How to Celebrate International Day of Charity 2025: Top Ways to Give Back & Why It Matters

International Day of Charity asks us to think beyond just giving things. It encourages a deeper kindness inspired by ancient teachings. This kind of compassion can change both the person who gives and the world around them.

Every year on September 5th, people around the world celebrate International Day of Charity. This day encourages kindness, generosity, and helping others in the community. It is inspired by Mother Teresa, whose life showed great care for the poor and those in need. The day's events evoke the concept found in ancient texts on the practice of charity (dāna), associated with scriptures on charitable giving. While spiritual leaders view charity as the giving of alms, it is much deeper than that. To them, it is as much an obligation as it is a privilege.

Historical Roots: Charity as Dharma

The United Nations officially made September 5th the International Day of Charity in 2012. This day encourages kindness, brings people together, and honors Mother Teresa’s work. Mother Teresa, who passed away on September 5, 1997, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. She was known for her unconditional love and selfless service, called seva. This idea connects deeply with sanātan gyan, the timeless spiritual wisdom of India. But charity has been important for much longer than modern times. In Sanātan Dharma, giving (dāna) is more than just encouraged—it is a sacred duty. It cleanses the heart, builds compassion, and helps align the soul with dharma, or righteousness.

"दानं भूतहितं प्रेत्य, स नास्त्यप्रतिग्रहम्।" (Mahabharata, Shanti Parva 234.12)

— "True charity is that which benefits all beings, without expecting anything in return."

Charity (dāna) is among the highest forms of action—when done in humility and sincerity, without expectation of return. This is not just a moral ideal, but a dharma, a sacred duty.

Charity in Sanātan Gyan — More than Just Giving

In the philosophy of Sanātana Dharma, charity—or dāna—is far deeper than just parting with money or goods. The action's intention (bhāva) is the underlying factor with real spiritual value. Charity is pure when it is expressed from a state of voluntary duty rather than obligation, and it is not for the sake of recognition.

The Manusmṛiti underscores this beautifully:

"दानेन भूतानि वशीकुर्याच्छीलवृत्ताभ्यां तु यथा तेषां प्रीतिरुत्पद्यते।"

(By charity, one wins over beings; by good conduct and virtue, one wins their hearts.) — Manusmṛiti 4.229

This teaching shows that dāna, or giving, cleanses the heart and mind. It helps remove ego and softens a hardened heart. It also helps us act in harmony with the divine. In a world often focused on self-interest, Sanātan Gyan reminds us of something important. True giving helps both the person who gives and the person who receives.

Charity can mean giving money, offering your time, or simply being kind. In this tradition, charity is more than just an action. It is a spiritual practice. It helps us grow inside and brings peace to society.

The Power of Charity in Sanātan Gyan

In the Vedic tradition, charity (dāna) is not just about giving material things. It also includes other forms of helping.

1. Anna-dāna (feeding the hungry)

2. Vidya-dāna (giving education)

3. Jñāna-dāna (sharing spiritual knowledge)

In the Bhāgavata Purāṇa, it is said:

"परोपकाराय फलन्ति वृक्षा: परोपकाराय वहन्ति नद्य:।

परोपकाराय दुहन्ति गाव: परोपकारार्थमिदं शरीरम्॥"

Translation: "Trees bear fruit, rivers flow, and cows give milk—for the benefit of others. In the same way, this body is meant for the service of others."

This ancient teaching is at the heart of Sanātan Gyan. It encourages us to follow a higher duty, or dharma. We do this by helping others without expecting anything in return.

The Sanatani Lens on Charity and Philanthropy

In Sanatangyan, the difference between charity and dharma is small but important. Charity (daana) is giving freely and spontaneously. Dharma is the lasting duty to do what is right for the good of everyone.

The Bhagavad Gita classifies charity into three types:

1. Sattvic (pure) – given without expectation, at the right time and place.

2. Rajasic (passionate) – given for prestige or reward.

3. Tamasic (ignorant) – given at the wrong time or to the wrong person.

Sanskrit Quote:

"दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे।

देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम्॥"

Translation: "That gift which is given to one from whom no return is expected, at the proper time and place, and to a worthy person, is said to be Sattvic." — Bhagavad Gita 17.20

Thus in Sanatan Dharma, the intention of the action is of equal importance to the action itself.

International Day of Charity is more than just a call to give. It reminds us of an old Sanātan teaching. True charity (dāna) cleanses the heart and helps the world. Charity is an act as well, but it is the form that is the most favorable, and it is expressed through compassion and selflessness. From both perspectives, the giver, as well as the receiver, is elevated.