Today, Oct. 2, 2025, people in India and worldwide unite to mark Gandhi Jayanti, the 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. This significant day, also known as the International Day of Non-Violence, commemorates Gandhi’s enduring legacy and the universal call for peace.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, respectfully referred to as Mahatma (“Great Soul”), was the chief architect of India’s independence movement against British rule. His philosophy of Satyagraha, or nonviolent civil disobedience, has inspired civil rights leaders and movements for freedom worldwide, including Martin Luther King Jr. in the U.S. His life stands as a testament to the power of peaceful protest to achieve profound political change.
The significance of Gandhi Jayanti extends beyond India’s borders. In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 2nd as the International Day of Non-Violence to honor Gandhi’s legacy and to promote the universal message of peace and tolerance.
Celebrations in India are solemn and reverent. The main ceremony takes place at Raj Ghat in New Delhi, the site of Gandhi’s cremation. There, the President and Prime Minister of India lay wreaths. Nationwide, schools and public institutions hold prayer meetings, commemorative events, and cultural programs. People commonly sing his favorite devotional song, “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram,” which has now become an anthem for peace.
For many, Gandhi Jayanti is a call to renew commitment to Gandhi’s teachings of truth, simplicity and compassion — reminders that his vision of non-violence and unity remains crucial in a divided world.
