Latest news with #WorldLaughterDay
Telegraph
15-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
How ridiculous awareness days (today is National Aperitif Day) took over our calendar
With everything going on in the world at the moment, you probably aren't in the mood for National Smile Month, which began on Monday. The good news is that you aren't expected to grin inanely for the whole four weeks. Like many of these events, the idea is to chivvy you into being a better person. Look after your teeth properly, eat less sugar, avoid processed foods, drink more water, visit the dentist. You get the idea. Why it takes a month to get this message across is anybody's guess, but National Smile Month is just one of the awareness events in an ever more crowded calendar. Did you slog your way through Dry January, when we are also urged to go vegan? Or perhaps you worried that you weren't doing enough to mark Stress Awareness Month in April? Well, during May, you can afford to enjoy yourself for a bit. Saturday May 3 was World Naked Gardening Day, when we are encouraged to let it all hang out by the herbaceous borders as we mulch our pinks and polish our dibbers. This mixture of Monty Don and Sid James was invented by some American naturists in 2005, but spread across the world like Japanese knotweed. In New Zealand, where it's a bit nippy in May, they celebrate in October. Is it just an unfortunate coincidence that naked gardeners shared the weekend with World Laughter Day? This was invented in India by Dr Madan Kataria, the creator of laughter yoga, and is held every year on the first Sunday of the month. There are now so many events that it's becoming more and more difficult to know what we're supposed to be aware of and when. The Awareness Days website lists 74 events for May alone. They include National Doughnut Week, British Tomato Fortnight, English Wine Week, National Conversation Week and National Beer Garden Day. You can wear eccentric trousers on May 16 in support of sick children for Wallace and Gromit's Wrong Trousers Day and wear a silly hat on May 24 in aid of a brain injuries charity during Hats for Headway Day. And the Awareness Days website doesn't even mention Star Wars Day (May 4), Eat What You Want Day (May 11), International No Diet Day (May 6) or National Leprechaun Day. That's held on May 13, which is also World Cocktail Day and Hummus Day. As you can see, some of the days are more serious than others. Most of the campaigns are designed to improve us or to draw our attention to something worthy: Dry January, Veganuary, Urology Awareness Month (September) and that sort of thing. Then there are events designed to raise money for good causes. Perhaps the best known of these is Movember, when men grow moustaches in aid of prostate and testicular cancer research. Over 21 years, Movember has raised £945 million worldwide. But there's also Football Shirt Friday. Every April, which is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, football fans wear their favourite shirt and donate to the Bobby Moore Fund, which was created in memory of the former England captain, who died of bowel cancer at the age of just 51. The campaign has raised more than £1 million since it began in 2013. The packed calendar does create the risk that issues of genuine importance get lost in the crowd. June 1, for example, is both World Reef Day as well as National Cancer Survivors Day and marks the start of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, Pride Month, National Age Without Apology Month and Sands (the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity) Awareness Month. Many of the days which clutter up the schedule are the work of clever PR and marketing machines, but some campaigns which undoubtedly benefit particular industries are run by enthusiasts. World Gin Day (June 14 this year) was started by gin lover Neil Houston but is now run by Emma Stokes, the creator of the Gin Monkey website. 'World Gin Day is my way of giving back to the gin community that has given me so much over the years,' she says. 'I think if you'd ask gin brands, World Gin Day has been instrumental in building a community and supporting the rise in gin.' If you're not a gin fan, you might prefer to raise a glass at 7pm the day after to mark Beer Day Britain, launched in 2015 by drinks expert Jane Peyton. 'Pubs hold special events,' she says. 'I know of a couple of care homes that have Beer Day parties. Some people arrange ale trails. It varies year to year.' One of the more eccentric events on the calendar is celebrated annually on September 21. Telegraph Pole Appreciation Day was founded in 1997 by publisher Martin Evans, who is not only the author of Telegraph Pole Appreciation for Beginners but also runs the Telegraph Pole Appreciation Society. (Motto: 'If it's tall, wooden, sticky-uppy and got wires coming out the top then we appreciate it.') 