Gandhi Jayanti

Gandhi Jayanti is an Indian holiday marking the October 2nd birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. The United Nations celebrates the day as International Day of Non-Violence. Called the "Father of The Nation" by Subhas Chandra Bose, Gandhi espoused one of the most well known philosophies of nonviolent resistance.[1]

For the Indian merchant ship named Gandhi Jayanti between 1963 and 1974, see MV Hannington Court (1954).

Gandhi Jayanti
Gandhi in London, 1931
Observed byIndia
TypeNational
SignificanceHonours Mahatma Gandhi's role in Indian Independence.
ObservancesCommunity, historical celebration
Date2 October
FrequencyAnnual
Related toInternational Day of Non-Violence
Republic Day
Independence Day

Commemoration

The holiday falls on October 2.[2] 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. 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.[3] Gandhi's favourite Bhajan (Hindu devotional song), Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, is usually sung in his memory.[4] 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.[5] Public buildings, banks and post offices are closed.[5] On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi started the Swachh Bharat Mission. Its second phase started on Gandhi Jayanti 2021.[6]

Notes
  1. "UN declares 2 October, Gandhi's birthday, as International Day of Non-Violence". United Nations. 15 June 2007. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  2. "Gandhi Jayanti: Who Is the Real Father of the World?". SA News Channel. 1 October 2021. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  3. "Gandhi Jayanti". Simon Fraser University. Retrieved 15 April 2006.
  4. "Several programmes mark Gandhi Jayanti celebrations in Mysore". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 17 February 2006. Retrieved 16 November 2006.
  5. "Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti in India". Time and Date. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
  6. "Towards a Swachh Bharat | Prime Minister of India". www.pmindia.gov.in. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
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