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“In a gentle way, you can shake the world” – Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
The birthday of India’s ‘Father of the Nation’ Mahatma Gandhi, is celebrated every year as a homage to the immense contribution he made in helping India achieve independence from colonial rule.
In this article, Wego highlights when and how the birthday of the revered Gandhiji, or Bapu as he is affectionately called, is celebrated in India.
Table of Contents
What is Gandhi Jayanti?
Gandhi Jayanti is an event celebrated in India to mark the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. It is one of the officially declared national holidays of India.
The impact and fame of Gandhi beyond India are reflected in the International Day of Non-Violence, which is celebrated worldwide on his birthday. As the leader of the Indian movement for independence, he played a considerable role in attaining freedom from the British. It is a great opportunity for the countrymen to pay homage to this great leader, who became a martyr for the betterment of the country.
Gandhi Jayanti 2024 date and public holiday
Gandhi Jayanti will be celebrated on 2 October 2024, marking Mahatma Gandhi’s 155th birth anniversary. It will be observed as a public and bank holiday across the nation.
How is Gandhi Jayanti usually celebrated?
Several places organize commemorative activities and cultural events in various cities by colleges, local government institutions and socio-political institutions. Painting and essay competitions are held on glorifying peace, non-violence and Gandhi’s effort in the Indian Freedom Struggle.
Often, Gandhi’s favorite devotional song, Raghupathi Raghava Rajaram, is sung in memory of him. This holiday is a dry day in India when the sale of alcohol is not permitted.
Since Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday in India, it is observed across all states and union territories. The President and Prime Minister of India also pay homage to the Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi in Delhi, India.
The following three places play a vital role in celebrating Gandhi Jayanti:
- The Martyr’s Column is the place where Mahatma Gandhi was attacked on January 30 1948.
- The Raj Ghat, the place where the body of Mahatma Gandhi was scalded on January 31 1948.
- The Sabarmati Ashram, which served as Mahatma Gandhi’s abode as he led the nation’s struggles for independence against the British.
