Gandhi Jayanti 2025: Date, history, significance and how to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi's 156th birth anniversary

Updated on: Oct 2, 2025, 14:10:57 IST

By Akanksha Agnihotri

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Gandhi Jayanti 2025: Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated on October 2, honours Mahatma Gandhi's legacy of truth and non-violence. (Freepik)

Gandhi Jayanti 2025: Celebrated on October 2, it honours Mahatma Gandhi’s role in India’s freedom struggle and his enduring message of non-violence.

Gandhi Jayanti 2025: Every year on October 2, India and the world celebrate the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, widely known as Mahatma Gandhi or affectionately as ‘Bapu’. The day pays tribute to his timeless principles of truth and non-violence. In 2025, his 156th birth anniversary will be observed. While October 2 is a national holiday in India, it is also recognised worldwide as the International Day of Non-Violence. (Also read: October festivals 2025 calendar: Dussehra, Diwali date to when is Karwa Chauth and more; check the complete list )

Gandhi Jayanti 2025 history

Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. He was a key figure in India’s struggle for independence, leading non-violent movements against British rule. Thanks to his leadership and the efforts of numerous freedom fighters, India gained independence in 1947. Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha, centred on truth and non-violence, inspired people worldwide. Following his assassination in 1948, Gandhi Jayanti was declared a national holiday in India. The day is observed not only to honour his legacy but also to promote peace, harmony, and non-violence.

On October 2, India commemorates Gandhi Jayanti, marking the birth of Mahatma Gandhi.

What's the significance of Gandhi Jayanti

Gandhi Jayanti carries deep significance for Indians. It is a day to honour Bapu’s teachings, apply them in daily life, and safeguard the nation that he and other freedom fighters worked tirelessly to free. Beyond this, Gandhi’s principles remind us of the strength of peaceful resistance and the importance of standing up for justice without resorting to violence, a lesson that remains more relevant today than ever.

How Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated

Gandhi Jayanti is marked with cultural events and remembrance ceremonies. On October 2, the President, Prime Minister, and other dignitaries pay their respects at Raj Ghat in New Delhi. Schools and educational institutions hold cultural programmes where students often perform Bapu’s favourite bhajan, Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram. The day is also celebrated with debates, film screenings, and fancy dress competitions, keeping his legacy alive through learning and creativity.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Akanksha Agnihotri
Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More

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