Gandhi Jayanti

It is celebrated annually on 2 October, and is one of the three national holidays in India. The United Nations celebrates the day as International Day of Non-Violence. Called the "Father of The Nation" by Subhas Chandra Bose, Gandhi espoused one of the most well known philosophies of nonviolent resistance.

Gandhi Jayanti
Observed by	India
Type	National
Significance	Honours Mahatma Gandhi's role in Indian Independence.
Observances	Community, historical celebration
Date	2 October
Frequency	Annual
Related to	International Day of Non-Violence Republic Day Independence Day

Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated yearly on 2 October. and is observed in all of India's states and territories. It is marked by prayer services and tributes across India, including at Gandhi's memorial, Raj Ghat, in New Delhi where he was cremated. Popular activities include prayer meetings, commemorative ceremonies in different cities by colleges, local government institutions and socio-political institutions.^{[citation needed]} On this day awards are granted for projects in schools and the community encouraging a nonviolent way of life as well as celebrating Gandhi's effort in the Indian independence movement. Gandhi's favourite bhajan (Hindu devotional song), Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram, is usually sung in his memory. Statues of Mahatma Gandhi throughout the country are decorated with flowers and garlands, and some people avoid drinking alcohol or eating meat on the day. Public buildings, banks and post offices are closed. On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi started the Swachh Bharat Mission. Its second phase started on Gandhi Jayanti 2021.