New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on Friday, October 2, marking the 157th birth anniversary of the freedom movement leader and the observance of Gandhi Jayanti across India.
The Prime Minister attended the Sarva-Dharma Prarthana at Gandhi’s samadhi in the national capital as political leaders and citizens across the country observed the occasion and remembered Gandhi’s message of peace, non-violence and cleanliness.
October 2 is observed as Gandhi Jayanti in India and is also recognised by the United Nations as the International Day of Non-Violence.
PM Modi attends prayer at Rajghat
PM Modi reached Rajghat in the morning and paid floral tributes at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial.
He subsequently attended the Sarva-Dharma Prarthana, an interfaith prayer gathering held at Rajghat as part of the birth anniversary observances.
The ceremony brought together senior political leaders and other dignitaries. Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta were among those who also paid their respects at Rajghat.
The proceedings included prayers and devotional music as participants remembered Gandhi and his role in India’s freedom struggle.
Lal Bahadur Shastri remembered at Vijay Ghat
October 2 also marks the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.
After paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi, PM Modi visited Vijay Ghat and paid tribute to Shastri on his 122nd birth anniversary.
Shastri served as Prime Minister from 1964 to 1966 and is remembered for his leadership during a significant period in independent India’s history. His birth anniversary is observed alongside Gandhi Jayanti every year.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also paid tribute to Shastri at Vijay Ghat.
Gandhi Jayanti observed across India
Gandhi Jayanti was marked by commemorative programmes and cleanliness activities in several parts of the country.
In Gurugram, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini participated in a Swachh Bharat Abhiyan programme and appealed to residents to contribute to cleanliness efforts. In Vijayawada, a Swachhathon 2026 event was organised under the Swachhata Hi Seva programme.
Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy also called for a nationwide 30-day cleanliness campaign beginning on Gandhi Jayanti and continuing until October 31, the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The programmes reflect the continued association of Gandhi Jayanti with public participation in cleanliness and civic activities.
President highlights Gandhi’s message
President Droupadi Murmu also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion.
In her message issued ahead of Gandhi Jayanti, she highlighted the continuing relevance of Gandhi’s message of peace and non-violence, particularly amid conflicts around the world. She also referred to the principles of empathy and inclusion in India’s development journey.
The President’s message also connected Gandhi’s idea of Sarvodaya — the welfare and upliftment of all — with the goal of ensuring that the benefits of development reach all sections of society.
Gandhi’s birth anniversary and International Day of Non-Violence
Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat.
His birth anniversary is observed as Gandhi Jayanti throughout India. The United Nations also observes October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence, recognising Gandhi’s association with the philosophy of non-violent resistance.
The day is marked through prayer meetings, public programmes, cleanliness drives and events focusing on Gandhi’s life and principles.
Security arrangements in Delhi
Special traffic arrangements were also made around Rajghat and Vijay Ghat for the commemorative programmes.
The Delhi Traffic Police had issued an advisory for October 2, with special arrangements between 5 am and 11 am around the two memorials. Motorists were advised to follow diversion signs and directions from traffic personnel during the programmes.
The arrangements were intended to facilitate the movement of dignitaries and visitors attending the Gandhi Jayanti and Shastri Jayanti programmes.
Gandhi Jayanti marked with tributes and civic activities
The observance of Gandhi Jayanti this year combined traditional commemorative events at Rajghat with cleanliness and public participation programmes in different parts of the country.
At Rajghat, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries paid their respects to Gandhi and attended the interfaith prayer. At Vijay Ghat, tributes were offered to Shastri.
Across the country, government agencies, educational institutions, civic organisations and citizens also participated in programmes associated with the day.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on his 157th birth anniversary and attended the Sarva-Dharma Prarthana. He later paid homage to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at Vijay Ghat as Gandhi Jayanti and Shastri Jayanti were observed across the country.