Father’s Day: History, Significance, Celebration, Gift Ideas & Quotes

Falling on the third Sunday in the month of June every year, Father’s Day is celebrated to honor the invaluable contribution and significant role of fathers in supporting the family. On the special occasion of Father’s day, let’s sneak some time and pay an ode to all those men who embraced fatherhood and made this world a better place to live for their children. Whether it’s your daddy, grandfather, brother, friend, or Uncle - if he is a father figure to you, let him know how special he is to you. Mark your calendar and don’t forget to sparkle their day by expressing your love and gratitude. Take a look at some efforts of people who recognized the relentless spirit of fatherhood.

History of Father’s Day

Father’s Day was first celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Washington. Twice-widowed Civil War veteran and father of 14 children, William Jackson Smart is believed to be an inspiration behind this special day. Back in 1909, Sonora Smart Dodd, William’s daughter, was the first one to initiate the drive for Father's Day.

While attending the services and hearing sermons about their mother’s unconditional love, she felt an epiphany with her father’s devotion in raising 14 children single-handedly. In the following year, on June 5 (William’s birthday), she raised a petition before the Spokane Ministerial Alliance to commemorate the dedication of all fathers like William who effortlessly covered up the loss of a mother. The idea was appreciated by the local clergy and they decided to organize a sermon ceremony in the church on the third Sunday in June. The ceremony on June 19, 1910, was attended by the mass along with the Mayor of Spokane and the Governor of Washington.

Since that year, on and off commemoration ceremonies kept happening in the US to honour fathers but there was no official day. It took 60 years of Sonara’s life and efforts to get official recognition. And finally, in the year 1972, President Richard M. Nixon declared Father’s Day as a nationwide holiday.

Significance of Father’s Day

It’s right that mothers love unconditionally but fathers are pillars, the support system of every family, and celebrating the spirit of fatherhood is equally important. Father’s Day brings an opportunity for the children to understand the importance of fathers and their invaluable contribution. This day also helps in the emotional development of the child and strengthening the bond with the father.

Father’s Day Celebrations Around the World

Observed on different dates and in various countries of the world, the major celebration can be seen in Washington, the USA where the first official Father’s Day was celebrated. Take a look at how Father’s Day is celebrated in different parts of the world!

Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June in Canada, UK, the United States, Argentina, France, Greece, India, Ireland, Mexico, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, and Venezuela. This day is widely accepted by most countries across the globe.

• The Catholic countries of Europe celebrate Father’s Day as Saint Joseph's Day on 19 March every year.
• The first Sunday in September is marked as Father’s Day in Australia and New Zealand.
• The second Sunday of August is observed as Father’s Day in Brazil.
• In Thailand, Father’s Day is celebrated on 5th December to commemorate the birth anniversary of their King.

Gifting Ideas for Father’s Day

Father’s Day 2026 is falling on 21th June, so are you ready with your ideas to please your super dad? If you are still haggling with gifting ideas for Father’s day, we have got you covered. Take a look at some of the best gifts you possibly can give a man who never thought twice in giving you all he had.

Replace material gifts with personalised attention

Spend a day with him talking about the good old days. After all, spending quality time with parents would be the best Father’s day gift.

Plan a short trip with your dad

Reliving those priceless childhood memories is far more gratifying. No matter how old we are, we always get nostalgic reminiscing about those carefree days when our dad used to carry us on his shoulders. Father’s day is the time when you can bond again catching up with those golden days.

Make personalised notes

If the distance is a problem, make sure you drop him a heartwarming text or post him a handwritten letter. No matter how beautiful or expensive things you can buy for him, a few words of heartfelt gratitude work wonders, especially with fathers. A simple call from children makes him smile so imagine getting a personalised note. He will surely treasure it.

Father’s Day Quotes

We have compiled a few quotes about father’s sacrifices and love that will definitely sway your heart. Here we go!

• “Morning without you is a dwindled dawn.” - Emily Dickinson
• “My father didn’t tell me how to live. He lived and let me watch him do it.” - Clarence Budington Kelland
• "She did not stand alone, but what stood behind her, the most potent moral force in her life, was the love of her father." - Harper Lee
• "Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, story-tellers, and singers of song." - Pam Brown
• “When you need real understanding, when you need someone to care, when you need someone to guide you, a father is always there.” - Thomas J. Langley
• “A father carries pictures where his money used to be.” - Steve Martin
• “There will always be a few people who have the courage to love what is untamed inside us. One of those men is my father.” - Alison Lohman
• "My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: He believed in me." - Jim Valvano
• “To her, the name of father was another name for love.” - Fanny Fern
• “My father gave me my dreams. Thanks to him, I could see the future.” - Liza Minnelli

With some buzz of talk, laughter, and tears heralding the spirit of fatherhood, we surely can make them know how much they mean to us. Happy Father’s Day to all awesomelicious Daddies out there. We love you!

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Frequently Asked Questions About  Father's Day

Q. When is Father's Day in 2026?
A. Father’s Day in 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, June 21, 2026 in most countries, including the USA, UK, and India. It is observed every year on the third Sunday of June.

Q. Why do we celebrate Father's Day?
A. Father’s Day is celebrated to honor and appreciate the role of fathers and father figures in our lives. It recognizes their love, sacrifices, and contributions to the family and society.

Q. What are the best gift ideas for Father’s Day 2026?
A. Top trending Father's Day gift ideas for 2026 include:

• Smart gadgets (watches, earbuds)
• Personalized gifts (photo frames, mugs, wallets)
• DIY handmade cards or crafts
• Grooming kits
• Experience gifts like spa vouchers or travel bookings
• Is Father’s Day a public holiday in India?
• No, Father's Day is not a public holiday in India. It is a celebration observed mostly in private and social circles through gifts, greetings, and family time.

Q. Who started Father’s Day and why?
A. Father’s Day was founded by Sonora Smart Dodd in the United States in 1910, to honor her father, a Civil War veteran who raised six children as a single parent.

Q. How can I celebrate Father’s Day at home in 2026?

• Celebration ideas at home include:
• Cooking your dad’s favorite meal
• Creating a handmade greeting card
• Hosting a movie or game night
• Recording a heartfelt video message
• Organizing a family photo session

Q. Are there different dates for Father's Day worldwide?
A. Yes. While most countries celebrate it on the third Sunday of June, countries like Spain, Italy, and Portugal observe it on March 19, and some in September.

Q. What are some meaningful Father’s Day messages in 2026?

• “Dad, your guidance is my strength. Happy Father’s Day 2026!”
• “To the hero of my life — thank you for always being there.”
• “You may not wear a cape, but you're always my superhero.”

Q. Is there a theme for Father's Day 2026?
A. While there's no official universal theme, many schools, brands, and organizations adopt themes such as “Fatherhood in the Digital Age” or “Celebrating Everyday Heroes” for events or campaigns.