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Gandhi Jayanti
The birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti all across the nation. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869 in the city of Porbunder, Gujurat.
He played a crucial role in achieving Independence for the nation with the help of his simple tools of Non violence and Satyagraha. He proved to the world that every war need not be won by violence or bloodshed. He was an icon of truth and peace.
Gandhiji is well known for his fight for the rights of the Harijans, small scale industry and lepers. He also believed and fought for the equal rights of every individual irrespective of the religion, caste or class he belonged to. According to him, Humanity is the religion every individual must follow.
October 2 is a national holiday. Homage is paid to the Samadhi of Gandhiji at Raj Ghat by the Prime Minister, the President and other distinguished politicians and personalities. The day is not celebrated with any pomp, but kept simple. This is because Gandhiji himself was a simple man believing in Simple Living and High Thinking. On the day, a mass prayer is held at Raj Ghat where all religions take part equally. Secularism is a significant factor that can be noticed on the occasion. Gandhiji’s favorite song Raghupati Raghav is sung by one and all.
October 2nd is the day when many auspicious functions and inaugurations are conducted in schools, colleges, private as well as public organizations.
Moreover, on the International front, the day has been observed as the International day of Non-violence by the UN General Assembly since the 2007. On this day, message of non violence, peace and brother-hood is spread all across the world and a Pledge for non violence and truth is taken.
With respect to the great leader liquor selling is prohibited on this day. On this day, films and documentaries on Gandhiji, his life and freedom struggle are screened on televisions. Some schools conduct functions where people dress up in the attire of Gandhiji and interact with kids explaining them the importance and meaning of leadership, ethics, truth and values.
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