Gandhi Jayanti
The birthday of Mahatma Gandhi is celebrated on 2 October every year as Gandhi Jayanti. This public holiday is one of three official declared National Holidays of India and is observed in all its states and territories.
History of Gandhi Jayanti
Gandhi was born on 2 October 1869 and was a major political and spiritual leader within India. He was a pioneer of Satyagraha, which believed in resistance to tyranny through mass civil disobedience, firmly founded upon total non-violence. The movement led India to independence and his efforts have since inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.
How is Gandhi Jayanti celebrated?
Mahatma Gandhi was a man with simple tastes and values. With keeping that in mind and giving him full honour and respect the festivities on this day are very less.
The President and the Prime Minister, along with other political leaders, pay homage at Raj Ghat, the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi in New Delhi. To honour Gandhi’s respect for all religions and communities, representatives from different religions take part in the prayer meeting held at Raj Ghat. Prayers and Verses are read out from Holy books of all religions. Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite song ‘Raghupati Raghava‘ is customarily sung at all meetings associated with him.
Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated all over the country and in both government and non-government organizations. Since it’s a national holiday all schools, colleges and offices all over the country remain closed.
This holiday is a dry day in India, when the sale of alcohol is not permitted.