Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on 2nd October every year to mark the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who was famously known as Mahatma Gandhi. This day is celebrated all over the country, even outside the country by the followers of Mahatma Gandhi. He is honoured for his invaluable contributions to India's freedom struggle.
Known as the 'Father of the Nation', it was his ideologies, struggles and kindness that drove India to its independence. Observed across states and territories in India, Hid Birthday is one of the officially declared national holidays. Mahatma Gandhi was an epitome of peace. This year will mark Gandhi’s 151st birth anniversary.
What should we know about Mahatma Gandhi?
Words fall short when talking about Mahatma Gandhi, the short-statured, soft-spoken, and immensely empathic person who brought all Indians together and made them understand the significance of staying united against all odds. For his visionary leadership, India was able to break free from the shackles of colonialism and become a free nation. Gandhi led the freedom movement bringing all National leaders together while advocating peace and non-violence. He employed non-violent resistance that acted as a catalyst in the Indian Independence Movement against British Rule.
Significance Of Gandhi Jayanti
Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on October 2 to mark the birth anniversary of the "Father of the Nation," Mahatma Gandhi. On this day, all countrymen come together to pay tribute to this great man who helped the country get free from colonial rule. Gandhiji firmly believed in religious pluralism and forerunner of truth and non-violence. He worked tirelessly to make India a secular country. Gandhi Jayanti is, thus, a day to pay homage to the iconic leader who guided people to fight for their rights following the non-violent approach. He also denounced untouchability and the caste system in the country. Based on his principles and teachings, India launched the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan,' i.e.,Clean India Mission, on October 2, 2014, to improve solid waste management in rural and urban areas and eradicate open defecation in India. Gandhi Jayanti holds immense significance to the people of India. Moreover, it is not just a celebration but a day to remember and follow the beliefs, teachings, and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi.
Life journey of Mahatma Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, lovingly known as Bapu, was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. He was the youngest child of Karamchand Gandhi and Putlibai. Gandhi ji spent his foundation years at his home steeped in Vaishnavism. This helped instil a firm belief in the eternalism of the Universe. Thus, Gandhi became an ardent believer of noninjury to all living beings or Ahimsa. He observed fasting for self-purification, followed vegetarianism, and exuded mutual tolerance between people from different castes and creeds that were taken for granted in Indian households. After completing his early education in India, he was sent to England to become a barrister. Gandhiji returned to India in 1891, and started working as a lawyer amidst many challenges. Unfortunately, he found that being a barrister was not a sure-shot guarantee of a lucrative career.
In 1893, Mahatma Gandhi left for Natal, South Africa, in order to work in an Indian firm. After spending almost two decades in South Africa and facing tough challenges, like racial discrimination, Mahatma Gandhi came back to India to work for the good of people in his country. He decided to explore the country and understand the hardships and challenges faced by common men. Gandhi ji travelled by train all over India and came in close contact with many locals who shared their share of agonies with Gandhi ji. Hearing it, Gandhi ji decided to face the problem headlong. From here on, a series of movements were initiated under Gandhi's leadership that paved the way and steered India towards attaining freedom from the oppressive British Rule. His austere and simplicity impressed everyone, children and old alike. Even his staunchest opponents were forced to support him in their bid to get freedom from colonialism. Decades of hard work, efforts, and his amazing vision helped the country break free from the shackles of social evils and oppressive British rule.
How is Gandhi Jayanti celebrated?
Raj Ghat is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. The term 'Raj Ghat' translates to the royal platform. It features a blue-black marble platform. On Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday is observed and people from different parts of the country gather at Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. Raj Ghat is located on Ring Road in Delhi and is also known as Mahatma Gandhi Road.
5 Facts about Mahatma Gandhi:
1. Gandhi Ji was a follower of Ahinsa (Non violence) therefore, this day is celebrated as the International Day of Non Violence by the United Nations.
2. The famous writer Leo Tolstoy and Gandhi Ji were very good friends. They used to write letters and interact with each other often. He also set up a Tolstoy Farm, 21 miles from Johannesburg in South Africa. Sprawled on an 1100 acre site, this farm was set up for colleagues who helped him during the Satyagraha struggle.
3. Mahatma Gandhi was nominated five times for the Nobel Peace Prize. The last nomination he received was just a few days before he got murdered in 1948.
4. 21 years after his death, Britain against whom Gandhi fought to get India independent, released a stamp to honour him.
5. Mahatma Gandhi’s funeral witnessed a eight kilometre long funeral procession.
