Hug Day 2025: Why do we celebrate this day? Check out date, history and significance

Hug day, in Valentine’s week, encourages people to express their affection in the simplest yet most profound way, through a warm hug (Image: Canva)

In a world where stress, loneliness, and misunderstandings often take over, a simple hug has the power to heal, comfort, and bring people closer. Whether it's between partners, friends, or family, a hug is more than just physical contact, it’s a silent promise of love, support, and reassurance. On this day, celebrated on February 12, people hug their loved ones to show appreciation, care, and emotional support. Whether it’s a comforting hug to a friend in distress, a warm embrace to a parent, or a romantic hug to a partner, this small act can make a world of difference.

History of Hug Day:

The tradition of hugging is an instinctive way of offering comfort, strengthening bonds, and expressing emotions beyond words. Studies show that hugs release oxytocin, also known as the love hormone, which helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while promoting feelings of happiness and security. Hug Day is a recognised part of Valentine’s week, encouraging people to express their affection in the simplest yet most profound way, through a warm hug.

Also read | Valentine's Week Calendar 2025: Of love, kisses, affection

Significance of Hug Day:

A hug is much more than just a physical gesture; it is a silent promise of love, comfort, and security. Whether it’s a romantic hug between partners, a friendly embrace between best friends, or a reassuring hug from a parent to a child, each carries deep emotional value.

Hugs have played an essential role in movies. In Bollywood, many emotional moments revolve around hugs.

The concept of healing through hugs gained more attention with the movie Munna Bhai MBBS, where Munna (Sanjay Dutt) introduces Jadu Ki Jhappi as a way to spread warmth, care, and emotional healing. His philosophy that a simple hug can bring joy to the saddest souls and comfort to the most broken hearts resonated deeply with audiences, making it a cultural phenomenon.

Hug Day beautifully aligns with this idea, encouraging people to spread love through simple yet meaningful gestures. In Hollywood, iconic films like The Pursuit of Happyness and Forrest Gump feature powerful hugging moments that signify triumph, healing, and deep emotional connections.

Beyond movies, hug therapy is now recognised as an effective way to promote emotional well-being. Research suggests that receiving at least eight hugs a day can lead to lower blood pressure, reduced stress, and improved heart health.

Hug Day is a reminder that love doesn’t always need words, it just needs a warm and tight hug.

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Here are some ways to celebrate:

Give a tight, comforting hug to your partner, parents, siblings, or best friend. A hug is a beautiful way to remind them that they are loved.

Share a Jadu Ki Jhappi with someone who needs it; Like Munna Bhai, offer a warm hug to someone feeling low. You never know how much it might mean to them.

Celebrate with long-distance loved ones. If distance keeps you apart, send virtual hugs, heartfelt messages, or plan a surprise visit.

A hug costs nothing but can mean everything. So, this Hug Day, don’t hold back, hug your loved ones with all your heart and spread the magic of Jadu Ki Jhappi.