Mahatma Gandhi, the iconic national leader of India, was born on 2nd October 1869. This day is celebrated every year as Gandhi Jayanti all across India in the honour of Mahatma Gandhi, to commemorate his unparalleled contribution to the Indian Independence Movement. Gandhi Jayanti is observed as a national holiday in India. Mahatma Gandhi believed in the principle of non-violence and practised it throughout the freedom struggle of our country. Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence all over the world, as declared by the General Assembly of the United Nations.
Mahatma Gandhi was born in Porbandar to Karamchand Gandhi and Putlibai. He pursued studies in law at the University College of London. He went to South Africa, in 1893, to represent a merchant of Indian origin in a lawsuit, and stayed there for 21 years. It was during these 21 years when Mahatma Gandhi realized and developed strong political opinions. The fierce racial discrimination faced by the Indians in the British Empire triggered the spirits of nationalism in Mahatma Gandhi and engendered the non-violent nationalist protest movements led by him, in South Africa and later in India.
About Gandhi Jayanti
Mahatma Gandhi led the Indians on the path of Independence through various civil uprisings that emphasized non-violence. The Quit India movement, the Satyagraha movement, the Non-cooperation movement, and the Civil Disobedience movement, are coined in the history of our nation as the main pillars of our freedom struggle. Mahatma Gandhi led these mass movements with a rigorous practice of non-violence.
2 October Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated all over the nation in the remembrance of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, to pay him homage and to preach his philosophy of non-violence, and harmony among all. People celebrate Gandhi Jayanti by conducting prayer meets, cultural programs, and various other social events on Gandhi Jayanti date. Special celebrations are observed in Delhi, the capital of India. Portraits of Bapu are decorated with flowers and garlands on this day and some of his most valuable quotes are re-iterated at the celebrations through speeches by prominent personalities.
Gandhi Jayanti Celebration
On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, many people visit the Sabarmati Ashram, in Gujarat. Mahatma Gandhi spent many years in this Ashram and led a simple life there, which was meant to be close to his roots. In this Ashram, there is the famous ‘Charkha’ or spinning wheel of Gandhi, which symbolized the use of indigenous khadi cloth during the boycott of foreign goods. Gandhi started the famous Dandi March from this Sabarmati Ashram along with his followers to protest against the salt law imposed by the British government. People visit this place to see the various belongings of Mahatma Gandhi.
Mahatma Gandhi was cremated at Raj Ghat, in the capital city of Delhi. The President and the Prime Minister of India come together on Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti for a prayer meeting at this memorial in Raj Ghat. They offer prayers and flowers to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi located at this place.
Various cultural events are organized for the Gandhi Jayanti celebration in schools and colleges. Painting competitions with the theme of patriotism and Gandhi Jayanti essay competitions are held at various schools. Students stage various patriotic dance-dramas and other performances with a lot of zeal. They sing patriotic songs as well. They make banners with the wise and famous teachings of Mahatma Gandhi for the decorations of Gandhi Jayanti. Also, the event for prize distribution is held on Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti in some schools and colleges.
The statues of Mahatma Gandhi, all across India are decorated with lots of flowers. All the Gandhi Jayanti information encompassing the importance of Gandhi Jayanti is orchestrated through various songs and speeches. In fact, demonstrations and art exhibitions are held in several places depicting all about Gandhi Jayanti in the most creative ways. The valuable teachings of Mahatma Gandhi will help us stride towards development, in every sphere of life. Our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan on Gandhi Jayanti date in 2014, to commemorate this day.
FAQs on Why Gandhi Jayanti is Celebrated on 2nd October?
1. Why is Gandhi Jayanti Celebrated?
Answer: Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on the birth anniversary of our iconic national leader Mahatma Gandhi. This day is observed as the International Day of Non-violence all over the world, as announced by the General Assembly of the United Nations. We celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary to spread his valuable teachings of non-violence among all.
2. Is Gandhi Jayanti a national holiday?
Answer: Yes, Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday. It is among the three national holidays of India. The other two national holidays are Independence Day and Republic Day.
3. How is Gandhi Jayanti Celebrated?
Answer: Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated in all parts of India. The President and the Prime Minister of our country come together for a prayer meeting at Raj Ghat, in Delhi, to pay homage to the greatest national leader of India. Gandhi Jayanti is also celebrated in schools and colleges where various cultural events and competitions are held with the theme of patriotism. The statues and portraits of Mahatma Gandhi are decorated with flower garlands and earthen lamps are lit in front of his statues and portraits. His teachings and quotes are re-iterated through speeches and banners on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.
4. When do we Celebrate Gandhi Jayanti?
Answer: We celebrate Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 every year. It is the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. We remember his contributions to the freedom struggle of our country and his valuable message of peace, harmony, and non-violence on this day.
