Father's Day 2026: Date, history and why the world celebrates fathers on different days

Fathers often are the silent force in families, providing support through actions rather than words. Father’s Day is an annual day to recognise dads and dad figures for everything they do, from guiding children through obstacles to showing up for milestones. Following the tradition of celebrating it on the third Sunday of June, the occasion will be observed on June 21, 2026, in countries like India, US, UK and UAE. Messages, gifts, family get-togethers and gestures of appreciation mark the day, but its history is older than a century and has its roots in the United States.

Father’s Day 2026 Date: When is Father's Day?

Father’s Day 2026 will be observed on Sunday, June 21.

Why Father's Day is Celebrated on different days across the World?

Unlike the fixed-date celebrations, the date of Father’s Day changes from year to year as it follows the tradition of the third Sunday in June. Many countries celebrate the festival on the same day while some countries observe the festival on different days according to the local customs and traditions. In countries like UAE, Syria, Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan, Father’s Day is celebrated every year on June 21. But countries such as Spain, Portugal and Italy celebrate it on March 19, and Australia and New Zealand celebrate in September.

How Father’s Day started

Father's Day is an idea that came from people who wanted fathers to be recognised in the same way that mothers are on Mother's Day. Father's Day's most acknowledged founder is Sonora Smart Dodd from Washington, US. She wanted to honour her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran who raised six children alone after his wife died. Dodd felt that as Mother’s Day became more popular, fathers deserved a special day to honour their contributions as well. She worked with church leaders and public officials to arrange the celebration. The first Father’s Day service was held on July 5, 1908 at the Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South in Fairmont, West Virginia. But the celebration didn’t immediately become a national tradition.

Father's Day: The journey towards official recognition

Father’s Day gained attention gradually over the years. In 1924, US President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of observing the day nationally.

Later, in 1966, US President Lyndon B. Johnson officially proclaimed the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day. The celebration eventually received national holiday status in the US in 1972 under President Richard Nixon.

Over time, the occasion spread to several countries across the world, with each region adding its own traditions to the celebration.

Why Father’s Day is celebrated

Father’s Day is a reminder to appreciate the role fathers and father figures play in families. The occasion recognises their guidance, sacrifices, encouragement and everyday efforts that often remain unnoticed.

For many people, fathers are mentors, protectors and trusted companions who provide support during difficult times and celebrate achievements along the way.

The celebration also focuses on strengthening family relationships and expressing gratitude for the people who help shape lives.