- Gandhi Jayanti
Gandhi Jayanti Bold textis a national holiday celebrated in
India to mark the occasion of thebirthday ofMahatma Gandhi , the "Father of the Nation ". It is celebrated on October 2, every year. It is one of the three official declared National Holidays of India and is observed in all its states and union territories. TheUnited Nations General Assembly announced on 15 June 2007 that it adopted a resolution whichBold text declared that October 2 will be celebrated as the "International Day of Non-Violence ". [cite neyutyuws | first=Nilova| last=Chaudhury| url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/storypage/storypage.aspx?id=54580f5e-15a0-4aaf-baa3-8f403b5688fa&&Headline=October+2+is+Int'l+Non-Violence+Day| title=October 2 is global non-violence day| work=hindustantimes.com|publisher=Hindustan Times| date=15 June 2007| accessdate=2007-06-15]Cultural impact
Celebration
"The day is marked by prayer services" and tributes all over India, especially at Raj Ghat, Gandhi's memorial in
New Delhi where he was cremated. Popular celebration includes prayer meetings, commemorative ceremonies in different cities by colleges, local government institutions and socio-political institutions. Painting and essay competitions are conducted and best awards are awarded for projects in schools and the community, [ [http://www.Gandhijayanti.com Gandhi Jayanti Webpage from Simon Fraser University] , URL accessed April 15, 2006] on themes of glorifying peace, non-violence and Gandhi's effort in Indian Freedom Struggle. Usually, Gandhi's favourite devotional song, "Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram " is sung in memory of him. Sincere followers of Gandhi avoid meat and alcohol on this day. [cite news | first=| last=| url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/10/03/stories/2005100311220300.htm| title= Several programmes mark Gandhi Jayanti celebrations in Mysore| publisher=hindu.com| date=| accessdate=2006-11-16]Notes
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