World Laughter Day 2021: Date, Quotes, Reason, History

First Sunday of May is celebrated as the World Laughter Day every year all across the globe. Celebration of World Laughter Day initially started in Mumbai, India. It was the brainchild of Dr. Madan Kataria, founder of the Laughter Yoga Movement.

Very first celebration of this occasion started in the year 1998. Since then, May’s first Sunday has become brighter for the world. Obviously, it’s not hard for anyone to resist the contagious nature of a good laugh. Thus, the entire world embraced World Laughter Day and it turned into an international event.

Objective of the World Laughter Day

The objective of celebrating the World Laughter Day is to raise awareness about the benefits of laughter. This day also intends to bring peace and harmony through laughter. It is believed that laughter stimulates an individual’s body and mind. A good laugh has the potential of increasing optimism, energy and uplifting the mood of any individual almost spontaneously.

What is Laughter Yoga?

Laughter Yoga or Hasya Yoga as it is called in Hindi, is a modern exercise which requires the practitioner to voluntarily laugh without any humorous reason. Mind almost gets fooled when a person fakes laughter through continuous practice of hasya yoga. It does not recognize any difference between a real laugh and a fake one. Thus, a practitioner of hasya yoga can observe the same physiological and psychological benefits as she would have with a real laugh. How interesting is that!

This kind of yoga is usually practiced in groups. Many laughter clubs and groups have evolved since 1998. Parks and society gardens are often filled with people of all ages practicing laugh. It often happens in such groups that what started like a forced laughter eventually turns into a real one.

If you are also a practitioner of Hasya Yoga, we would love to know about some of your memorable experiences. Do share with us in the comment box below. For now, we wish you a HAPPY WORLD LAUGHTER DAY !

World Laughter Day Quotes

“If Laughter cannot solve your problems, it will definitely DISSOLVE your problems; so that you can think clearly what to do about them” – Dr. Madan Kataria

“A good laugh heals a lot of hurts.” — Madeleine L’Engle

“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.” — Phyllis Diller

“Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand.” — Mark Twain

“Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine.” — Lord Byron

“As soap is to the body, so laughter is to the soul.” — A Jewish Proverb

“He who laughs, lasts!” — Mary Pettibone Poole

“Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.” — Victor Hugo