Gandhi Jayanti commemorates the Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948), peacemaker, civil rights advocate, Hindu religious reformer, and Indian Political leader. His philosophy of nonviolent struggle against oppression has become a model for civil rights movements around the globe. Gandhi Jayanti is a legal holiday in India.

Mahatma Gandhi was born Mohandras Karamchand Gandhi on October 2, 1869 in Porbandar, India. He started his civil rights career while working as a lawyer in South Africa. He led a nonviolent struggle to end racial discrimination against Indians living in South Africa. After returning to India, he became a political leader in the struggle for Indian independence. His efforts came to fruition in 1947 when the British Parliament granted India its independence.

As a Hindu religious reformer he endorsed a more benevolent form of Hinduism. He worked to peacefully end religious conflicts in Bengal and Bihi. He was a leader in the movement to end discrimination against the Untouchable caste.

Gandhi was shot and killed by a Hindu extremist on January 30, 1948.

See Also

Holiday Catalogue

Hindu Observances