'It was really a day that I just made up,' he admits. 'The notion of a specific appreciation day came on one of those fine late September mornings when I observed a fine run of poles disappearing off into the early mist over undulating fields. I thought, 'More people need to feel what I'm feeling now.' 'I can't remember how we ended up on event websites. I've been banging on about September 21 for years, so I think they might have just picked it up.' Telegraph Pole Day is a good example of the benefits of awareness days. The society now has more than 1,300 members, which you might think is quite a lot of people swapping information about telegraph poles. Still, even the most unlikely people have their moment in the awareness day spotlight. You wouldn't think politicians are particularly popular at the moment – or indeed ever – but this Monday (May 19), the United States will be marking Celebrate Your Elected Officials Day. 'They often work long hours, juggling complex tasks, without much praise,' explains the Days of the Year website. 'On this day, we shift focus and say thank you – openly and sincerely.' Well, almost sincerely. Two days earlier, estate agents get to bask in our collective gratitude. On May 17, Americans mark National Real Estate Day. Established in 2016, this is when property owners 'reach out to your real estate agent and say thanks'. Even lawyers have their big day. In fact, lawyers seem to have a whole list of days: they probably threatened to sue for negligence if they were ignored. These include International Be Kind to Lawyers Day, which has been held since 2017 on the second Tuesday of April. In the US, there is National Lawyer Well-Being Week, National Law Week, Love Litigating Lawyers Day, National Paralegal Day, Hug a Lawyer Day, and Love Your Lawyer Day. Oh, and let's not forget the International Day of Women Judges, which is held every March 10 on the orders of the United Nations. You will scarcely believe this, but there is even a day set aside to admire the work of a group who regularly find themselves quite unfairly ranked in the lowest depths of public esteem, alongside estate agents, politicians, lawyers and the rest. I refer, of course, to journalists. National Journalism Day, which is known more formally as World Press Freedom Day, was established by the United Nations in 1993 and is held each year on May 3. You can be forgiven for missing the street parties and the dancing this year. You were probably in the garden, completely starkers, and trying to keep the strimmer away from your old man's beard.
South Wales Argus
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
The best events that are happening in Gwent this week
Classic cars at Caldicot Castle Caldicot Castle will host the Morris Minor Branch Rally and Classic Car Show this weekend. From 11am to 4pm on Sunday, visitors can enjoy free entry to the castle and view more than 230 classic cars, including numerous Morris Minors. The event is organised by the South Wales Branch and features various clubs, makes, and models. This family-friendly event also offers free parking, and the castle café will serve tea, coffee, and ice cream throughout the day. VE celebrations in Chepstow Elsewhere, Chepstow is set to come alive with music for VE Day. On May 10, Beaufort Square will host live performances from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Residents and visitors are invited to join the festivities and enjoy the musical performances. The square will be filled with the sounds of celebration, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Chepstow. World Laughter Day at Pontypool Indoor Market Pontypool Indoor Market is set to host a World Laughter Day event on Saturday. From 10am to 3pm, the market will feature pop-up stalls and free face painting. There will also be a Pontyvision singing competition from 10am to 11.30am, with a prize for the best singer or group. From 12.30pm to 1.30pm, attendees can participate in a joke-telling contest, with the winning dad joke printed on a mug. To take part in the competitions, message the Events at Pontypool Indoor Market Facebook page. Mathern Mill to open its doors Finally, the historic Mathern Mill, near Chepstow, will open its doors to visitors on May 10 and 11, 2025. The watermill, dating back to the late 17th century, will welcome guests from 2pm to 5pm on both days. Visitors can explore the Victorian machinery and learn about the mill's history and its past occupants, who were millers, farmers, and publicans. This year, the mill is participating in "Mills on the Air," with the Chepstow Radio Society linking up with other mills in the UK and beyond. Entry to the mill is free.
