Spread the cheer on ‘Happiness Day’ with Pakhala Dibasa, Sparrow Day

India celebrated the International Day of Happiness with a lot a food and lamented on the vanishing number of sparrows on Monday.

You might have forgotten that today (Monday) is the International Day of Happiness. But we didn't. So, cheer up and smile. The day is marked annually on March 20 by the United Nations itself. Today is also World Sparrow Day. However, on Monday morning the hashtag--#PakhalaDibasa-was trending. The reason: the people of Odisha celebrate the day as Pakhala Dibasa.

For the non-Odiyas, Pakhala is a special culinary combination consisting of rice mixed with water and several other mouth-watering delicacies. And, Dibasa in Odiya stands for the day. The hashtag--#worldsparrowday--was also trending on Twitter on Monday. In fact, similar variants of Pakhala are also eaten in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Assam and West Bengal, to name a few states.

Here we bring you the multiple ways in which India marked these special occasions on Monday through some pictures:

Spread happiness

Since 2013, the United Nations has celebrated the International Day of Happiness as a way to recognise the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world. In 2015, the UN launched 17 Sustainable Development Goals that seek to end poverty, reduce inequality, and protect our planet -- three key aspects that lead to well-being and happiness.

Picture credit: un.org

Save sparrows, save nature

In recent times, India has witnessed dwindling population of sparrows. The day is celebrated to raise awareness about the house sparrow and other common birds to the urban environment.

Picture credit: @IndoreKaGaurav

Have a hearty meal and be happy

This is how Odiyas enjoy a hearty meal-Pakhala. Isn't the assortment of food in the picture looks yummy?

Picture credit: @swetapadma07

Celebrate food on sand

In the picture, sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik is seen celebrating the Pakhala Dibasa with his unique art work.

Picture credit: @the_akashkar

Let’s do some balle balle!

This file image of the Border Security Force jawans performing Bhangra during a function held to celebrate the 70th Independence Day at Attari- Wagah Border last year has nothing to do directly with the International Day of Happiness. But, what is wrong in dancing like the jawans on Monday.

Picture credit: PTI

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