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Gandhi Jayanti 2026: Murmu, Modi lead tributes on 157th birth anniversary

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India marked Mahatma Gandhi’s 157th birth anniversary on Friday with nationwide tributes led by President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Leaders offered floral homage at Rajghat and attended the Sarva-Dharma Prarthana at Gandhi’s samadhi as the United Nations again observed 2 October as the International Day of Non-Violence — giving the Indian holiday a global civic frame.

Gandhi Jayanti 2026: Murmu, Modi lead tributes on 157th birth anniversary
Delhi landmark under clear skies — Unsplash (free).

Peace message amid conflicts abroad

President Murmu said Gandhi’s message of peace and non-violence has acquired greater significance amid conflicts in several parts of the world. Modi described Bapu’s life as a continuing beacon of truth, compassion and service, sharing verses from the Bhagavad Gita and a video that recalled Gandhi’s worldwide influence. He also urged citizens to purchase at least one Khadi product on 2 October and take pride in calling it Swadeshi, linking the anniversary to the government’s Viksit Bharat and self-reliance messaging.

Khadi and handloom fabric texture
Khadi and handloom textures evoked by the Swadeshi appeal.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge paid respects at Rajghat. Rahul said Gandhi taught Indians “never to bow before injustice,” arguing that standing firm with truth and non-violence is true strength. Kharge quoted Gandhi’s line on being ignored, laughed at, fought and then winning, and said remaining steadfast on truth, harmony and justice is the real tribute when those values face new challenges. Schools, many offices and bank branches stayed closed; equity markets were shut after the Sensex’s eight-week slide — see our 1 October market report.

Ritual, politics and soft power

From Khadi stalls to school assemblies, the day mixed solemn ritual with contemporary politics. Official messaging is summarised by the Prime Minister’s Office.

Civic architecture in the capital
Civic architecture in the capital — Unsplash (free).

What readers should note

Gandhi Jayanti remains both a national holiday and a UN observance, so Friday’s tributes carried domestic symbolism and an international non-violence brief in the same calendar slot.

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