About International Day of Families
The International Day of Families on 15 May highlights the importance of families and the social, economic and demographic issues that affect them. It was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 and is observed around the world each year.
Families are where most of us first learn care, responsibility and belonging. They come in many shapes, from large joint families to nuclear families, single-parent homes, grandparents raising grandchildren and close friends who become family.
The UN General Assembly proclaimed 15 May as the International Day of Families in 1993. The day reflects the view that families are a basic unit of society, and it encourages attention to the pressures they face, such as work and care responsibilities, housing, health and changing family structures.
How it is marked
Around the world, the UN and local organisations use the day for discussions on policies that support families, such as parental leave, childcare and care for older relatives. Schools hold family drawing activities, storytelling sessions and invite parents or grandparents to take part. Some workplaces host family days or encourage staff to leave early. In India, where many people live in or stay closely connected to joint families, marking the day can be as simple as calling an aunt or grandparent, cooking a meal together or looking through old photographs.
What to write
Keep the message personal and grateful, and mention a small shared memory if you can.
- Thank you for being my home, wherever we are. Happy International Day of Families.
- From Sunday lunches to late-night chats on the terrace, you lot are my favourite people. Love you all.
- To my flatmates, who became family somewhere between the power cuts and the Maggi. Happy International Day of Families.
How to wish someone on International Day of Families
love and thanks for the family we are born into and the family we choose
Write a few lines in your own words, pick a design and share it as one link on WhatsApp, Instagram or anywhere else. They open an animated card made just for them, with no app and no sign-up.
Language tip: English, Hindi + recipient language.
Frequently asked questions
Is the International Day of Families the same as Mother’s Day or Father’s Day?
No. Mother’s Day and Father’s Day honour individual parents, while the International Day of Families celebrates the family as a whole and draws attention to issues that affect families.
How can offices mark the International Day of Families?
Workplaces can host a family day, share information on leave and care policies, or give staff time to be with their families. Simple gestures such as a family photo wall also help people feel seen.
What can families do together on this day?
Families can cook a meal together, play a game, record a grandparent’s stories or plan a short outing. The aim is simply to spend unhurried time with one another.
When is International Day of Families in 2026?
International Day of Families 2026 falls on Friday, 15 May 2026.
What is International Day of Families?
The International Day of Families on 15 May highlights the importance of families and the social, economic and demographic issues that affect them. It was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 and is observed around the world each year.
Is International Day of Families a public holiday?
Holiday status for International Day of Families varies by state, employer and community in India, so check your local holiday list.
How do I wish someone on International Day of Families?
Focus on love and thanks for the family we are born into and the family we choose. On Kehdoo you can write a short message, pick a design and share a free animated International Day of Families card as a single link, with no app or sign-up needed.
Sources
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .