Gandhi Jayanti in India
Gandhi Jayanti is observed in India on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The day remembers his role in India’s independence movement and his commitment to truth and non-violent resistance.[1][2]
Date and public holiday status
Gandhi Jayanti falls on October 2 each year. Government holiday listings include the day among holidays observed in central government offices; the Reserve Bank of India explains that public holidays affecting banks are declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act framework, with authority delegated to state governments in many cases.[1][3]
The calendar facts supplied for this page list October 2 as the holiday date and no substitute day. The central government office listing confirms the holiday for its stated year, while holiday arrangements for banks and other workplaces may depend on the relevant official calendar.[1][3]
Why the day matters
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. He became a leading figure in India’s independence movement and is associated with satyagraha, a form of resistance grounded in truth and non-violence.[2]
The anniversary has a wider association too: the United Nations General Assembly designated October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence in 2007. In India, Gandhi Jayanti remains a day of remembrance for Gandhi and his influence on the country’s public life.[2]
How it is observed
Commemorations include tributes at Raj Ghat, Gandhi’s memorial in New Delhi, and interfaith prayer. A Government of India event notice for Gandhi Jayanti describes a Sarva-Dharma Prarthana, or interfaith prayer, at Gandhi Samadhi, Raj Ghat.[2][4]
Public programmes also highlight Gandhi’s ideals through cultural and educational activities. The precise events vary by place and organizer, so visitors should check local announcements for ceremonies open to the public.[2]
Closures and practical planning
Central government offices list Gandhi Jayanti as a holiday. Bank holidays are handled under the Negotiable Instruments Act framework, and the Reserve Bank of India publishes location-specific holiday information; check the relevant regional listing before visiting a bank branch.[1][3]
The central government office calendar does not establish the opening hours of shops, attractions, or transport services. These may vary by place and provider, so confirm directly before making plans.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is Gandhi Jayanti?
Is Gandhi Jayanti a public holiday?
What happens at Raj Ghat?
Are shops and public transport open?
Their schedules are not set by the central government office holiday calendar. Confirm opening times and service levels with the specific shop or transport provider.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Gandhi Jayanti in India:
- Holidays to be observed in Central Government Offices during the year 2026 – reg.- Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Government of India
- INTERNATIONAL DAY OF NON-VIOLENCE- Press Information Bureau, Government of India
- Master Circular on Customer Service- Reserve Bank of India
- On the occasion of 156th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a Sarva-Dharma Prarthana (Inter-Religious Prayer) will be held at Gandhi Samadhi, Rajghat- Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India