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World Day of Metta

A cultural observance on March 22 promoting the Buddhist practice of Metta (loving-kindness), encouraging unconditional compassion, meditation, and acts of kindness toward all beings to foster peace and unity.

Monday

March 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMarch 22

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYReligion

SUBCATEGORYBuddhist

ORIGIN

Individual Initiative

FOUNDING ENTITY

Venerable Mahinda

FIRST OBSERVED

2012

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

World Day of Metta grew from the global Metta Round the World initiative launched in 2012 by Venerable Mahinda, a Buddhist teacher who has promoted loving-kindness and mindfulness worldwide for over 40 years.

Institutional Recordvia mettaroundtheworld.org

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

On March 22, we celebrate World Day of Metta – a day dedicated to spreading love, kindness, and compassion to all beings. "Metta" is a Pali word that means loving-kindness and this holiday is rooted in Buddhist tradition. It's a reminder for us to practice empathy, understanding, and unconditional love towards ourselves and others. So let's take some time on this special day to spread joy and positivity, not just within our own circles but also in the world around us. After all, a little bit of metta can go a long way!

TIMELINE

World Day of Metta Timeline

Origins of Metta

The practice of Metta or loving-kindness originates in Buddhist teachings dating back to the 6th Century BC.

Spread of Buddhism to the West

Buddhism, and its concepts like metta, spread to western countries such as the United States during the mid-20th century.

Establishing Metta Meditation Centers

Metta-based meditation centers began being established in countries outside of Asia, increasing the global practice of metta.

Metta Goes Mainstream

Major spiritual teachers, like Jack Kornfield, began publishing books on metta meditation, bringing it into mainstream consciousness.

World Day of Metta Established

The World Day of Metta, dedicated to the practice of loving-kindness, is established and celebrated for the first time on March 22.

Global Celebration of Metta

Today, people around the world observe World Day of Metta spreading love, kindness and compassion.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate World Day of Metta

Spread kindness with random acts of kindness

On World Day of Metta, make it a goal to spread kindness and love through random acts of kindness. Buy a stranger's coffee, leave a positive note for someone to find, or volunteer at a local charity - the possibilities are endless.

HOST

Host a meditation session

Metta is often associated with meditation and cultivating loving-kindness. Host a meditation session with friends and family, focusing on sending loving thoughts and well wishes to yourself and others.

ATTEND

Attend a Metta-themed event

Search for local events or workshops centered around Metta and join in on the celebration. This could include yoga classes, workshops on compassion, or even a community service project.

CREATE

Create a Metta collage

Gather magazines, newspapers, and other materials and create a collage that represents Metta to you. Display it in your home as a reminder to spread love and kindness every day.

WRITE

Write letters of gratitude

Take some time to write letters of gratitude to those who have shown you love and kindness in your life. This is a great way to spread Metta and show appreciation for the people in your life.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why World Day of Metta is Important

Encourages self-care and mindfulness

In order to show kindness and love towards others, it's important to take care of ourselves first. World Day of Metta promotes self-care and mindfulness practices, reminding us to be kind to ourselves as well as to others.

Promotes peace and harmony

World Day of Metta, also known as World Loving-Kindness Day, encourages people to show love and compassion towards others. This helps promote peace and harmony in a world that is often filled with conflict and division.

Brings awareness to the concept of Metta

Metta is a Pali word meaning loving-kindness, friendliness, and goodwill towards all beings. By celebrating World Day of Metta, we can raise awareness about this important concept and how practicing it can have a positive impact on our lives and those around us.

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