Gandhi Jayanti 2026: History, Significance, Facts and Celebrations

On 2nd of October, 2026 157th Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi to be celebrated. Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. This day remembers the contribution of Gandhi towards India’s independence movement and his doctrine of truth and nonviolence. The events in India on this day include the paying homage and prayers held at Raj Ghat, New Delhi, which is a memorial site for Gandhi. October 2 is also celebrated internationally as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations.

Why Do We Celebrate Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti?

Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on the birthday of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who is famously referred to as Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi was born in Porbandar in 1869 and went on to become an important figure in the Indian struggle for freedom from British rule.

He was involved in a political strategy called Satyagraha, which means a movement that involves non-violent resistance based on truth. Gandhi was instrumental in conducting non-violent mass movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement.

The principles of truth and non-violence of Gandhi later inspired other political movements as well.

Gandhi Jayanti: History

Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, at Porbandar, which was part of Kathiawar in today’s Gujarat state. Gandhi went for higher studies in London and arrived in South Africa in 1893, where his experiences of racial discrimination had a profound impact on his political and social views.

Gandhi returned to India in 1915 and got involved in the Indian freedom struggle. He advocated for Swadeshi, non-cooperation and peaceful resistance against the British.

One of the most significant events linked to Gandhi is the Dandi March of 1930. Mahatma Gandhi and his followers undertook a march from the Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi in Gujarat to voice their opposition to the British tax on salt.

January 30 is a day when India commemorates the assassination of Gandhi in New Delhi on this date in 1948.

Gandhi Jayanti Significance

Reminder of Non-Violence

• Ahimsa or non-violence was a core tenet of the political philosophy of Gandhi. The various movements led by him reflected non-violent organized mass action.

Role of Satyagraha

• Satyagraha was one of the most unique ways of political struggle used by Gandhi which included truth, non-violence and resistance to oppression.

In connection with India’s Struggle for Independence

• Gandhi was instrumental in leading many significant stages of the Indian national movement. His campaigns enabled many people to be politically mobilized against the oppressive British rule.

Message of Non-Violence to the World

• The philosophy of Gandhi gained an international dimension apart from its significance in the Indian independence movement. In 2007, a resolution was passed by the UN General Assembly that designated October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence.

How is Gandhi Jayanti celebrated?

Gandhi Jayanti is commemorated throughout India through official ceremonies, prayer meetings, and special programs. The Raj Ghat in New Delhi, which houses the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, is an important venue for national-level celebrations.

Institutions and organizations also organize various events like essay writing competitions, quiz contests, exhibitions, seminars, discussion, debates and cultural activities on Gandhi’s life and teachings.

Official government institutions usually organize special programs emphasizing peace, non-violence, cleanliness, social responsibility and communal harmony.

October 2 and the International Day of Non-Violence

October 2 is important not only for India but also internationally. In 2007, the United Nations declared October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence through a resolution of the General Assembly.

The idea behind the celebration is to create an environment of peace and non-violence by creating awareness. October 2 has been selected for the celebration since it marks the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.

In this way, Gandhi’s tradition is linked with the message of peace and non-violence.