A popular and important festival 'Gandhi Jayanti' that is widely celebrated in India. The festival marks the birthday of Gandhi.
There are few in the world who have never heard of Gandhi. Though he has died, many still remember him for his marvelous deeds for India.
Gandhi, whose full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, is still a legend for the citizens of India. To pay tribute to him, the people of India celebrate Gandhi Jayanti, a very popular occasion that is widely known in India. The occasion also marks the birthday of Gandhi and is considered as a public holiday for the residents of India.
Background on Gandhi-
For those who do not know much about this man, here are some background facts. Gandhi was the person who helped India gain independence from the British. He was born on the 2nd of October 1869 in Porbander, a very small town in Gujarat. After studying law in U.K Gandhi went to work as a lawyer in South Africa. Though he was enjoying a good career there, his love for his country made him forsake his career as a lawyer and thus he returned back to his country. Back in India, the courageous Gandhi got involved in India's freedom struggle.
Gandhi was a man who believed in truth and he started the "˜Satyagraha' movement for India's freedom struggle. It was a known fact that Gandhi was a man who preferred simplicity. He was a man without any airs. In fact, Gandhi considered himself as one of the masses and was always approachable for help. He was always open to other religions as well and he gave great respect to various religions found in India. It was also known that Gandhi learned to sign his name in most of the major Indian languages.
Gandhi was also reported to be very spiritual and a commentary by Gandhi was written for the "˜Bhagavad Gita', one which he enjoyed reading a lot.
His aim was to fight for freedom without any violence and he accomplished that and showed the world that he was a man who preached peace. But after five months of India's independence, Gandhi was assassinated by a man named Nathuram Godse when he was going to a prayer meeting: Gandhi died he was 78 years old.
Celebrations-
Celebrating the Gandhi Jayanti is always an important occasion for all citizens of India. They feel honored to celebrate the birthday of a man who fought for the freedom of India without any violence. On this day, the president and Prime Minister, followed by other political leaders, pay their tribute to the late Gandhi at Raj Ghat, the memorial place of Gandhi. As Gandhi respected all the religions in India, religious leaders from various religions also come and pay their tribute to Gandhi. In addition to this, religious verses and prayers are read out from holy books of the various religions. Gandhi's favorite song, "˜Raghupati Raghava,' is sung in memory of him. On this occasion, schools and offices are closed throughout the day to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti.
