Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti in India

Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti in India

Mahatma Gandhi's birthday (Gandhi Jayanti or Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti) is a gazetted holiday in India on October 2 each year. It marks the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's birth on October 2, 1869. Gandhi is remembered for his contributions towards the Indian freedom struggle. Is Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti a Public Holiday? Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. What do People do? Many people celebrate Mahatma Gandhi's birthday across India. Events include: •Prayer services, commemorative ceremonies and tributes at locations all over India. •Art exhibitions and essay competitions. •The presentation of awards to projects stimulating a non-violent way of life. •The showing of films and book readings on Mahatma Gandhi's life and achievements. Many people sing Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram, Gandhi's favorite devotional song. Bunches of flowers or flower garlands are placed on many statues of Mahatma Gandhi throughout India. Some people also avoid eating meat or drinking alcohol on October 2 Public Life Government offices, post offices and banks are closed on Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. Stores and other businesses and organizations may be closed or have reduced opening hours. Those wishing to use public transport on the day may need to contact the local transport authorities to check on timetables. Background Mahatma Gandhi, also known as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, was born on October 2, 1869, and died on January 30, 1948. He was a political and spiritual leader in India and played a key role in the Indian independence movement. Gandhi developed the novel technique of non-violent agitation, which he called "Satyagraha", loosely translated as "moral domination". He is known for his non-violent civil disobedience in India and South Africa. These included the start of the non-cooperation movement in 1922 and the Salt Satyagraha or Salt (Dandi) March starting on March 12, 1930. Through Gandhi's efforts, India finally gained its freedom on August 15, 1947. The nation mourned for him after he was assassinated on January 30, 1948. The United Nations' (UN) International Day of Non-Violence is also held on October 2 each year to coincide with Mahatma Gandhi's birthday.