India Observes Dual Celebrations: Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra on October 2nd

A Confluence of National and Religious Significance

India is observing a rare convergence of two profoundly significant events today, October 2nd, 2025: Gandhi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, and Dussehra, also known as Vijaya Dashami. This unique alignment sees the nation simultaneously honoring the Father of the Nation's enduring legacy of peace and non-violence, and celebrating the ancient triumph of good over evil through diverse cultural and religious festivities across the country.

Gandhi Jayanti: Honoring the Apostle of Non-Violence

Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated annually on October 2nd to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, affectionately known as Mahatma Gandhi or 'Bapu'. He was a pivotal leader in India's struggle for independence from British rule, championing the philosophy and strategy of non-violence, or Satyagraha. This day is one of India's three national holidays and holds global importance, having been declared the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations in 2007.

Across India, celebrations for Gandhi Jayanti typically include:

• Prayer meetings and interfaith services.
• Tributes paid at Raj Ghat in New Delhi, Gandhi's memorial where he was cremated.
• Devotional singing of Gandhi's favorite bhajan, 'Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram'.
• Educational institutions conducting debates, essay competitions, plays, and cultural programs to propagate his teachings.
• Participation in cleanliness drives, often under the Swachh Bharat mission, reflecting Gandhi's emphasis on hygiene.

Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami): The Victory of Righteousness

Dussehra, or Vijaya Dashami, is a major Hindu festival observed on the tenth day of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Ashvin, which falls in September or October. The festival universally symbolizes the victory of good over evil, though its specific narrative varies regionally.

• In Northern, Central, and Western India, Dussehra commemorates Lord Rama's triumph over the ten-headed demon king Ravana, who had abducted his wife Sita, as recounted in the epic Ramayana. This is often marked by the dramatic performance of Ramlila, depicting the story of Rama, and culminates in the burning of gigantic effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad.
• In Southern, Eastern, and Northeastern India, particularly in regions like West Bengal, Dussehra (known as Vijaya Dashami) marks the conclusion of Durga Puja, celebrating Goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Celebrations here often involve the grand immersion of Durga idols in water bodies.

The day is widely considered auspicious for new beginnings and is celebrated with fairs, processions, and fireworks across the country.