Gandhi Jayanti — is a national holiday in India in honor of the birthday of the outstanding leader of the national liberation movement of the Indian people, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi —, officially named in India as the Father of the Nation. The holiday is celebrated annually on October 2 throughout the country and is one of three officially proclaimed national holidays, along with Independence Day and Republic Day.
Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869 in the city of Porbandar (Gujarat state). From 1893 to 1914 he lived in South Africa, where he led the movement against racial discrimination. Corresponded with L.N. Tolstoy.
In 1915, Gandhi returned to India and led the liberation struggle. He was the ideological leader of the Indian National Congress (INC) party. He was repeatedly elected its president. He preached non-violence, advocated the unity of Hindus and Muslims, for the elimination of caste and social inequality, and for the abolition of untouchability.
In 1942, Gandhi led the anti-English movement. He was arrested several times by English authorities. Wrote an autobiographical book «My Life». During his lifetime he was named Mahatma (Sanskrit mahātmā), which means «great soul» (Great Soul). In 1948, he was assassinated by a Hindu fanatic.
Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated popularly and celebrations take place throughout the country. In Delhi, the main place associated with Gandhi's memory is his Gandhi Samadhi tomb in Rajghat (on the banks of the Jamna, in the Red Fort area), where part of his ashes are buried.
On Gandhi's birthday, leaders of the Indian Republic, religious leaders of various faiths, as well as residents of Delhi gather here. Those present lay garlands of flowers, special choirs sing religious hymns, clergy read excerpts from «Bhagavadgita», the Koran, and the New Testament.
All over the world, on Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, International Day of Non-Violence is celebrated.