India observed Gandhi Jayanti on Friday, marking the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi with prayer meetings, floral tributes and cleanliness drives across the country.

The President, the Prime Minister and senior leaders paid floral tributes at Raj Ghat in New Delhi, Gandhi’s cremation memorial. Communities across India organised prayer gatherings featuring his favourite devotional songs, including “Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram” and “Vaishnav Jan To”. Moments of silence were observed in schools, colleges and government offices.

This year’s observance coincided with the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign, which began on September 17 and runs till October 17 under the theme “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag; Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat”. As part of the campaign, citizens took part in a nationwide voluntary cleanliness drive on October 1, dedicating an hour to cleaning public spaces.

October 2 was declared a dry day across India, with the sale and serving of alcohol prohibited in all states and Union Territories. Banks, stock exchanges, schools and most government offices remained closed for the national holiday.

Gandhi Jayanti is one of India’s three national holidays. The day also marks the International Day of Non-Violence, recognising Gandhi’s message of truth and non-violence.