International Tea Day 2023: The date is 21 May or 15 December? History, Importance, Facts and Tea Traditions from Across India

Tea Day: For all the tea lovers, now is the time to get ready as the day has arrived to honor our favorite drink. It is International Tea Day. The aim of the day is to raise awareness about the health benefits of the drink. It is celebrated annually on 21 May according to a resolution made by the United Nations General Assembly.

According to the official website of the United Nations, International Tea Day will “promote collective actions to implement activities in favor of the sustainable production and consumption of tea and to raise awareness of its importance in combating hunger and poverty.”

International Tea Day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of tea as a global phenomenon, to enjoy and share the experience of tea with others, and to promote sustainable practices in the tea industry. It also serves as a platform to highlight the importance of tea in our daily lives.

International Tea Day: Date

International Tea Day was celebrated for the first time in 2005 in the capital of India, New Delhi. Other tea-growing countries eventually joined, including Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Uganda and Tanzania. in ceremonies. Ten years later, the FAO Intergovernmental Group on Tea, which leads international initiatives to promote the global tea sector and was instrumental in the proclamation of International Tea Day, received a request from the Government of India in 2015 to broaden the commemoration of the holiday. Offer received.

There is a lot of confusion regarding the exact date of International Tea Day. Although the United Nations General Assembly declared December 15 as International Tea Day, it is important to note that May 21 had already been designated as International Tea Day.

Designated by the United Nations on December 15, International Tea Day aims to honor the global cultural and economic importance of tea while highlighting its impact on livelihoods and sustainability. The festival aims to raise awareness of the value of tea, as well as promote sustainable tea production and fair trade practices.

While 21 May International Tea Day has its roots in the tea producing countries of the World Tea Conference, which proposed the date of the signing of the first International Tea Agreement in 2005, and the observance is focused on promoting tea production, consumption. and cultural aspects.

Also read: International Tea Day 2023: 10 types of tea that burn belly fat

International Tea Day: Significance

The day is meant to promote the trade, use and production of tea in sustainable ways. It provides a platform for decision-makers at the international, regional and national levels to emphasize the role of the tea sector in alleviating extreme poverty, combating hunger and conserving the environment and livelihoods.

International Tea Day: Interesting Facts About Tea

There are about 9 million smallholder farmers among tea producers in major producing countries including China, India, Kenya and Sri Lanka.

Tea is the second most popular beverage consumed worldwide after water.

Per capita tea income has increased annually by 2.2% in the last ten years.

The amount of tea produced globally in 2020 was 6.5 million tonnes.

To support the world tea economy, the FAO Intergovernmental Group on Tea organizes cooperative activities.

International Tea Day: Tea traditions across India

Iranian tea

This tea, which contains refreshing tea leaves as well as flavourful spices, is loved by the residents of Pune and Hyderabad. In Mumbai’s Irani hotels, it is usually served with bun maska ​​or maska ​​pav.

Labu Cha of Bengal

Labu cha, a popular drink in West Bengal, is essentially black tea made by brewing tea leaves instead of tea dust. It is a drink in which ginger powder, black salt and a splash of lemon have been added. For the many Bengalis who gather at nook tea places to chat and sip some hot labbu cha, this is the ideal companion.

Mangalorean Butcher

This unusual tea is herbal and offers a lot of health benefits. This dish, called “Kadha” in Mangalore, includes cumin, coriander, fennel and fenugreek. These dry-roasted spices are cooked in water and then sugar or sugar candy is added for sweetness.

Kashmiri Noon Chai

This special type of Kashmiri tea from the north has a hint of pink. It is considered the original Kashmiri tea and is made by blending green tea leaves with cinnamon, cardamom, and other spices, as well as nuts like pistachios and almonds. The tea is further served with a dash of salt.

Gujarati Ukado

Gujarati herbal tea known as Ukado is used as a natural cure for common ailments. Ingredients like honey, lemon, ginger and mint provide immunity boosting as well as flavor to the drink.