Gandhi Jayanti: Celebrating Mahatma Gandhi's 146th Birth Anniversary

Gandhi Jayanti or Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti is observed every year as a national holiday to commemorate the birth Anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (October 2, 1869 - January 30, 1948).

The D-Day is a moment to relive Mohandas Gandhi's life and contribution to India's Independence. On the occasion of 146th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi let us take the opportunity to salute the 'The Father of our Nation'.

Early Life:

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in Porbandar, Gujarat. His father name was Karamchand Gandhi and Mother Putlibai. Gandhi married Kasturbai Makhanji at the age of 13.

Gandhi at the age of 18 went to England to study law and returned to India in 1915.

Contribution to the Nation:

After his return to the nation, he led nationwide stir for achieving Sawaraj/Independence, abolition of social evils, empowering women rights and improving economic conditions of peasants and farmers. He further strengthened his movement against the British Raj and led Indians in protesting Dandi March Salt in 1930 that was later followed by the popular Quit India.

'The Story of My Experiments with Truth ', an autobiography written by Gandhiji is a great literary work.

Celebrations

Many political representatives from different religions including President and Prime Minister of the country pay homage to Raj Ghat, Gandhi's memorial in New Delhi.

The occasion is a tribute to the Father of Nation, is generally marked by singing prayers, offering flowers and garlanding Gandhiji's photo or statue. Prayers and Verses are read out from Holy books of all religions. Mahatma Gandhi's favourite song 'Raghupati Raghava' is customarily sung as a part of celebration.

All states and union territories of India observe it as the National Holidays of India while the government and non-government organisations, schools, colleges and offices all over the country offer prayers on the occasion. The schools conducts various competitions on the themes such as drawing, painting and essay competitions in order to disseminate his ideals among students.

Gandhiji's non-violence and Sathyagraha movement left a remarkable impression worldwide. Thus, the celebration is not only restricted to India but it is also observed by the United Nations as the International Day of non-violence that aims to propogate his philosophy and principles.

The Jayanthi is infact a tribute that resonant legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.