Hans India
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Pragya Jaiswal embraces summer vibes
Actress Pragya Jaiswal is all set to shine brighter in 2025 with two major Telugu film releases on the horizon. After winning hearts as Kaveri in DaakuMaharaaj, she is gearing up for action-packed roles in Tyson Naidu, opposite Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas, and Akhanda 2, reuniting with Nandamuri Balakrishna. Before diving back into intense shoot schedules, Pragya treated fans to a breezy summer moment. Celebrating World Laughter Day, she shared a radiant photo of herself in a light purple dress, her hair flowing freely as she twirled with a soft smile and fiery charm. The effortless look captured the spirit of the season — relaxed, elegant, and full of joy. Her subtle celebration proved that she doesn't need exaggerated expressions or punchlines to grab attention. With back-to-back big projects and a growing fanbase, Pragya's combination of poise and powerhouse performances is making waves. The actress's laid-back yet confident style moment is just a glimpse of the storm she's set to bring on screen. As filming progresses on her upcoming ventures, fans can expect to see a lot more of Pragya — both in fierce avatars on screen and chic appearances off it. One thing's for sure: this summer, and the year ahead, belong to her.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain's Vipin Heero on World Laughter Day: Laughing and making others laugh is the best gift to society
On the occasion of World Laughter Day (May 5), actor Vipin Heero , known for his role as Malkhaan in the hit sitcom Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain , shared heartfelt thoughts on the power of laughter. The actor, who is part of the show produced under the Edit II banner, believes that his contribution to making people laugh holds deep meaning in today's stressful world. 'As an actor, I feel I am doing something truly valuable by bringing a smile to people's faces. There's already so much tension in everyone's life—if I can make someone laugh for even a few moments, I consider that a big success,' said Vipin. He emphasized that both laughing and spreading laughter are essential for a fulfilling life. 'Laughter keeps stress away, improves health, and helps you enjoy life more. It's like a free therapy session we all need but often ignore,' he added. When asked how people can invite more laughter into their lives, Vipin had some simple yet effective advice: 'Surround yourself with people who make you smile. Watch shows or content that makes you laugh. When you immerse yourself in that environment, joy becomes a habit—and you start sharing it with others naturally.' Vipin's message is a reminder that in a world full of pressure and anxiety, even a few minutes of genuine laughter can bring relief and connection. Through his role on one of India's most beloved comedy shows, he continues to be a source of joy for millions—one laugh at a time. Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain is a popular Indian sitcom known for its quirky humour, memorable characters, and comic timing. Set in Kanpur, it revolves around two neighboring couples and their hilarious attempts to woo each other's wives, leading to a series of comical misunderstandings and light-hearted entertainment.
Hans India
05-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Laughter helps lead happy life
Vijayawada: On the occasion of World Laughter Day, Dr VV Rama Kumar, senior Diabetologist and Glottologist, organised health camps at three different locations to promote the significance of laughter in leading a happy life and managing health conditions such as stress and high blood sugar. Speaking to The Hans India, Dr Rama Kumar emphasised, 'Laughter is a universal language, which needs no translation, no prescription, and no cost. In my years of medical practice, especially as a diabetologist, I have seen how lifestyle, stress, and mental wellbeing play a critical role in managing chronic conditions like diabetes. That's why I say that laughter is truly the best medicine.' He cited a long-term study from Japan, which found that individuals who laugh regularly tend to enjoy longer and healthier lives. 'Laughter can actually reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes, making it a valuable ally for diabetics,' he explained. He pointed out the natural joy of children, noting, 'Children laugh around 400 times a day—a beautiful reminder of how joy comes naturally to the young. But as we grow older, many of us forget to laugh and increase our health risks.' As part of his advice, he encouraged people to share light moments with family and friends, and to enjoy comedy shows, movies, or humorous videos. He also recommended laughter yoga—a unique practice where people gather to laugh intentionally. Dr Rama Kumar concluded by stating, 'Beyond individual benefits, laughter builds stronger relationships, promotes empathy, and creates a positive environment—both personally and professionally. It connects people, lifts spirits, and fosters resilience.'
