Gandhi Jayanti 2026
Gandhi Jayanti 2026 falls on Friday, October 2, 2026.
What is Gandhi Jayanti?
Gandhi Jayanti falls every year on October 2 — a Friday in 2026 — marking the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, born October 2, 1869, the leader of India's independence movement through nonviolent civil disobedience.
Where the tradition comes from
Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance was central to India's path to independence in 1947, and his birthday has been observed as a national holiday since. In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly also designated October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence, extending recognition of the date beyond India alone.
How it's observed in 2026
Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday with government offices, schools, and most businesses closed. It's also a designated "dry day" nationwide, meaning the sale of alcohol is prohibited across India for the day.
Common questions
What day is Gandhi Jayanti 2026?
Friday, October 2, 2026.
Is Gandhi Jayanti recognized outside India?
India observes it as a national holiday, and the United Nations separately recognizes October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence, though that UN designation isn't a public holiday in other countries.
Why is alcohol sale banned on Gandhi Jayanti?
It's observed as a nationwide "dry day" in India, a practice also applied on certain other national observances, out of respect for Gandhi's own advocacy of abstinence.