Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated as the National Festival of India. There are only three national festivals as per the constitution of India, and Gandhi Jayanti is one of them. Due to his visionary leadership during the freedom struggle of India, people remember him and celebrate this special day as of national importance. We are here to talk about Gandhi Jayanti, its Significance, and the Celebration.
Gandhi Jayanti Date
Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on 2 October on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. His full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. He was born on 2 October 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. Know More about Indian Festivals in October
Gandhi Jayanti Significance
2 October: International Day of Non-Violence
Due to the remarkable work of Mahatma Gandhi for peace and harmony, their birth anniversary is celebrated around the world as the International Day of Non-Voilance. It was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007 to honor Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and his contribution to global peace.
Gandhi Jayanti- A National festival of India
Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated as the National festival of India. Across the country, statues of Mahatma Gandhi are adorned with flowers and garlands. Government buildings, banks, and post offices are closed. Gandhi Jayanti is named after Gandhi’s memorial at Rajghat, in Delhi. where prayer services and homage are offered. Know more: National Festivals of India
Clean India Drive on Gandhi Jayanti
Mahatma Gandhi promoted cleanliness throughout their life. Thus promoting the message of Mahatma Gandhi this day is considered the cleanliness program. In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a nationwide ‘Clean India Drive’ on Gandhi Jayanti.
Contribution of Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi’s vision was exemplary, vast in scope, and deeply powerful in its impact on human societies. As such, Gandhi’s relevance makes this day very special for everyone. He is honored for his immense contribution to the Indian independence movement and his philosophy toward life. His philosophies have greatly influenced people’s lives.
Gandhi not only contributed to the Indian independence struggle, but he also fought for change in society. He fought against the pre-existing Indian caste system and worked towards abolishing the inhuman behavior of the untouchables. He also fought for equality and brotherhood in society.
Mahatma Gandhi’s contribution to bringing back peace and non-violence in this world is incomparable. His teachings must be preached to resolve current conflicts, avoid violence, and find peaceful solutions to every problem, small or large, to make this world a better place.
His beliefs and policies inspired the masses to bring the powerful colonial empire to its knees. His words still inspire young people today. His idea of non-violence has taught everyone that one can gently move the world.
Also Check:- 20 Inspiring Mahatma Gandhi Quotes
Gandhi Jayanti Celebration
Every year on the 2nd of October, India organizes various events to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti. Popular activities include prayer meetings, and commemorative ceremonies in various cities by colleges, local government institutions, and socio-political organizations.
On this day, by attending lectures about Gandhi and listening to devotional songs, every Indian strengthens his belief in the actuality of an equal society and a peaceful and uncorrupted world.
Perhaps the best way to celebrate this day is to make a resolution to imbibe Gandhian values in our lives and come good on it. The song ‘Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram’, which was close to his heart has a spiritual quality that is sung in various places.
The government also participates in the Gandhi Jayanti celebration. They organize prayer meetings at various locations. Some activities are also seen in schools to learn the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi. Educational institutions including schools, colleges, and universities hold special assemblies for honoring Mahatma Gandhi.
Gandhi Jayanti Celebration at Raj Ghat
Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated at Gandhi’s memorial at Rajghat in Delhi every year. A prayer meeting is held in front of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi every year and pays homage.
To commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, the President, Prime Minister, and other dignitaries make sure they are present at the Gandhi memorial every year and pay homage to Gandhi at RajGhat, New Delhi where he was cremated. His famous song Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram is sung every year in his memory.
Gandhi Jayanti Celebration In School
The students of the school enthusiastically took part in the celebration of Gandhi Jayanti. Students sing a song based on Bapu’s valid and non-violent message. They recited poems and presented their Gandhian philosophy. Young children celebrate the event by dressing up as Gandhiji as well as performing nationalist songs. Students took part in rallies using banners that signalled the significance of peace and non-violence across the country.
Co-Curricular Activities on Gandhi Jayanti
Painting and essay competitions are conducted. The best prizes are awarded for celebrating Gandhi’s Indian independence movement and promoting a non-violent way of life in schools and communities. Also, events, such as paintings, creative writing, and essay competitions are organized to create a better understanding of the life of Gandhi.
Interesting Facts
Gandhi Jayanti: Honoring the Father of the Nation
1. October 2nd – A Day of Global Significance: Gandhi Jayanti, observed on October 2nd, coincides with the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India’s non-violent independence movement. Interestingly, the United Nations declared this day as the International Day of Non-Violence, recognizing Gandhi’s philosophy worldwide.
2. Gandhi’s Favorite Bhajan: Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite devotional song, “Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram,” is often sung during Gandhi Jayanti celebrations. The bhajan reflects his spiritual beliefs and commitment to the ideals of truth and non-violence.
3. Sabarmati Ashram Observance: Gandhi Jayanti is observed at the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where Mahatma Gandhi lived for over a decade. Visitors can witness various activities, including prayer meetings, discussions on Gandhian principles, and homage-paying ceremonies.
Several developments are happening in the world that indicate a growing interest in non-violent alternatives to present their views. People involved in this development know well the name of Mahatma Gandhi and his philosophy. On the other hand, they are promoting the values and principles that stand.
FAQs
What is Gandhi Jayanti?
Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday in India celebrated on October 2nd every year. It marks the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule.
Why is Gandhi Jayanti celebrated on October 2nd?
Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on October 2nd because it is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. He was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat.
What is the significance of Gandhi Jayanti?
Gandhi Jayanti is significant as a day to honor and remember Mahatma Gandhi’s contributions to India’s struggle for independence, as well as his philosophy of non-violence (Ahimsa) and principles of truth, justice, and peace.
How is Gandhi Jayanti celebrated in India?
Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated with various events and activities across India. These may include prayer services, remembrance ceremonies, lectures on Gandhi’s life and principles, and cultural programs promoting his ideals of non-violence.
Do people observe fasting on Gandhi Jayanti?
Yes, some people choose to observe a day of fasting on Gandhi Jayanti as a mark of respect for Mahatma Gandhi’s practice of fasting as a means of peaceful protest and self-purification.
Are there any specific rituals associated with Gandhi Jayanti?
While there are no specific religious rituals, people often visit Gandhi memorials or statues to pay their respects, offer flowers, and light candles. Some may also participate in cleanliness drives and community service activities, as Gandhi emphasized the importance of cleanliness.
Is Gandhi Jayanti a public holiday in India?
Yes, Gandhi Jayanti is a public holiday in India. Government offices, schools, and many businesses are closed on this day to observe the occasion.
Are there any global observances of Gandhi Jayanti?
Yes, Gandhi Jayanti is observed internationally as the International Day of Non-Violence. It was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007 to honor Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and his contribution to global peace.
Is there a specific dress code for Gandhi Jayanti celebrations?
There is no specific dress code for Gandhi Jayanti, but some people choose to wear traditional Indian attire or clothing in the colors of the Indian flag (saffron, white, and green) to show their patriotic spirit.
