Gandhi Jayanti is the celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday which is supported by various prayer services and tributes across India. Born on October 2, 1869, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi or Mahatma Gandhi, as the world fondly knows him, dedicated his life towards spreading the message of non-violence and peaceful protests. His relentless work in this field fueled the UN General Assembly’s decision to mark his birth date, October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence, across the world on June 15, 2007. This year, the country will be celebrating 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday in India and people across the country take this day to reflect on and thank Mahatma Gandhi for his pivotal role in India’s struggle for Independence. October 2, 2019, marks the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who was lovingly called Bapu by his followers. His relentless work and immense contributions ensure that he needs no introduction. However, there are various aspects of Gandhi Jayanti that not many know about. From his early life struggles to the ways of celebrating Gandhi Jayanti worldwide, here’s everything you need to know about Gandhi Jayanti. Gandhi Jayanti 150th Birth Anniversary: From Ben Kingsley to Naseeruddin Shah – Actors Who Have Played Mahatma Gandhi’s Role in Films.

Why is Gandhi Jayanti Celebrated?

Mahatma Gandhi has been known for his strong virtues and values that were the setting stone for the values we have today. The Satyagraha movement, Dandi March, Non-Cooperation movement were just some of the non-violent social crusades started by Gandhiji in India, which played critical roles in our struggle for Independence and also inspired millions around the world to protest without spreading violence. There is no question about the fact that Gandhiji’s advocacy of non-violence is still ingrained in us. Gandhi Jayanti is a way of commemorating and remembering the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, and spreading his message of peace and harmony forward.

How is Gandhi Jayanti Celebrated?

It is a known fact that Gandhiji has influenced some of the most celebrated world leaders like Nelson Mandela, and motivated more people to turn towards the path of non-violence. Every year on Gandhi Jayanti, there are various speeches, prayer services, and cultural programmes organised by schools, colleges, government bodies, etc. to reinforce the teachings given by the Father of Our Nation. Statues of Bapu across the country are decorated with garlands and his favourite bhajan, "Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram," is usually sung in his memory. Gandhi Jayanti 2019 Information: Significance of Father of The Nation, Mahatma Gandhi's Birth Anniversary in India.

In addition to these drives, there are various programs that are launched by the Indian government to commemorate this day. One of the most pivotal steps taken in recent times on Gandhi Jayanti is the launch of the Swachh Bharat mission six years ago. The reach and effect of this cleanliness drive are still significant and continue to grow year on year. Gandhiji played a pioneering role in our fight for Independence, and his teachings on non-violence are still far-reaching.

Famous Mahatma Gandhi quotes on non-violence, forgiveness and way of life, like “an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind,” continue to hold a strong meaning even today and as we celebrate this important day, may we remember to apply his teachings in our daily life.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 30, 2019 11:53 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).