Oct 2, 1869. The Indian political and spiritual leader who achieved world honor and fame for his advocacy of nonviolent resistance as a weapon against tyranny was born at Porbandar, India. He was assassinated in the garden of his home at New Delhi, Jan 30, 1948. On the anniversary of Gandhi’s birth (Gandhi Jayanti) thousands gather at the park on the Jumna River at Delhi where Gandhi’s body was cremated. Hymns are sung; verses from the Gita, the Koran and the Bible are recited; and cotton thread is spun on small spinning wheels (one of Gandhi’s favorite activities). Other observances are held at his birthplace and throughout India on this public holiday.

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Chase's Calendar of Events 2011. Copyright © 2010 by McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.