Gandhi Jayanti
October 2
About Gandhi Jayanti
Gandhi Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, known the world over as Mahatma Gandhi. Observed every year on 2 October, which in 2026 falls on a Friday, it is one of India’s three national holidays and is recognised globally by the United Nations as the International Day of Non-Violence. The day honours the leader who guided India to independence through the philosophy of non-violent resistance.
The Story Behind Gandhi Jayanti
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on 2 October 1869 in Porbandar, in present-day Gujarat. Trained as a lawyer in London, he spent his early career in South Africa, where he first developed his method of non-violent civil disobedience while fighting racial discrimination. The experience shaped the philosophy that would define the rest of his life: satyagraha, a commitment to truth and non-violence as forces for political and social change.
Returning to India in 1915, Gandhi rose to lead the movement for independence from British rule. Through campaigns such as the Salt March of 1930 and the Quit India movement of 1942, he mobilised millions in peaceful protest, fasting, boycotts and acts of civil disobedience. His insistence on ahimsa, or non-violence, set his approach apart and earned him the honorific Mahatma, meaning “great soul”, as well as the affectionate name Bapu, or father.
India gained independence in 1947, but Gandhi’s life ended in tragedy when he was assassinated in New Delhi on 30 January 1948. To honour his memory, the Indian government declared his birthday a national holiday. Gandhi Jayanti has been observed ever since as a day of remembrance and reflection on the values he championed.
In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly went further, declaring 2 October the International Day of Non-Violence through resolution A/RES/61/271. The UN intended the day to spread Gandhi’s message of non-violence through education and public awareness, cementing his legacy as a figure of global, not just national, significance. His ideas inspired civil rights leaders worldwide, including Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela.
When and Where is Gandhi Jayanti Celebrated?
Gandhi Jayanti is observed on 2 October every year, falling on Friday, 2 October in 2026. It is a public holiday across the whole of India, where schools, government offices and most businesses close. Commemorations also take place internationally as the UN International Day of Non-Violence, with events held by Indian communities, embassies and peace organisations around the world.
Traditions and Customs
Across India, the day is marked with solemnity and reflection. Common customs include the following.
- Tributes at Raj Ghat – The President, Prime Minister and other dignitaries gather at Raj Ghat in New Delhi, Gandhi’s cremation memorial, to lay wreaths and offer prayers.
- Prayer meetings and bhajans – Gatherings often feature the singing of Gandhi’s favourite devotional hymn, Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram, a song associated with religious harmony.
- Floral garlanding of statues – Flower garlands are placed on the many statues of Gandhi found in towns and cities across the country.
- School and community competitions – Painting, essay and elocution contests are held on themes of peace, non-violence and the freedom struggle, keeping his ideals alive for younger generations.
- Cleanliness drives – Reflecting Gandhi’s vision of a clean India, communities organise sanitation drives, an idea embodied today by the Swachh Bharat campaign.
Ways to Celebrate Gandhi Jayanti
Whether you are in India or anywhere else in the world, there are meaningful ways to mark the day.
- Read Gandhi’s own writings – Explore his autobiography, The Story of My Experiments with Truth, to understand his philosophy in his own words.
- Reflect on non-violence – Take time to consider how the principles of ahimsa and peaceful resolution apply to conflicts in your own life and community.
- Join a peace or community event – Many organisations hold talks, marches and gatherings to mark the International Day of Non-Violence.
- Take part in a cleanliness drive – Honour his vision by helping to clean a public space in your neighbourhood.
- Support a cause he believed in – Volunteer for or donate to a charity working on social justice, rural development or communal harmony.
- Teach the next generation – Share his story with children through books, films or discussion about why non-violence still matters.
Facts and Figures
- Mahatma Gandhi was born on 2 October 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat.
- Gandhi Jayanti is one of only three national holidays in India, alongside Independence Day and Republic Day.
- The United Nations declared 2 October the International Day of Non-Violence in 2007.
- Gandhi developed his philosophy of satyagraha during his years in South Africa before returning to India in 1915.
- His memorial at Raj Ghat in New Delhi is the focal point of national commemorations each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gandhi Jayanti?
Gandhi Jayanti is the annual commemoration of Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday. It is a national holiday in India honouring his role in the independence movement and his philosophy of non-violence, and it is also observed globally as the International Day of Non-Violence.
When is Gandhi Jayanti in 2026?
Gandhi Jayanti falls on Friday, 2 October 2026. The date is fixed and is the same every year, marking Gandhi’s birth on 2 October 1869.
Why is 2 October also the International Day of Non-Violence?
In 2007 the United Nations chose Gandhi’s birthday to honour his lifelong commitment to non-violence, using the day to promote his message through education and public awareness around the world.
Spread the Word
Share Gandhi Jayanti with your community using #GandhiJayanti and #GandhiJayanti2026. Whether you mark the occasion with a moment of reflection, an act of service or simply by sharing his message of peace, every bit of awareness helps keep this legacy alive. You might also explore International Day for Tolerance, which shares Gandhi’s spirit of understanding and harmony.
Related Awareness Days
- International Day for Tolerance – A UN day promoting mutual respect and understanding between people and cultures.
- International Peace Month – A month-long focus on peace that echoes Gandhi’s core philosophy.
- Disobedience Day – A lighter look at the idea of standing up against unfair rules.
Links
- Visit the UN International Day of Non-Violence page
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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