World Laughter Day (WLD) is annually observed across the globe on the first Sunday of May to highlight the importance of laughter in promoting health, peace, and emotional well-being by uniting people from all walks of life to spread joy and positivity.
- WLD 2025 falls on 4 May 2025.
- WLD 2024 was observed on 5 May 2024;
- WLD 2026 will be observed on 3 May 2026.
Theme:
The theme of WLD 2025 is “Laugh for Health, Peace and Happiness”
- The theme highlights how laughter can improve health, bring people together in peace, and create happiness in communities around the world.
Background:
i.In 1998, WLD was initiated by a physician from Mumbai (Maharashtra) Dr. Madan Kataria, the founder of the Laughter Yoga Movement, which encourages laughter as a form of exercise.
ii.The first World Laughter Day celebration was held in Mumbai (Maharashtra) on 11th January 1998, with over 12,000 participants from various countries. Since then, the event has grown into a global movement, observed in over 100 countries.
iii.The first World Laughter Day event held outside India, titled “HAPPY-DEMIC,” took place on January 9, 2000, in Copenhagen, Denmark, where over 10,000 people gathered at Town Hall Square, earning a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest-ever laughter session.
Note: Rajendra Kumar set a world record for the ‘longest laughter’ lasting 3 hours, 47 minutes, and 54 seconds on January 21, 2022, which was recognized by The Golden Book of World Records, Harvard World Records (London), and the International World Records Book.
Significance:
i.WLD highlights laughter’s role in strengthening the body’s defenses.
ii.The day raises awareness of laughter’s healing benefits, such as reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and boosting immune function, through global laughter yoga sessions and community events.
iii.WLD uses the power of shared laughter to promote a sense of unity, friendship, and understanding among people around the world.
iv.Practicing Laughter Yoga releases “feel-good” hormones, known as a joy cocktail that boost positive emotions like love, kindness, and happiness, while reducing negative feelings like fear, anger, and hatred.
Health Benefits of Laughter:
i.Boosts the immune system and improves overall health.
ii.Reduces levels of stress hormones like cortisol.
iii.Releases endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones in the brain.
iv.Enhances blood circulation and supports heart health.
v.Strengthens emotional bonds and improves mood.
