Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated on October 2 every year, is one of India’s most revered national holidays. The year 2025 marks the 156th birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, lovingly known as Mahatma Gandhi or Bapu. This day commemorates his selfless contributions to India’s independence and his timeless philosophy of truth and non-violence. Widely celebrated across India and recognized globally as the International Day of Non-Violence, Gandhi Jayanti inspires millions to uphold principles of peace, justice, and harmony.
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Gandhi Jayanti 2025: Date & Historical Background
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | October 2, 2025 (Thursday) |
| Birth Year | 1869 |
| Birth Place | Porbandar, Gujarat |
| Key Role | Leader of India’s independence movement, pioneer of non-violence and Satyagraha |
| National Holiday | One of India’s three official national holidays |
| Global Recognition | Declared International Day of Non-Violence by UN in 2007 |
Significance of Gandhi Jayanti
- Gandhi Jayanti honors Bapu’s legacy as the “Father of the Nation” whose non-violent resistance helped end British colonial rule.
- His teachings promote peace, tolerance, and social justice, remaining profoundly relevant in today’s world.
- The day encourages individuals to adopt Gandhi’s virtues of honesty, simplicity, and self-discipline in their lives.
- Gandhi’s philosophy influenced global icons like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, inspiring civil rights struggles worldwide.
How Gandhi Jayanti is Celebrated in India
- Prayer and Tributes: Leaders including the President and Prime Minister pay homage at Raj Ghat, Gandhi’s memorial in New Delhi.
- Cultural Programs: Schools and colleges organize plays, debates, and essay competitions highlighting Gandhi’s life and philosophies.
- Bhajan Singing: Devotional songs like “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram,” a favorite of Gandhi, are sung nationwide.
- Cleanliness Drives: Aligned with Gandhi’s emphasis on sanitation and self-reliance, Swachh Bharat campaigns often coincide with the day.
- Public Holiday: Government offices, banks, and schools remain closed to mark the occasion.
For in-depth festival coverage and celebrations across India, visit Technosports.co.in’s culture and festivals section.
Contemporary Reflections and Controversies
In 2025, on Gandhi Jayanti, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the release of a commemorative stamp marking the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) centenary on this sacred day, arguing it overshadowed Gandhi’s legacy[web:thehindu].
This sparked debates on the balance between honoring independence icons and contemporary political narratives, reflecting the enduring complexities in how Gandhi’s legacy is interpreted and respected across India.
Gandhi Jayanti 2025: Top Quotes to Inspire
- “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
- “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
- “An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.”
- “Truth never damages a cause that is just.”
- “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”
FAQs
1. Why is October 2 observed as Gandhi Jayanti?
October 2 is Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday. It is observed as a national holiday in India and internationally recognized as the International Day of Non-Violence, honoring his contributions to peace and India’s freedom movement.
2. How is Gandhi Jayanti celebrated across India?
Gandhi Jayanti is marked by prayer ceremonies, cultural events in schools, public tributes at Raj Ghat, and cleanliness drives inspired by Gandhi’s philosophy on hygiene and self-reliance. It emphasizes peace, non-violence, and social harmony.