Gandhi Jayanti 2026: India Marks Mahatma Gandhi's 157th Birth Anniversary and the International Day of Non-Violence
New Delhi, October 2, 2026: India is observing Gandhi Jayanti today, marking the 157th birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. It is one of India's three national holidays, alongside Republic Day and Independence Day.
International Day of Non-Violence
The United Nations General Assembly declared October 2 the International Day of Non-Violence through a resolution adopted on June 15, 2007. The observance promotes Gandhi's principle of ahimsa and non-violent resistance, which influenced civil rights and freedom movements around the world.
How the Day Is Observed
- The President, Vice-President, Prime Minister and other leaders traditionally pay tribute at Raj Ghat, the memorial on the banks of the Yamuna in New Delhi.
- Prayer meetings often include Gandhi's favourite bhajan, Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram.
- Schools and colleges hold essay competitions, debates and cleanliness drives.
- Government offices, banks and schools remain closed.
Also on October 2
- Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti: India's second Prime Minister was born on October 2, 1904. His slogan Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan remains widely remembered. Leaders also pay tribute at Vijay Ghat.
- Swachh Bharat Mission: The national cleanliness campaign was launched on October 2, 2014. The anniversary is commonly marked with sanitation and waste-management drives.
- Wildlife Week: India's annual Wildlife Week runs from October 2 to 8.
Why Gandhi Still Matters
Gandhi led movements including the Champaran Satyagraha (1917), the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920), the Salt March (1930) and the Quit India Movement (1942). His ideas on truth (satya), non-violence, self-reliance (swadeshi) and dignity of labour continue to shape debates on democracy, protest and sustainable living.
Key Facts
- Born: October 2, 1869, Porbandar
- Died: January 30, 1948, New Delhi (observed as Martyrs' Day)
- Memorial: Raj Ghat, New Delhi
- UN observance: International Day of Non-Violence (since 2007)
FAQ
Is Gandhi Jayanti a national holiday?
Yes. It is one of India's three national holidays.
Who else was born on October 2?
Former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, born in 1904.