Gandhi Jayanti is one of the three national festivals of India. We celebrate this on October 2nd, as it is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who led the freedom struggle in India against the British.
Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday in India, and several activities are held in schools and even offices. Prayer services are held in several places. In our school, we have a program on the previous day. Both students and teachers participate in skits, fancy dress contests, and tableaux.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in Porbandar, Gujrat, in 1869. After completing his higher education in England, he left for South Africa in 1893 to practice law. After 21 years there, he returned to India to fight for India’s freedom. His main principles were ‘Ahimsa’ or non-violence, ‘Swarajya’ or self-rule, and ‘Swadeshi’, or national. The last referred to goods produced in India.
He also fought for the rights of women to be educated and more involvement in public life, and for the basic rights of Dalits – who were considered untouchable at that time. He was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948 when he was returning from a prayer meeting.
Mahatma Gandhi is immortalised in several statues all over the country, and many institutes are named after him. He also features on all Indian currency notes. A movie made about his life, ‘Gandhi’, won several awards at the Oscars in 1983.
FAQs
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Where did Gandhi study law?
Mahatma Gandhi studied law in London, at the University College.
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Why did Gandhi leave South Africa, despite having a good law practice?
Gandhi had built a reputation as a good organiser and Indian nationalist. A prominent Indian freedom fighter, G.K Gokhale, requested him to come to India and lead the freedom struggle.
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How is Gandhi Jayanti celebrated officially?
Prayer services are held at Rajghat, where Gandhi was cremated, as well as in most official institutions in the country. The President and Prime Minister of the nation pay their tributes at Rajghat.
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What other significance does the date October 2nd have?
This day is observed as the International Day of Non-violence in honour of Gandhi.
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Why is Gandhi usually depicted with a charkha?
Gandhi used to spin his own yarn to encourage Indians to make their own cloth rather than depend on British textiles.
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