Gandhi Jayanti 2025: Honouring the Legacy of India’s Father of the Nation

Every year on October 2nd, India observes Gandhi Jayanti, marking the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the revered leader fondly known as ‘Bapu’ and widely acknowledged as the Father of the Nation. In 2025, the nation commemorates Gandhi’s 156th birthday, celebrating his unwavering dedication to truth, non-violence, and simple living. The day stands as a national holiday and also coincides globally with the International Day of Non-Violence.

The Historical Significance and Teachings

Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi led India’s freedom struggle, pioneering peaceful resistance through movements such as Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and the Quit India Movement. Gandhi’s core principles—ahimsa (non-violence), satyagraha (truth), and self-sufficiency—became a beacon for oppressed societies worldwide. His philosophy not only shaped India’s independence but influenced iconic leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela in their own struggles for justice.

Celebrations Across India

Gandhi Jayanti is marked by prayer meetings, interfaith services, and tributes at memorials like Raj Ghat in New Delhi, where leaders and citizens alike pay their respects. Schools and colleges organize debates, essay competitions, and performances of Gandhi’s favourite bhajan, “Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram.” Public offices and institutions remain closed as communities engage in cleanliness drives, reflecting Gandhi’s lifelong emphasis on hygiene and self-reliance.