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'Gandhi Jayanti' is a national holiday celebrated in India to mark the occasion of the birthday of Mahatma 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.
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,^[1] on themes of glorifying peace, non-violence and Gandhi's effort in Indian Freedom Struggle.
Usually, Gandhi's favourite devotional song, ''Raghupathi Raghava Rajaram'' is sung in memory of him. ^[2]

Contents

Lage Raho Munna Bhai

United Nations

See also

Notes

External links

Lage Raho Munna Bhai

Gujarat Congress leaders celebrated Gandhi Jayanti in 2006 by watching a special screening of the hit Sanjay Dutt film, ''Lage Raho Munna Bhai'' (in which the image of Gandhi plays a central role).^[3] Gandhi Jayanti is referred to in the film as "Dry day", in reference to Gandhi's movement to ban alcohol consumption.

United Nations

Screened on 10 November 2006 in the United Nations auditorium, ''Lage Raho Munna Bhai'' is the first Hindi film to be shown at the United Nations. The film was introduced by Shashi Tharoor, ''United Nations Under-Secretary General for Communications and Public Information.'' Rajkumar Hirani, Abhijat Joshi and actor Boman Irani (Lucky Singh) entertained questions afterwards. ''Lage Raho Munna Bhai'' was well received by the audience of diplomats and journalists as it was "an evening that had started with massive security arrangements in the sombre UN setting, [and] concluded in a festive atmosphere in the lounge of the UN with diplomats from other tables joining in raising a toast for the film."^[4] On 15 June 2007, it was announced that the "United Nations General Assembly" has "unanimously adopted" a resolution which has declared October 2 (Gandhi's birthday, a national holiday in India) to be "the International Day of Non-Violence."^[5]

See also

★ Gandhigiri

Notes

1. Gandhi Jayanti Webpage from Simon Fraser University, URL accessed April 15, 2006
2. Several programmes mark Gandhi Jayanti celebrations in Mysore
3. On Gandhi Jayanti, Congmen take time out for Munnabhai, URL accessed 02 October, 2006
4. UN members laughed and applauded at 'Lage Raho...
5. October 2 is global non-violence day Nilova Chaudhury

External links

★ India remembers Gandhi (October 3, 2006)

★ Gandhi's favourite songs sung by various Indian Artists