Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday in India, celebrated annually on 2 October to honour the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, one of the key leaders of the Indian independence movement and a pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of nonviolence. It is one of the three national holidays in India. In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared this day as the International Day of Non-Violence.[1][2] Referred to as the "National Father" by Subhas Chandra Bose, Gandhi's principles of nonviolent resistance played a crucial role in India's successful struggle for independence from British colonial rule.[2][3]
| Mahatma Gandhi's Jayanti | |
|---|---|
 Gandhi in 1931 | |
| Observed by | India |
| Type | National |
| Significance | Honours Mahatma Gandhi's role in Indian Independence |
| Observances | Community, historical celebration |
| Date | 2 October |
| Next time | 2 October 2025 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | |
Commemoration
Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated yearly on 2 October.[4] and is observed in all of India's states and territories. It is marked by prayer services and tributes across India, including at Gandhi's memorial, Raj Ghat, in New Delhi where he was cremated. Popular activities include prayer meetings, commemorative ceremonies in different cities by colleges, local government institutions and socio-political institutions.[2] On this day awards are granted for projects in schools and the community encouraging a nonviolent way of life as well as celebrating Gandhi's effort in the Indian independence movement.[5] Gandhi's favourite bhajan (Hindu devotional song), "Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram", is usually sung in his memory.[6] Statues of Mahatma Gandhi throughout the country are decorated with flowers and garlands, and some people avoid drinking alcohol or eating meat on the day.[7] Public buildings, banks and post offices are closed.[7] On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi started the Swachh Bharat Mission. Its second phase started on Gandhi Jayanti 2021.[8]
Notes
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