India will observe the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2, 2026. The day is marked as Gandhi Jayanti, a national public holiday, and is also recognized globally as the International Day of Non-Violence.
Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated every year on October 2 to commemorate the birth of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who was born on this date in 1869. He is widely known as the Father of the Nation and led India’s freedom struggle through the principles of truth and non-violence.
The day is observed across India with prayer services, floral tributes, and commemorative ceremonies. The main national function is traditionally held at Raj Ghat in New Delhi, the memorial where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.
In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence. The resolution received support from over 140 countries.
President Murmu’s Message on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti
President Droupadi Murmu issued a message on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti. She said, ‘On behalf of all citizens, I pay my respectful tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi on his 157th birth anniversary celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti.’
She added, ‘Gandhiji’s life and ideals are widely respected by the global community. Today, an atmosphere of war and conflict prevails in many parts of the world, affecting all nations. In these circumstances, Mahatma Gandhi’s message of peace and non-violence becomes even more relevant.’
The President also linked Gandhi’s vision to India’s current goals. She said, ‘Our country is advancing towards the national goal of becoming Viksit Bharat by the year 2047. In this journey, priority is being given to the values of empathy and inclusion to ensure that no citizen is deprived of the benefits of development. This vision reflects the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideal of ‘Sarvodaya’, based on the principle of the welfare and upliftment of all.’
Cleanliness Drives and Swachh Bharat Diwas
This year, Gandhi Jayanti is being observed alongside Swachh Bharat Diwas. The cleanliness initiative was launched on Gandhi Jayanti in 2014. India was declared Open Defecation Free on October 2, 2019, which marked Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary.
In Guwahati, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation organized a one-hour cleanliness drive at Gandhi Mandap on October 1. The initiative was titled ‘Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath’ and involved shramdaan, or voluntary labour, to clean the premises ahead of Gandhi Jayanti.
GMC Mayor Mrigen Sarania said, ‘Since tomorrow marks the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, we have taken up this initiative to ensure cleanliness of the particular area, Gandhi Mandap.’
The state-level Swachh Bharat Diwas celebration will be held in Guwahati at the Srimanta Sankardeva International Auditorium. Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya is scheduled to attend as chief guest.
Regional Observances
In Andhra Pradesh, the Pinakini Satyagraha Ashram in Pallepadu village will hold Gandhi Jayanti celebrations beginning at 9 a.m. on October 2. The programmes aim to commemorate the sacrifices of freedom fighters and reconnect the younger generation with Gandhi’s ideals.
In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the main function will be held at Gandhi Park at 8:14 a.m. Dr. Dinesh Sharma, Lieutenant Governor of the islands, will pay floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. The programme will include prayers such as ‘Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye Je’ and Ramdhun, presented by teachers and students. A two-minute silence will also be observed.
October 2 will be observed as a Dry Day in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The public has been requested to refrain from slaughtering animals, killing birds, catching fish, and consuming liquor as a mark of respect.
Gandhi’s Global Legacy
Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence continues to be cited in international forums. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has noted that Gandhi’s vision forms key pillars of UN work and foreshadowed the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
In the United States, the New York State Senate has previously passed resolutions celebrating Gandhi Jayanti. The resolution stated that Gandhi inspired freedom across the world and that his doctrine of nonviolent protest, satyagraha, was used to achieve political and social progress. Martin Luther King Jr. drew heavily from Gandhi’s practice of nonviolence and civil disobedience.
Gandhi Jayanti remains a fixed-date holiday in India, observed annually on October 2. Government offices, banks, and schools remain closed for the day.
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