Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated every year on 2nd October that marks the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who was fondly called ‘Bapu’. He was an eminent personality who was born on 2nd October, 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat to Karamchand Gandhi and Putlibai Gandhi. He had set an example of simple living and high thinking which was evident by the clothes he wore and his attitude towards life.
He played a significant role in India’s freedom struggle. Due to the substantial contributions made by Gandhi ji, he was given the title ‘Mahatma’ that means ‘true soul’ by the Indians during his freedom struggle. Gandhi ji was a selfless person who wanted to set our country free from the British colonial rule. His philosophy of ‘non-violence’ led to a movement called ‘Satyagraha’.
Mahatma Gandhi had an instinctive love towards two aspects- truth and duty. Also, Gandhi ji always advocated to walk on the path of complete non-violence. ‘Ahimsa parmo dharma’ is a famous phrase popularised by Mahatma Gandhi, which literally means non-violence is the ultimate duty. He was always of the opinion of resolving issues through complete peace and harmony. Hence, he had always discouraged violence.
It is worth mentioning that due to Mahatma Gandhi’s ideology, 2nd October has been declared as the International Day of non-violence by United Nations General Assembly.
It was the unfortunate day of 30th January, 1948 when Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse. It was a mournful day for the entire country as their leader died. But they did not let Gandhi ji’s dream of setting India free from the British rule, die. Gandhi ji was, is and will remain the nation’s well-recognised leader.
Traditional Celebrations
Gandhi Jayanti has been declared as one of the National Holidays. Being a gazetted holiday, all major public offices and educational institutions remain closed. On this day, the entire nation pays homage to the Father of our Nation by visiting the Raj Ghat, New Delhi, where he was cremated. They do this as a mark of remembrance of the great leader who died while fighting for complete freedom from the British Colonial Rule.
How to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti at home?
- Tell your children the story behind celebrating Gandhi Jayanti.
- Involve your children and family members to join you in singing bhajans such as “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram”, ‘Vaishnav Jan Ko”, “Ishwar Allah Ye Pukar Sunle” etc.
- Show movies to your children that are based on the preachings of Mahatma Gandhi like ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’.
- Take this day as an opportunity to throw light upon Gandhi ji’s philosophy and generate awareness about his ideas and beliefs.
So, this Gandhi Jayanti, we the responsible citizens of the country should spare some time and remember the Father of Our Nation-Mahatma Gandhi.
