Gandhi Jayanti 2028: Date, History & Significance

The day is marked with prayer meetings and the singing of 'Raghupati Raghava' and other bhajans at Raj Ghat in Delhi (Gandhi's memorial) and at Gandhi memorials across the country; the President and Prime Minister pay floral tribute. Schools and institutions hold cleanliness drives, spinning demonstrations, and readings from Gandhi's writings; it is a dry day, and Gandhi's message of truth (satya), non-violence (ahimsa) and self-reliance (swadeshi) is the theme.

Trained as a lawyer in London, Gandhi developed his method of satyagraha — 'holding to truth', non-violent resistance — during two decades in South Africa, then led the Indian National Congress through the Non-Cooperation, Salt March and Quit India movements. He insisted that means and ends are inseparable, that the opponent is to be won over and not crushed, and lived by fasting, spinning and voluntary poverty. He was assassinated on 30 January 1948.

Source: Government of India / United Nations designation and official observance

Gandhi Jayanti has been a national holiday since independence; the UN General Assembly designated 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence in 2007. Gandhi is officially titled Father of the Nation in India.

• Wikipedia

1. Prayer meetings are held at Raj Ghat and at Gandhi's ashrams, with his favourite bhajans such as 'Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram' and 'Vaishnava Jan To'.
2. Schools and offices hold talks and cleanliness drives under the Swachh Bharat programme, and khadi is sold at a discount.
3. It is also the UN's International Day of Non-Violence.

• Nationwide. Prayer meetings and tributes at Raj Ghat and local Gandhi memorials; cleanliness drives, khadi and spinning events, and readings from his works.

• Simple vegetarian food — In keeping with Gandhi's diet, many functions serve plain vegetarian meals.

Gandhi Jayanti falls on Monday, 2 October 2028. Birth of Mahatma Gandhi; also International Day of Non-Violence.

at sunrise

Gandhi Jayanti is kept on 2 October (fixed) — one of India's three national holidays. It follows the Gregorian civil calendar and does not move.

The date is set by the Hindu lunisolar calendar and shifts against the Gregorian year.