Today, we gather to celebrate International Tea Day, a day dedicated to a beverage that unites billions across the globe. Whether it is a quiet morning in a rural home, a bustling roadside stall, or a formal gathering in a metropolitan café — tea is ever-present, deeply woven into our cultures, economies, and traditions.
International Tea Day is observed every year on May 21st. The United Nations officially recognized this day in 2019 to raise awareness of tea’s long history and its cultural and economic significance worldwide. More importantly, this day brings focus to the lives of small tea growers and laborers whose livelihoods depend on this aromatic crop.
Tea is the most consumed beverage after water. It has a history spanning over 5,000 years, originating in China, and gradually becoming a symbol of hospitality, tradition, and mindfulness in countries like India, Japan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and the United Kingdom.
India, the second-largest tea producer in the world, plays a significant role in the global tea economy. Names like Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri are not just regions but proud representations of Indian tea excellence. More than one million workers, mostly women, are employed in the Indian tea industry. Their hard work ensures that the world enjoys its daily cup of tea.
But International Tea Day is not just about celebration; it is also a reminder of the economic inequalities in tea production. While global brands make billions, the actual tea farmers often struggle with low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to healthcare or education. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization encourages fair trade practices, sustainable farming, and social justice for these workers. Supporting local growers and certified fair trade tea helps improve their living conditions.
Tea also contributes to health and wellness. Various types of tea like green, black, white, oolong, and herbal teas offer numerous health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols that help reduce inflammation, boost metabolism, and strengthen immunity. In fact, green tea is often considered beneficial for controlling blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.
This makes International Tea Day a good opportunity to also talk about World Hypertension Day, which is observed just four days earlier on May 17th. Both days remind us how small daily habits, like choosing a healthy drink over sugary sodas, can improve our well-being.
Beyond its health aspects, tea also symbolizes peace and reflection. In ancient Japan, tea ceremonies were spiritual practices, while in India, tea is central to social bonding. Think of the roadside “chai tapri” — a space where people from all walks of life share stories, laughter, and warmth over a humble cup of tea.
Speaking of laughter and bonding, tea also has a link to World Laughter Day, which celebrates joy and well-being. Just like laughter, tea is universal. It creates moments of pause, comfort, and connection in our fast-paced lives.
As we sip tea today, let us also be mindful of the climate crisis. Tea production is vulnerable to climate change. Irregular rainfall, rising temperatures, and soil degradation affect both yield and quality. Sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly packaging are the need of the hour. We must support tea brands that are environmentally responsible and promote biodiversity.
Let us take a moment today to appreciate the labor, the land, and the love that goes into making every cup of tea. Let us also pledge to consume responsibly, pay attention to where our tea comes from, and how it is made.
Before I close, I would like to remind everyone that while tea nourishes our body, we must not forget to nourish our minds with values and heritage. Just as tea carries centuries of tradition, so do festivals like Buddha Purnima and Maharana Pratap Jayanti, which remind us of peace, resilience, and inner strength. Like tea, these moments of reflection are vital to who we are.
So today, on International Tea Day, let us drink to good health, fair trade, sustainable living, and shared humanity — one cup at a time.
Thank you and have a wonderful, tea-filled day!