About International Tea Day
International Tea Day on 21 May celebrates tea's long cultural history and its importance to the many families who grow and process it. The UN General Assembly declared the day in 2019, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN leads its observance.
Tea is one of the most widely drunk beverages in the world, and in many producing countries it supports farmers, pickers and small growers in rural areas. International Tea Day aims to raise awareness of tea's cultural and economic value and to encourage sustainable production that is fair to the people who work in tea gardens.
The UN General Assembly declared 21 May as International Tea Day in 2019, after a proposal that India put forward through the FAO's intergovernmental group on tea. Before this, several tea-producing countries marked a tea day on 15 December.
How it is marked
Tea boards, estates and growers' associations hold tastings, exhibitions and talks on tea history and sustainable farming. Cafés run special menus, and friends and offices share tea breaks with snacks. India is one of the world's leading tea producers, with famous growing regions such as Assam, Darjeeling and the Nilgiris, and chai is part of daily life in homes, offices and roadside stalls. The day is a good excuse to try a new variety, visit a tea garden or simply thank the person who always makes the chai.
What to write
Keep it cosy and friendly, and mention a favourite cup or a shared tea moment.
- Here is to every chat that began with "chai piyoge?" Happy International Tea Day!
- Four o'clock chai hasn't been the same since you changed teams. Come down to the canteen today?
- Brought back a packet of Darjeeling for you. Tell me honestly if it beats your masala chai.
How to wish someone on International Tea Day
shared cups of chai, good conversation and thanks to the people who grow our tea
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
Why is International Tea Day on 21 May?
The UN chose 21 May because the tea production season begins around this time in many tea-producing countries. The date was set when the UN General Assembly declared the day in 2019.
What was the earlier Tea Day on 15 December?
Before the UN declaration, several tea-producing countries, including India, marked an International Tea Day on 15 December, with a focus on tea workers and small growers. Some groups still observe that date.
How can offices mark International Tea Day?
Offices can hold a tea tasting with different Indian varieties, host a longer tea break, or invite a speaker to talk about how tea is grown. Choosing fairly sourced tea is another simple step.
When is International Tea Day in 2026?
International Tea Day 2026 falls on Thursday, 21 May 2026.
What is International Tea Day?
International Tea Day on 21 May celebrates tea's long cultural history and its importance to the many families who grow and process it. The UN General Assembly declared the day in 2019, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN leads its observance.
Is International Tea Day a public holiday?
Holiday status for International Tea Day varies by state, employer and community in India, so check your local holiday list.
How do I wish someone on International Tea Day?
Focus on shared cups of chai, good conversation and thanks to the people who grow our tea. On Kehdoo you can write a short message, pick a design and share a free animated International Tea Day card as a single link, with no app or sign-up needed.
Sources
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .