Even though Gandhi Jayanti is one of the three official national holidays, besides Republic Day on 26 January and Independence Day on 15 August, the festivities are minimal with respect to the simplicity, lifestyle and the values of Mahatma Gandhi, lovingly known as Bapu. All the three national holidays are declared Dry Days, the serving and sale of alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Prayer meetings are organized all over India. A special prayer meeting is held at Rajghat, Gandhi s Samadhi – a memorial at his cremation place, in New Delhi. To mark the respect that Mahatma Gandhi had for all the religions and communities, representatives from different religions take part in it. All the educational institutions – schools, colleges in cities all over, organize prayer meeting and reflect on the life of Gandhi, to commemorate this day.
As Gandhi did not believe in religious discrimination and caste system, to honor this belief, verses and prayers are read out from the holy books of all the religions. Schools and colleges organize various essay writing and painting competitions, and the best ones are awarded as a part of Gandhi Jayanti celebrations. There are various community and social work projects carried out and awarded. Many schools give the working staff a holiday and the children help with cleaning the campus and serving food. Plays and skits are performed depicting the life of Gandhi, his struggle for freedom and various other aspects of Mahatma Gandhi’s life, his achievements, his simplicity, peace and his belief in non-violence
Gandhi s favorite bhajan (devotional song of Hindus), Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram is invariably sung as a remembrance to him, at all the meetings associated with him.
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram – Bhajan Lyrics
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
Patita Pavan Sitaram
Sitaram, Sitaram,
Bhaj Pyare Mana Sitaram
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
Patita Pavan Sitaram
Ishwar Allah Tero Nam,
Sabako Sanmati De Bhagawan
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
Patita Pavan Sitaram
Mukhmen Tulsi Ghatamen Ram,
Jab Bolo Tab Sitaram
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
Patita Pavan Sitaram
Hathose Karo Gharka Kam,
Mukhase Bolo Sitaram
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
Patita Pavan Sitaram
Kaushalyaka Vhala Ram,
Dashrathjika Pyara Ram
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
Patita Pavan Sitaram
Bansivala Hay Ghanshyam,
Dhanushya Dhari Sitaram
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram
Patita Pavan Sitaram
इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें