Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated yearly on 2 October. It is one of the official declared national holidays of India, observed in all of its states and territories. Gandhi Jayanti is marked by prayer services and tributes all over India, including at Gandhi's memorial Raj Ghat in New Delhi where he was cremated. Popular activities include 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 granted for projects in schools and the community encouraging a non-violent way of life as well as celebrating Gandhi's effort in the Indian independence movement. Gandhi's favourite Bhajan, Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, is usually sung in his memory. Statues of Mahatma Gandhi throughout the country are decorated with flowers and garlands, and some people avoid drinking alcohol or eating meat on the day. Public buildings, banks and post offices are closed.
Mahatma Gandhi's 150th Anniversary events
On Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birthday, he was paid different tributes.
In a tribute to Gandhi, The HonorablePrime Minister has released a coin of ₹150 on his 150th birthday. Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi, former PM Manmohan Singh also paid tributes at Rajghat. Congress workers took a mass oath to carry forward Mahatma Gandhi's vision. Meanwhile, BJP chief Amit Shah flaged off the party's nationwide Gandhi Sankalp Yatra. In the evening, PM Modi visited Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat to address 10,000 sarpanchs. He also declared India 'open defecation free' and success of the Swachh Bharat Mission and launch a war against plastic.
An exhibition titled ‘Picture Postcards for Gandhi’ to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and his contribution towards environment was held at M.F. Hussain Art Gallery of Jamia Millia Islamia.The exhibition was conceived, designed and curated by Prof. Farhat Basir Khan.
