Gandhi Jayanti
68 days until Gandhi Jayanti
About Gandhi Jayanti
Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday in India celebrated on 2 October to mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India's independence movement. Globally, the occasion is recognized as the International Day of Non-Violence.
History
Born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on 2 October 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat, Gandhi led India's freedom struggle against British colonial rule through non-violent civil disobedience, known as satyagraha. His core principles of truth (satya) and non-violence (ahimsa) not only guided India to independence in 1947 but also inspired civil rights and freedom movements across the globe.
Following his assassination in January 1948, his birth anniversary became an important national day of remembrance. In recognition of his global legacy, the United Nations General Assembly formally adopted a resolution on 15 June 2007 to designate 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence.
Traditions & Celebrations
The day is marked by commemorative prayer services and floral tributes at Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi's memorial in New Delhi, led by the President and Prime Minister of India. Interfaith prayers, devotional songs—particularly his favourite bhajan 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram'—and community service activities take place nationwide. Schools and government institutions hold essay competitions and cleanliness drives under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, while the sale of alcohol is strictly prohibited across the country for the entire day.
Did you know?
- Gandhi Jayanti is one of only three official national holidays declared by the Government of India, alongside Independence Day (15 August) and Republic Day (26 January).
- On 2 October 2014, the nationwide sanitation initiative Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) was launched to honour Gandhi's emphasis on cleanliness.
- Mahatma Gandhi was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times between 1937 and 1948, though he was never awarded the prize.
- The United Nations General Assembly unanimously passed a resolution in June 2007 establishing 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence.
Gandhi Jayanti dates by year
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gandhi Jayanti a dry day across India?
Yes, Gandhi Jayanti is a mandatory nationwide dry day, during which the sale of alcohol in shops, bars, hotels, and restaurants is prohibited.
What happens at Raj Ghat on Gandhi Jayanti?
Dignitaries, political leaders, and members of the public gather at Raj Ghat in New Delhi to offer floral tributes, light lamps, and hold interfaith prayer meetings at Gandhi's memorial site.
Why is 2 October celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence?
The United Nations designated 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence in 2007 to spread the message of non-violence, peace, and tolerance associated with Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy.