Gandhi Jayanti 2026 — How Many Days Until Gandhi Jayanti?

Name: Gandhi Jayanti
Location: India

About Gandhi Jayanti

Gandhi Jayanti on 2 October marks the birthday of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi — universally known as Mahatma Gandhi — born on 2 October 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat. Gandhi is revered as the Father of the Nation in India for leading the non-violent independence movement against British colonial rule and inspiring civil rights movements worldwide.

Gandhi developed the philosophy of Satyagraha — truth-force or non-violent resistance — during his years in South Africa and deployed it systematically in India through campaigns such as the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920), the Salt March (1930), and the Quit India Movement (1942). His insistence on non-violence even in the face of severe repression influenced Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and the Dalai Lama.

Gandhi Jayanti is one of India's three national holidays (along with Independence Day and Republic Day). It was proclaimed the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations in 2007 — observed worldwide on 2 October. In India, events include prayer meetings, tributes at Raj Ghat (Gandhi's memorial in New Delhi), cleanliness drives, and cultural programmes.

Gandhi Jayanti is one of only three national holidays in India (alongside Independence Day and Republic Day)
The United Nations designated 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence in 2007
Gandhi's 1930 Salt March (Dandi March) covered 388 km and became a global symbol of civil resistance
Gandhi was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times but never won — a decision the Nobel Committee later expressed regret about
Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on 30 January 1948 — now observed as Martyrs' Day in India

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Gandhi Jayanti?

Gandhi Jayanti is always on 2 October — the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, born in 1869.

Is Gandhi Jayanti a public holiday?

Yes — Gandhi Jayanti is one of India's three gazetted national public holidays. All government offices, schools, and most businesses close.

What is Satyagraha?

Satyagraha — meaning "truth-force" or "soul-force" — is Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance to injustice. It emphasises moral courage, truth, and refusal to cooperate with unjust laws without resorting to violence.