2nd October marks the birth anniversary of the beloved ‘Father of the Nation’ of India- Mahatma Gandhi. Internationally, 2nd October is the ‘International Day of Non –Violence’ since Mahatma Gandhi preached Non –Violence or ‘Ahimsa’.
Mahatma Gandhi or ‘Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’ was born in Porbunder (Gujarat). He stood up for truth and non-violence and did all he could for the betterment of the life of those who were suppressed.
He was the man behind ‘’Satyagrah’ or the non-violence movement of India’s struggle for freedom. His role in India’s fight against the oppressive British Rule is indispensable.
How is this day celebrated?
2nd of October is a national holiday in India and organizations as well as institutions institutions throughout the country remain close. A special event takes place at Raj Ghat which is the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.
The celebrations take place in schools and institutions as well. Celebrations are usually started by garlanding a picture or a Statue of Gandhi ji and lighting candles followed by singing prayers. The students are told about the Gandhian philosophy and how Gandhi ji used ‘non violence as a weapon to drive out the British from India. Among other things, a number of patriotic cultural programmers are organized, essays are written and debates on Gandhian philosophy are held.
An interesting event takes place in Gujarat to celebrate this day. A twenty four hours long collective spinning is organized. People enthusiastically participate in this event with their Takli and Charkha.
A number of Non government organizations, following Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings, work to help the needy on this occasion. Clothes and food is distributed among people belonging to the weaker sections of the society.
Where to go this Gandhi Jayanti
National Gandhi Museum (New Delhi): here you will find a fine collection of art pieces and personal memorabilia of Mahatma Gandhi such as slipper’s spectacles, jail bowl and much more.
Raj Ghat (New Delhi): This is where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. On 2nd October, people gather here to pay homage to their Father of the Nation. Flowers are offered, prayers are said and ‘Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram (Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite devotional song) is sung.
Aga Khan Palace (Pune): This building was the prison for Mahatma Gandhi and wife Kasturba after Quit India Movement was started. Kasturba Gandhi bid farewell to life during this imprisonment.
Gandhi Smriti (New Delhi): Earlier called Birla house, this is where the Mahatma spent the final days of his life. Special attraction of this place is the exhibition on the great man, the prayer ground on which Mahatma Gandhi became a martyr and the room he lived in.
Sabarmati Ashram (Ahmedabad): To know more about India before it received Independence and about Mahatma Gandhi, this is the place you should visit. This place is maintained really well and has a number of remnants of the great man and his life.
Conclusion
Mahatma Gandhi believed ‘an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind’ and never left the path of non-violence even in the worst of times. He had a number of followers who stood with him strongly during India’s struggle for Independence. The significance of Gandhian philosophy has not died down with time. He lives today through his teachings. Gandhi Jayanti is the celebration of the life, philosophy and teachings of the Father of the Nation.
This is one occasion which brings the entire nation together. No matter which state or which religion you belong to, Gandhi Jayanti is a time for celebration everywhere and for everyone.
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