Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated every year on October 2 to mark the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi or the Father of the Nation.
This year marks the 147th birth anniversary of Gandhi, born on October 2, 1869, who played an instrumental role in helping India achieve freedom form the British rule.
The United Nations General Assembly also celebrates October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence.
Prayer services are held and tributes are paid by politicians, celebrities and the common citizens all over the country, especially at Rajghat located in New Delhi.
Prayer meetings and commemorative ceremonies are held across the nation by schools, colleges, local government institutions and socio-political institutions. Painting and essay competitions are organised on themes of glorifying peace, non-violence and Gandhi's effort in achieving freedom for India. His favourite bhajan (Hindu devotional song), Raghupathi Raghava Rajaram, is also sung in his memory.
Several films like Gandhi (1982), The Making of a Mahatma (1996), Maine Gandhi Ko Nahi Mara (2005) and Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006), among others, have been made as a tribute to his preachings of truth and non-violence. Several books and plays have also been written in honour of Mahatma Gandhi.
