World Laughter Day

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Apr 5, 2023, 16:16

World Laughter Day, an initiative by Dr Madan Kataria, is celebrated on the first Sunday of May every year. It falls on May 7, 2023, this year and will be observed in many parts of the world. Dr Kataria is the founder of the Laughter Yoga movement and established World Laughter Day in 1998 to encourage people to make happiness their priority.

This day is celebrated to highlight the many psychological and physiological benefits of laughter. In this article, we have shared more about World Laughter Day, its history, significance and the many ways in which you can celebrate this day.

World Laughter Day 2023

Dr Madan Kataria, a family doctor based in, India, established World Laughter Day in 1998. The purpose of this day is to make people aware of the countless benefits of laughter in leading a healthy and fulfilling life. World Laughter Day also aims to spread public consciousness about laughter as a bonding tool.

Today, World Laughter Day is celebrated in many parts of the world annually on the first Sunday of May. Get a better overview of this day by going through the overview shared in the table below.

Day

World Laughter Day

Observed

May 7, 2023 (first Sunday of May)

Established by

Dr Madan Kataria

Established on

May 10, 1998

Aim

To solidify public consciousness of brotherhood and peace through laughter

World Laughter Day - Theme

The theme of World Laughter Day revolves around foregrounding the benefits of laughter. This day has also been explained as a manifestation of world peace because laughter often brings people together. Every year, many countries in the world celebrate World Laughter Day to make people aware of the benefits of laughter.

No specific theme is announced on World Laughter Day. However, the celebrations are planned around promoting well-being and good health through laughter.

Laughter Day - History

The history of World Laughter Day can be traced back to 1998 when Dr Madan Kataria announced the first celebration of this day on May 10. Here is the complete timeline of this day.

  • The founder of the Laughter Yoga Movement, Dr Madan Kataria, establishes World Laughter Day in 1998.
  • The idea behind this day was to encourage people to make a life full of laughter and joy their priority.
  • Initially, Laughter Day was only celebrated in India but because of the unique and meaningful concept, it spread to different countries.
  • Now, the Laughter Yoga Movement and World Laughter Day are celebrated in various parts of the world.

Importance of World Laughter Day

On World Laughter Day, remember the quote “Laughter is the best medicine in the world.” Laughter indeed has many psychological and physiological benefits. Find out more about the benefits of laughter and the importance of Laughter Day here.

  • World Laughter Day can be an opportunity for people to get together and participate in Laughter Yoga.
  • This day reiterates the idea that laughter can be a tool of bonding that can contribute in attaining world peace.
  • Laughter Day is important because it encourages people to spread their joy and make the world a better place.

Benefits of Laughter

Many studies have shown that laughter has numerous benefits. On World Laughter Day, we have shared some of the benefits of laughing here.

  • It relieves stress.
  • Laughing can increase the intake of oxygen.
  • Laughter is an activity that releases endorphins or happiness hormones.
  • It stimulates your muscles and heart.
  • A good laugh can help you bond better with people.

How to do Laughter Yoga?

World Laughter Day is the perfect time to do laughter yoga, an activity that includes laughing voluntarily. The founder of Laughter Day, Dr Kataria, is also the founder of the Laughter Yoga Movement. Here are some tips on how to do this yoga:

  • Find some people who are willing to do laughter yoga with you as it is a group activity.
  • Do some warm-up exercises or basic stretching.
  • Raise your arms above your head and start laughing loudly to a rhythm.
  • Maintain eye contact with your group and enjoy a good laugh session.

World Laughter Day Activities

People organize or participate in various kinds of activities on Laughter Day. It is an occasion when people come together and enjoy each other’s company. Here are some easy and fun activities that you can do this World Laughter Day.

  • Do laughter yoga together.
  • Get together with people who make you laugh and spend time with them.
  • On Laughter Day, you can let your inner child take over by playing fun games with your friends.
  • Do a deed that makes you feel happy and content. It could be anything like dancing, cooking, gardening, etc.
  • Celebrate World Laughter Day by sharing jokes and making people laugh. Spread the happiness.

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FAQs on World Laughter Day

Q1. When is World Laughter Day?

World Laughter Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of May every year. This year, Laughter Day will be celebrated on May 7, 2023. This day was established in 1998 by a family doctor, Dr Madan Kataria, in India.

Q2. Why is World Laughter Day celebrated?

World Laughter Day is celebrated to make people aware of the many psychological and physiological benefits of laughter. This day was established by Dr Madan Kataria, the founder of the Laughter Yoga Movement, who aimed to dedicate a day to laughter and happiness.

Q3. Who started World Laughter Day?

Dr Madan Kataria, a family doctor based in, India, started World Laughter Day in 1998. The first Laughter Day was celebrated on May 10, 1998. Since then, the concept of this day has been shared far and wide and World Laughter Day is now celebrated across the globe.

Q4. Is January 10 World Laughter Day?

No, January 10 is not celebrated as World Laughter Day. In fact, Laughter Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of May every year. It was first celebrated on May 10, 1998. This year, World Laughter Day will be celebrated on May 7, 2023.

Q5. Where is World Laughter Day celebrated?

World Laughter Day originated in India and is now celebrated all around the world. It was started by Dr Madan Kataria, a family doctor, who arranged the first celebration of Laughter Day on May 10, 1998, in Mumbai, India.

Q6. When is Laughter Day celebrated in India?

World Laughter Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of May in India. This day raises awareness about the importance of laughter and its many healing properties. Laughter Day is a great occasion to bond with people by spreading joy and laughter.