Get to know Harmony Day

What is Harmony Day?

Harmony Day is an annual observance in Australia that has been held on the 21st of March every year since its introduction by the Australian Government in 1999. Its purpose is to celebrate and promote the country's cultural diversity, while also fostering inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for all people - regardless of their background.

This important day serves as a reminder of the value of diversity and the importance of promoting social cohesion and harmony within our communities. It encourages individuals and organizations alike to embrace multiculturalism and to recognize the contributions that people from all backgrounds make to our society.

Through its celebration of inclusiveness and respect, Harmony Day sends a powerful message about the power of unity and collaboration in achieving a fairer, more equitable world. By coming together to celebrate our differences, we can build stronger, more resilient communities that reflect the rich tapestry of cultures and identities that make up our society.

The powerful messages

Harmony Day spreads the awareness of anti-racism, anti-discrimination, and celebrate the diversity of multiple cultures in Australia. It delivers the message to Australians about the respect of one human-being to the others, regardless of their cultural or linguistic background, and that diversity should be celebrated as a source of strength and richness in our communities.

Harmony Day also highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing discrimination, prejudice, and racism in all its forms. By promoting greater awareness and understanding of different cultures and backgrounds, we can help to reduce social tensions and foster greater social cohesion.

Characteristics

The symbol of Harmony Day is an orange ribbon. The orange colour represents social communication, meaningful conversations and mutual respect. It is also a warm and vibrant color that is often associated with friendliness, enthusiasm and creativity, making it a fitting symbol for a celebration of cultural diversity. Orange colour also represents in multiple religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islamism.

 

Facts

Harmony Day is also coincides to be the same day as the day of Elimination of Racial Discrimination on all over the World. It started in South Africa in the 60s when police gunned down 60 innocent protesters, known as Sharpeville massacre.