Single and Proud: The Story Behind Singles Day 11.11

Picture this: a mighty lion prowls the savannah, solitary and powerful. No one dares question why he roams alone. But here in India? The moment a man or woman reaches a "certain age," the only question on everyone’s mind is, "When is your marriage?" Being single in India isn’t just a status; it’s a topic of national debate, an endless loop of relatives and neighbors curiously inquiring about "the next step." And yet, in an unexpected twist, November 11-or "11.11”-is a day to celebrate singledom.

Welcome to Singles Day, a quirky holiday originating in China in 1993, when Nanjing University students decided to flip the script on the dating world. In a world obsessed with relationships, they thought, why not celebrate single life? It’s a tradition that’s caught on in China and beyond, marked by events and massive shopping sales. The premise is simple: four lonely ones (11.11) make for a day to recognize the freedom, independence, and even advantages of being single.

Singles Day might be the perfect day for all who proudly answer every question-except “When will you get married?”