India observed Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, 2026, with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and recalling his enduring messages of peace, non-violence, truth, compassion and service.
President Murmu visited Rajghat and attended the Sarva-Dharma Prarthana at Gandhi’s samadhi.
In her message, President Murmu said Gandhi’s ideals continued to command respect globally and that his message of peace and non-violence remained relevant amid conflicts around the world.
She linked Gandhi’s ideal of Sarvodaya, focused on the welfare and upliftment of all, with India’s vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047, with empathy and inclusion receiving priority.
The President also called for ethical conduct and active participation in building an empowered, developed and self-reliant India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to Gandhi, describing his life as a lasting example of truth, non-violence, compassion and service.
In a video message, Modi recalled Gandhi’s global influence and said his thoughts would remain relevant through their connection with humanity.
The Prime Minister also highlighted Gandhi’s emphasis on Swadeshi and Khadi, urging people to purchase at least one Khadi product on October 2.
October 2 also marks the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.
PM Modi remembered Shastri’s simplicity, dedication and contribution to the country, particularly his famous message of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.”
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan also paid tribute to Shastri at Vijay Ghat.
Gandhi Jayanti programmes were held across the country with a focus on cleanliness, service and Gandhi’s ideals.
In New Delhi, Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda participated in a Shramdaan near Kartavya Bhawan-1. Events were also held in Odisha, Rajasthan, Haryana and Andhra Pradesh.
In Gurugram, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini participated in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, while Vijayawada hosted a Swachhathon 2026 under the Swachhata Hi Seva programme.
Mahatma Gandhi, also known as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat.
October 2 is observed as Gandhi Jayanti in India and is also marked by the United Nations as the International Day of Non-Violence.
