Thickshake Diaries: The Story Behind World Thickshake Day: Where friendship, flavor, and summer memories come alive.
Summer of 1990 – Vadodara, Gujarat
It was the kind of June that pressed heat against your skin. The air was still, the sky pale with sunshine, and every street in Vadodara shimmered in the midday blaze. But tucked quietly in a cosy lane near Fatehgunj was a little sanctuary—a thickshake shop with wooden benches, slow fans, and a comforting hum of conversations. This was Uncle Sunil’s Thickshake House.
Uncle Sunil, now 65, had opened this shop on a Friday in June 1955. With a humble mission and an unconventional recipe, he crafted thickshakes unlike any other—made without ice cream, yet creamy, filling, and perfect to enjoy with a straw and a spoon. Back then, no one understood the concept. But he believed in it, and to mark his humble beginning, he chose to honour the first Friday of June each year as World Thickshake Day.
Three Friends, One Flavorful Bond
By the summer of 1990, the shop had become a go-to for college students, especially Mihir, Zoya, and Arjun—three friends now in their final semester. They had stumbled into the shop together during their very first week of college and never looked back.
Mihir was quiet, thoughtful, and always scribbling verses in his notebook.
Zoya was full of life, passionate about dance, and an unapologetic Bollywood lover—especially anything starring Shah Rukh Khan.
Arjun, on the other hand, was brash, energetic, and had a deep love for retro rock music and street theatre.
Though wildly different, thickshakes were their common ground. Whether it was the mango flavour after exams chocolate brownie on a rainy day, they shared more than just dessert—they shared memories.
And Uncle Sunil? He was their guide, their silent cheerleader, and sometimes, the calm in their chaos.
The Forgotten Day
One late afternoon, while enjoying their usual thickshakes under the slow-moving fan, Uncle Sunil mentioned something in passing.
“Today’s special… It’s the first Friday of June. I’ve been celebrating it every year since the day I opened this place.”
Zoya looked up from her glass, “You mean like a thickshake festival?”
He smiled, “Kind of. I call it World Thickshake Day. But no one else really knows.”
That struck a chord. After all, if there could be days for coffee, pizza, and even popcorn, why not for thickshakes? And more than that, why not make the day special for someone who had brought people together, year after year, with his chilled, spoon-worthy creations?
From Local Legend to Real Celebration
The trio decided to do something. Not just for the shop, but for the idea of World Thickshake Day itself. They brought in classmates, nearby vendors, even their professors.
Mihir wrote poems that hung on colourful flyers.
Zoya choreographed a fun dance with kids from the area.
Arjun built a makeshift band that performed street-style songs with dhols and guitars.
The samosa vendor across the street handed out snacks. Pushpa Aunty, the flower-seller, strung marigold garlands across the shop entrance. It wasn’t a grand festival, but it was heartfelt.
That First Friday in June became a celebration of thickshakes, friendship, and the joy of simply being together in the heat of summer.
More Than Just a Dessert
World Thickshake Day was never just about a cold dessert. It became a symbol of bonding, creativity, and the power of shared moments. In a month like June, when no major global festivals are celebrated, this day gave people a reason to smile, to pause, and to celebrate something deliciously simple.
From that day on, Mihir, Zoya, and Arjun made it their mission to spread the word. And year after year, the tradition grew. Now, millions of people enjoy thickshakes every month, yet awareness about this unique dessert’s culture still has room to grow. World Thickshake Day helps foster that love and community, one spoonful at a time.
The Legacy Lives On
Years later, Uncle Sunil’s shop still stands—faded at the corners but glowing with warmth. Mihir became a lyricist. Zoya opened a dance academy. Arjun runs a creative studio. But no matter where they go, they return on the first Friday of June.
To celebrate their friendship.
To relive old memories.
And to honour the thickshake that brought it all together.
“In a world full of flavours, thickshake brings people closer; one Thickshake, one spoon, one story at a time.”
— Celebrating World Thickshake Day
