Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated in the honour of birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi who is popularly known as the Father of the Nation. Born on the 2nd of October 1869 at Porbandar in Gujarat. He is known for his invaluable contribution in India's freedom struggle.
Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday celebrated in India on October 2, every year. Gandhi Jayanti is one of the three official declared National Holidays of India and is observed in all its states and union territories. The United Nations General Assembly announced on 15 June 2007 that October 2 will be celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence as Gandhiji was an epitome of non-violence.
Gandhi Jayanti Celebration
Mahatma Gandhi was a simple man, with simple tastes and high values. Respecting that, even though Gandhi Jayanti is one of the three official national holidays, the festivities are also simple. The day is marked by prayer services and tributes all over India, especially at Raj Ghat, Gandhi's memorial in New Delhi where he was cremated. Popular celebration includes prayer meetings, commemorative ceremonies in different cities by colleges, local government institutions and socio-political institutions. Painting and essay competitions are conducted and best awards are awarded for projects in schools and the community on themes of glorifying peace, non-violence and Gandhi's effort in Indian Freedom Struggle.
Verses and prayers are read out from the holy books of all the religions Usually, Gandhi's favorite devotional song, Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram is sung in memory of him. Sincere followers of Gandhi avoid meat and alcohol on this day. Although the country never forgets his father, the great gandhiji, well known as "Baapu" in India yet Gandhi Jayanti is a specific day when all the people across the country come together to celebrate his birthday.