day gives children a reason to say thank you, spend time together and recognise how much fathers do.

History and story of Father's Day

The idea started in the United States. Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, wanted to honour her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran who raised six children after his wife died. After hearing a sermon about Mother's Day, she pushed for a similar day for fathers. The first Father's Day was held in Spokane in June 1910. It became a permanent national day in the United States in 1972.

Not every country uses the same date. Many Catholic countries mark it on 19 March, the feast of Saint Joseph, and Iran observes it on the birthday of Imam Ali. India follows the third Sunday of June.

How Father's Day is celebrated

There are no religious rituals. Children make cards, cook a favourite meal, give small gifts or plan an outing. Schools often hold drawing and writing activities, and many people share old family photos on social media.

Father's Day across India

In 2026 Father's Day falls on 21 June, which is also International Day of Yoga and the June solstice, the longest day of the year in India. Some families combine the two by doing yoga together that morning. Father's Day should not be confused with Pitru Paksha, the Hindu fortnight for remembering departed ancestors.