Gandhi Jayanti

Gandhi Jayanti commemorates Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, born on 2 October 1869 at Porbandar in Gujarat. Gandhi developed the practice of satyagraha—resistance grounded in truth and non-violence—during struggles in South Africa and later made it a major force in India’s freedom movement. Campaigns such as non-cooperation, the Salt March and Quit India mobilised millions while his public message also stressed communal harmony, village life, self-reliance and opposition to untouchability. Gandhi was assassinated on 30 January 1948, only months after independence, but his methods influenced civil-rights and non-violent movements far beyond India. On Gandhi Jayanti, prayer meetings, cleanliness and service activities, exhibitions and tributes are held at schools, institutions and memorials such as Raj Ghat. The United Nations also observes 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence, giving the anniversary a global connection to the continuing search for peaceful ways of resolving conflict.

Gandhi Jayanti helps remember an important person, institution, event or public value in India.