Children’s day is celebrated in Germany too, but the reason is not Nehru’s birthday

In India, November 14 is an important date for children. The birth anniversary of our first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, is observed as Children's Day today but until 1959, India celebrated Children's Day on “November 20,” the date set by the United Nations. Like India, other countries also celebrate children's day on different dates. 

The United Nations General Assembly passed a joint resolution on December 14, 1954, encouraging all countries to establish their own Children's Day. The UN adopted the Declaration of the Child's Rights on November 20th, 1959. So, every year November 20 is celebrated as Universal Children's Day. 

Prior to its unification, Germany observed Children's Day on two different days. While East Germany observed International Children's Day on June 1, West Germany observed World Children's Day on September 20. Most parents now celebrate the day on June 1st.

Turkey celebrates its International Children's Day on October 1. While Pakistan celebrates November 20 as Children's Day and organises special programmes dedicated to them, China marks the day on June 1 which was earlier celebrated as Dragon Boat Festival in the country. In the United Kingdom, August 30 has been designated as the date for this purpose. On this day, a two-day carnival in London is organised in which all school-aged children participate. Children's Day, observed on May 5, is also known in Japan as 'Kodomo no Hi.' On this day, mothers prepare special rice dishes for their children, such as 'Kashiwamochi' and 'Chimaki.'

The United States has chosen the first or second Sunday of June to honour the spirit of children, who are the nation's future. It also designates the entire week as Family Week. Australia has designated the first Sunday of July as Children's Day, and the last week of October as Children's Week. It holds cultural activities on the occasion and raises funds for disadvantaged children by selling day cards. 

However, in Mexico, the occasion is known as "El Dia Del Nino," and it is celebrated on April 30. Children go to school on this day to attend a fiesta and are given gifts by the school authorities. They also take part in a special parade that has been organised for them. In Singapore, October 1 is a holiday for children, and each school celebrates in a unique way by hosting fairs, cultural programmes, and a parade.

Today, 90 countries observe Universal Children's Day, on up to 50 different dates throughout the year.