| Mahatma Gandhi's Jayanti | |
|---|---|
 Gandhi in 1931 | |
| Observed by | India |
| Type | National |
| Significance | Honours Mahatma Gandhi's role inIndian Independence |
| Observances | Community, historical celebration |
| Date | 2 October |
| Next time | 2 October 2026 (2026-10-02) |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | |
Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday inIndia, celebrated annually on 2nd October to honour the birth ofMahatma Gandhi,[1] one of the key leaders of theIndian independence movement and a pioneer of the philosophy and strategy ofnonviolence. It is one of the threenational holidays in India. In 2007, theUnited Nations General Assembly declared this day as theInternational Day of Non-Violence.[2][3] Referred to as the "National Father" bySubhas Chandra Bose, Gandhi's principles ofnonviolent resistance played a crucial role in India's successful struggle for independence from British colonial rule.[3][4]
Gandhi Jayanti is observed in all of India'sstates and territories. It is marked by prayer services and tributes across India, including at Gandhi's memorial, Raj Ghat, in New Delhi where he wascremated. Popular activities include prayer meetings, commemorative ceremonies in different cities by colleges, local government institutions and socio-political institutions.[3] On this day awards are granted for projects in schools and the community encouraging anonviolent way of life as well as celebrating Gandhi's effort in theIndian independence movement.[5] Gandhi's favouritebhajan (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 MinisterNarendra Modi started theSwachh Bharat Mission. Its second phase started on Gandhi Jayanti 2021.[8]
His philosophy of peace protest and civil disobedience brought millions of Indians into action and weakened British control over India to a great extent. Non-violence and the efforts in which he introduced communal harmony and social reforms made him a legendary figure in Indian history.