The celebration of Gandhi Jayanti marks the anniversary of the birth of Gandhi Ji, the father of the nation. It is widely celebrated in India, as well as in other parts of the world, by Gandhi’s followers. Gandhi Ji adhered to the principle of ‘Ahinsa’ (Non-Violence), which is why the United Nations has designated this day as ‘International Day for the Prevention of Non-Violence’. Gandhi Jayanti falls on the 2nd of October, 2023.
Mahatma Gandhi: History and Life Journey
Gandhi was born on 2 October 1869 in the town of Porbandar in the Indian state of Gujarat. His full name is Mohandas Karmachand Gandhi, but he is better known by his given name. He finished his education and obtained a law degree from the University of London. He then went on to practice law in South Africa. In South Africa, the people of India were not treated well because of their dark skin color. Gandhi worked hard to improve the conditions of Indians in South Africa.
After returning to India, Gandhi joined the Indian National Congress (INC). He started many movements such as the Dandi March and Quit India Movement, as well as the Non-Cooperation Movement and Satya Ghola, in order to achieve freedom from the British rule in India.
He is considered a great leader who fought without weapons and eventually gave his life to save the country. Gandhi traveled all over the country to motivate the people of India. In 1951, he founded an ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, which was open to everyone irrespective of caste, religion, or creed.
On his birth anniversary, Mahatma Gandhi is commemorated as a symbol of commitment, dedication, and sacrifice to the well-being of this nation and its people. His ethos of truth, non-violence, and commitment to living life on these principles has a profound impact on all of us. He believed that one must cultivate spiritual discipline in order to reach any goal, and his life serves as a reminder of the importance of simple living and high thinking.
Gandhi Ashram
Gandhi traveled extensively throughout India to inspire the nation and to oppose British rule. In 1951, he founded an ashram in Ahmedabad, the state capital of Gujarat, which was inclusive of all castes and creeds. He spent a considerable portion of his life in this ashram. On July 29, 1932, Gandhi embarked on a six-day fast to protect the British decision to exclude untouchables from citizenship.
Symbolism of Gandhi
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 30 January 1948.
- The Raj Ghat, the place where the body of Mahatma Gandhi was scalded on 31 January 1948.
- The Triveni Sangam is the place where the river Ganga, the river Yamuna, and the river Saraswati join together.
Celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti
Gandhi Jayanthi is a day of celebration and remembrance for Mahatma Gandhi, with the President, Prime Minister, and other senior leaders visiting Raj Ghat to offer flowers and light a candle. This is the site where Gandhi was cremated. Additionally, the Government of India has declared October 2nd as a “dry day”, meaning that alcohol sales and consumption are prohibited. On this day, various cultural activities are held in schools, colleges, and other prominent locations to pay homage to Gandhi. This includes organizing plays, skits, speeches, poems, and songs dedicated to Gandhi. All government departments, banks, schools, and post offices are closed on Gandhi’s birthday. Students of schools and colleges are singing the Raghupati Raja Ram bhajan, which is known to be one of Gandhi’s favorites. Throughout the country, Gandhi statues are adorned with floral arrangements and wreaths. As the Jayanti falls under the Gazetted Holiday, government offices are closed for the day.