Gandhi Jayanti [2nd October, 2022]

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Sep 22, 2022, 10:03

Every year, 2 October is celebrated as a national holiday to honor Mahatma Gandhi and remember his contribution to India's independence movement. In India, this day is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday in the country. On the global level, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence.

The day of Gandhi Jayanti signifies a culture of peace, understanding, tolerance, and nonviolence. It is observed to commemorate Gandhi's nonviolent resistance against the Britishers during the Independence struggle.

Gandhi Jayanti 2022

Gandhi Jayanti is an occasion celebrated nationally and internationally to remember one of the greatest names in history - Mahatma Gandhi. On this day, individuals, the government, public and private corporations, and others pay tribute to Gandhi. 2 October is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, and this day is one of the few Indian national holidays.

About Mahatma Gandhi:

  • Mohan Das Karamchand Gandhi, widely known as Mahatma Gandhi, was born on 2 October 1869 in Porbandar.
  • He is known for being at the forefront of India's independence movement.
  • Gandhi is revered for his nonviolent resistance.
  • He is regarded as an icon for advocating for women's rights, ending untouchability, and more.
  • Gandhi led the Indian National Congress in 1921.
  • He is known for his Dandi March of 1930 and Quit India Movement of 1942.
  • He called for the boycott of British goods and insisted on Khadi wear.
  • Gandhi served in prison for protesting against the British government in India.

History of Gandhi Jayanti

The day 2 October is celebrated to commemorate the birthday of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. He is also known as the 'Father of the Nation.' Gandhi is known for his dedication, confidence, sense of truth, and duty. He founded the Ahimsa and Satyagraha movements during India's struggle for independence. Gandhi believed in religious pluralism and worked hard to make secular India a reality.

Gandhi was a great leader of India during India's struggle for independence. He traveled around the country to motivate fellow citizens to fight against the injustice of British rule. In Ahmedabad, the capital city of Gujarat, he established an ashram open to people of all castes and religions. Gandhi Jayanti marks the day of his birth and is also celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence worldwide.

Celebration of Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti

Gandhi's important contributions to the Independence movement are recalled on the day of Gandhi Jayanti. Throughout India, his lessons are commemorated through multiple projects. These projects aim to improve our country. The date 2 October is marked with prayer services, various cultural activities, and memorial ceremonies. Since Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday, all government offices remain shut. Gandhi's sculptures are honored with garlands and flowers.

The following three places hold a lot of importance in the celebration of Gandhi Jayanti:

  1. The Martyr's Column: Mahatma Gandhi was attacked here on 30 January 1948.
  2. The Raj Ghat: Mahatma Gandhi's body was scalded here on 31 January 1948.
  3. The Triveni Sangam: The rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati join together to form the Triveni Sangam.

National Commemoration of Gandhi Jayanti

The Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi is located in Raj Ghat, New Delhi. The President, the Prime Minister, and other officials visit Raj Ghat to pay homage on 2 October. Representatives from different communities and religions participate in the prayer to honor and respect Gandhi.

In 1921, Gandhi took up the leadership of the National Congress and coined the term Swaraj. Multiple movements were led by him, including the Quit India Movement, Dandi March, and the Civil Disobedience Movement.

These Anshans were done to stop the religious atrocities happening at that time. He was assassinated by a Hindu nationalist named Nathuram Godse. While Gandhi was on his way to a prayer meeting, he was shot with three bullets. Gandhi wanted a Free India, which included freedom from internal conflicts and social taboos. All of this marks the importance of celebrating Gandhi Jayanti.

Inspirational Gandhi Jayanti Quotes

Here are a few inspirational Gandhi Jayanti Quotes

  • "In a gentle way, you can shake the world."
  • "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."
  • "The greatness of humanity is not in being human, but in being humane."

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FAQs on Gandhi Jayanti

Q1. When is Gandhi Jayanti celebrated?

Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on 2nd October every year to commemorate the birth of the icon of nonviolence, Mahatma Gandhi. Throughout his life, Gandhi actively vouched for India's independence and integration. He is known for his nonviolent approach to activism.

Q2. Why is Gandhi Jayanti celebrated?

Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. He was born in Porbandar, Gujarat, on 2 October 1869. This day is also observed as the International Day of Non-Violence.

Q3. Is Gandhi Jayanti a national festival?

Yes, Gandhi Jayanti is marked as a national holiday in India. It is observed as a holiday across all the states and union territories. It is one of the three national holidays observed in India.

Q4. Which day is celebrated on 2 October?

2 October is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti in India. On the international level, this day is celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence. This day is celebrated in honor of Mahatma Gandhi and marks his birth anniversary.

Q5. What were Mahatma Gandhi's contributions to India's independence struggle?

Gandhi led Indians to break the salt law through the Dandi March in 1930, which helped Indians believe that they could challenge the might of the British. He also led the Quit India movement in 1942. He is remembered for his contributions on 2nd October, Gandhi Jayanti.