“If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.”

-Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi Jayanti is observed on October 2nd every year to mark the birth anniversary of the father of the nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi all across India, he made a great contribution to liberate India from British rule. On the day of Gandhi Jayanti, countrymen pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

People organise prayers and different activities to remember the leader on his birthday. People sing his favourite religious song, Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram in his memory. Prayer services at Raj Ghat (New Delhi), where he was cremated are also offered.

In 2007, United Nations General Assembly declared this day the International Day of Non-Violence.

About Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi was born in Porbandar, Gujarat on 2 October 1869 to Karamchand Gandhi and Putlibai Gandhi. As he was interested in law, he studied law in London and later went to South Africa to work as a lawyer.

Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa — Credit: Reddit

After experiencing racial discrimination in South Africa, he decided to fight against racism. Upon returning to India in the year 1915, he launched a protest against the excessive land tax being imposed by the Britishers. In 1921, he took the leadership of the Indian National Congress and led many nationwide campaigns for easing poverty, ending untouchability and fighting for the freedom of India.

Mohandas Gandhi always believed in the power of non-violence. He used to say, “I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent.”

He led many popular movements like Non-Cooperation Movement, Dandi March, The Quit India Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and many more to expel Britishers from the country.

Gandhi Jayanti 2022 Celebrations

The nation observes a national holiday on the day of Gandhi Jayanti. Different institutions organise cultural events, commemorative ceremonies, prayer services, and other activities to honour his contribution to the nation.

People also visit one of the most important places associated with Mahatma Gandhi, i.e. Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad to take inspiration from his life and teachings.

Top Places Dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi

Sabarmati Ashram, New Delhi — Credit: Ahmedabad Tourism

Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad
Gandhi Smriti, Delhi
Aga Khan Palace, Pune
Sevagram, Wardha

Top Gandhi Museums in India

Gandhi Smriti Darshan Samiti, Delhi
Dandi Kutir, Gandhinagar
Gandhi Museum, Barackpore, West Bengal
Kirti Mandir & Museum, Porbandar
Gandhi Memorial Museum, Madurai
Gandhi Samarak Sangralaya, Patna
Gandhi National Memorial Society, Pune
National Gandhi Museum, Rajghat, New Delhi

Facts About Mahatma Gandhi

Great Britain, against whom Mahatma Gandhi fought for India’s liberation, released a stamp to honour him after 21 years of his death.
Gandhiji was also featured in the Times Magazine, ‘Man of The Year’, an honour bestowed to only a very few dignitaries of the world.
Henry Ford, the man behind the Ford Motor Company, was a big follower of Mahatma Gandhi. During the darkest days of World War 2, Henry used to slowly spin the charkha, believing that it brings good luck, sent by Gandhiji through a journalist.
Gandhi’s English accent was like that of an Irishman as one of his first teachers was an Irishman.
When Mahatma Gandhi died, his funeral procession was 8 kilometres long.
He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times. The last nomination was just a few days before he was murdered.

Mahatma Gandhi’s Death

Mahatma Gandhi Death — Credit: Heritage Times

Mahatma Gandhi was 78 years old when he was shot dead on January 31st 1948 by Nathuram, a young Hindu extremist while walking to his prayer meeting in the lawn of Birla House, New Delhi.

The last act that Mahatma Gandhi did was to lift both his hands as a sign of prayer in the direction of the huge gathering present there for the prayer. After hearing about this news, Lord Mountbatten along with cabinet ministers Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and others arrived at the place.

Concluding Lines

Mahatma Gandhi is one of the most revered and universally known figures across the globe. His idea of non-violence, ability to bring conflicting groups together and acceptance of all faiths make him one of the most respected personalities not only across India but also worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is so special about Gandhi Jayanti?

Gandhi Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the father of the nation.

How do we celebrate Gandhi Jayanti?

On the day of Gandhi Jayanti, prayer meetings and commemorative ceremonies are organised in different local governments and socio-political institutions. To pay homage to the father of the nation, prayer meetings are also held at the Raj Ghat, New Delhi.

Is Gandhi Jayanti observed as a national holiday?

Gandhi Jayanti is observed as a national holiday all over India. There are only three national holidays in India: Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti.