Gwalior, 2 October 2014: Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated yearly on 2 October. It is one of the three official declared National Holidays of India, and is observed in all of its states and union territories. The other two are Independence Day (15 August) and Republic Day (26 January). Gandhi Jayanti is marked by prayer services and tributes all over India, especially at Raj Ghat, Gandhi’s memorial in New Delhi where he was cremated.
Popular celebration includes prayer meetings, commemorative ceremonies in different cities by colleges, local government institutions and socio-political institutions. Painting and essay competitions are conducted and best awards are granted for projects in schools and the community on themes of glorifying peace, non-violence and Gandhi’s effort in Indian Freedom Struggle. Gandhi’s favourite devotional song, Raghupathi Raghava Rajaram, is usually sung in memory of him.
Picture: Gandhi in South Africa in 1909 (source: Wikipedia)