Festivals, National Festivals

Gandhi Jayanti

Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti (generally known as Gandhi Jayanti) is celebrated on October 2 every year all over India. It is one of the three national holidays in India. Other two are- Independence day and republic day.  Mahatma Gandhi was the greatest leader of India who bought India to get freedom from the British using non violence. Gandhi Jayanti marks the birth (October 2, 1869) anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. On the occasion, he is remembered for his unforgettable contributions and struggles for the freedom of Indian.  Relevantly, the full name of Mahatma Gandhi was ‘Mohan Das Karamchandra Gandhi’. He was entitled ‘Mahatma’ by Rabindranath Tagore. Gandhi is also named Bapu (which means father). On the event, Gandhi Jayanti celebration holds a huge zeal and fervor.

On 15 June 2007, The United Nations General Assembly announced October 2nd to be celebrated as International Day of Non-Violence.

Gandhi Jayanti Celebration at Raj Ghat In New Delhi

The Gandhi Jayanti celebration has a great charm and fervor. A special prayer meeting is arranged at the Raj Ghat New Delhi on the bank of Yamuna River. Raj Ghat is the burial place of Mahatma Gandhi. The prayer is held in the presences of president and prime minister along with other leaders. Mahatma Gandhi’s famous song (Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram…) is sung in the remembrance of him. In schools and colleges, Prayer services and commemorative ceremonies are held to mark the occasion. People offer garlands on the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Other educational and cultural institutions also observe the Gandhi Jayanti celebration by arranging competitions, exhibitions and other activities. A social exhibition is held showing non- violence. In this Google age, people wish one another with Gandhi jayanti messages, quotes, poems etc through internet.

About Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869 at Porbandar in Gujarat during British- Indian Empire. His father Karamchand Gandhi was a (diwan) of Porbandar. And his mother putlibaai was a religious housewife. Interestingly, Mahatma Gandhi took birth from the 4th wife of Karamchand Gandhi (as three wives had died).  He did his schooling from Alfred High School. After matriculating from the high school, he joined the Samaldas College in Bhavnagar. Later on, he went for higher studies at University College London in 1888.

Concerning a legal matter, he sailed for South Africa in 1893. But he found that there was an egotistic environment against Indian. So, he struggled in support of non-discrimination. Gandhi G returned India in 1915.  He led the freedom struggle of India. He established Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmadabad. In 1917, he led the Champaran Satyagrah. He gave the call for Non-cooperation movement against the oppression of British rule. He led the Salt Satyagraha or Salt (Dandi) March starting on March 12, 1930 against British salt law.

On August 8, 1942 Gandhi Ji gave the call for Quit India Movement. He also made a big hand for other movements like civil disobedience, Khilafat Movement. He worked a lot for the backwards/untouchables and called them “Harizan (which means people of God). Mahatma Gandhi opposed the evils like Child Marriage, Oppression against Hindu Widows and numerous other social evils. Through Gandhi’s efforts, India finally got its freedom on August 15, 1947.

Gandhi was a prolific writer and made a number of literary works. He edited several newspapers including Harijan, Indian opinion, Young India, Navjivan etc. Due to his love, respect and faith he got the title “Father of the Nation” from the people of country. Gandhi Ji was the epitome of peace, truth, non-violence, and duty. He struggled for the nation using his beliefs and ideals.

On 30th January 1948, Gandhi was assassinated  by Nathuram Godse in Birla House (now Gandhi Smriti) in New Delhi.  Gandhi’s death was mourned nationwide. January 30 is observed as Martyr’s Day or Shaheed Diwas in India.

Let’s Know GANDHI

G = Great
A = Amazing
N = Nationalist
D = Daring
H = Honest
I = Indian

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