Gandhi Jayanti

Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday in India observed every 2 October to mark the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and advocate of nonviolence. The day is celebrated across the country with tributes, prayer services, and commemorative events.

• Observed every 2 October across India
• Prayer services held at Raj Ghat, Gandhi's memorial in New Delhi
• Gandhi's favourite bhajan is sung in his memory
• Statues of Gandhi are decorated with flowers and garlands
• Many avoid alcohol and meat on this day

What it is

Gandhi Jayanti is a day of national remembrance in India, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, whose philosophy of nonviolent resistance shaped the country's struggle for independence. The holiday is one of India's three official national holidays, and it serves as a time for reflection on Gandhi's teachings and their ongoing influence on Indian society. Across the nation, people gather to honour his memory, promote his ideals, and consider the relevance of nonviolence and truth in contemporary life.

Where it comes from

The holiday marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, born on 2 October 1869. Gandhi became a central figure in India's movement for independence from British rule, pioneering the use of nonviolent protest as a powerful tool for social and political change. Gandhi Jayanti has been observed since India's independence, and in 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared the date as the International Day of Non-Violence, further cementing its global significance.

How it is celebrated

On Gandhi Jayanti, prayer services and tributes are held throughout India, with a special focus at Raj Ghat in New Delhi, where Gandhi was cremated. Ceremonies are organized by schools, colleges, local governments, and community groups, often including the singing of Gandhi's favourite devotional song, 'Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram.' Statues of Gandhi are adorned with flowers and garlands, and many people choose to abstain from alcohol and meat as a mark of respect. Public institutions such as banks and post offices remain closed, and awards may be given for projects that promote nonviolence and community service. The day is also associated with initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission, reflecting Gandhi's emphasis on cleanliness and civic responsibility.

Joining in

Visitors in India on 2 October will find Gandhi Jayanti observed in every state and territory, with the most prominent ceremonies at Raj Ghat in New Delhi. Expect a calm, respectful atmosphere, with gatherings for prayer, music, and floral tributes. Many public spaces and statues are decorated, and you may witness community events or school activities dedicated to Gandhi's ideals. As a national holiday, some services and businesses will be closed, so plan accordingly.

In the news

• Gandhi Jayanti 2026: Are banks open or closed on October 2? Here's what to know about UPI, net banking, ATM servicesLivemint
• Gandhi Jayanti 2026: Is October 2 A National Holiday? Check What Is Open And What Is ClosedNDTV Profit
• Gandhi Jayanti 2026 holiday: Are schools, colleges, banks and offices closed on October 2?Moneycontrol.com
• Gandhi Jayanti 2026: Messages, Greetings, Wishes, And QuotesNDTV
• Gandhi Jayanti 2026 History: Why October 2 is celebrated, significance, theme and role in India’s freedomThe Economic Times
• Gandhi Jayanti 2026: History, Significance, Facts, Celebration and all you need to knowThe Times of India

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Gandhi Jayanti, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it, and news headlines link to their publishers. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Gandhi Jayanti on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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