Archive · 2 Oct 2026
International Day of Non-Violence Honors Gandhi’s Peaceful Legacy
The International Day of Non-Violence is held every year on October 2.
It honors Mahatma Gandhi, who was born on that date in 1869.
Gandhi believed people could fight unfairness without hurting others.
He used peaceful protests, non-cooperation and civil disobedience during India’s freedom movement.
The United Nations created this observance in 2007.
The day encourages people to solve problems through dialogue, tolerance and understanding.
It also shows that peaceful action can support social and political change.
In 2026, events will focus on using non-violence to help build peace and development.
India also observes October 2 as Gandhi Jayanti.
The International Day of Non-Violence is observed annually on October 2, including Friday, October 2, 2026.
The United Nations established the observance through General Assembly Resolution 61/271, adopted on June 15, 2007.
October 2 was chosen because it is Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary; Gandhi was born in 1869.
The day promotes peaceful resistance, tolerance, dialogue, understanding and non-violent social or political change.
The 2026 commemoration focuses on “Non Violence as a means to Peace and Development,” with educational and public-awareness activities.
- Who
- The United Nations, Mahatma Gandhi and people participating in peace and awareness activities.
- What
- The International Day of Non-Violence promotes peaceful resistance and non-violent ways to pursue social and political change.
- When
- It is observed every October 2; in 2026, it falls on Friday, October 2.
- Where
- It is observed internationally, while October 2 is also celebrated in India as Gandhi Jayanti.
- Why
- The date honors Gandhi’s birth anniversary and encourages peace, tolerance, dialogue, understanding and non-violent action.
- Observance date
- October 2 annually; October 2, 2026 is a Friday.
- Established by
- The United Nations General Assembly.
- Founding resolution
- Resolution 61/271, adopted June 15, 2007.
- Honored figure
- Mahatma Gandhi, born October 2, 1869.
- 2026 theme
- “Non Violence as a means to Peace and Development.”
- Related Indian observance
- Gandhi Jayanti.
- Examples of activities
- Educational programs, public debates, awareness initiatives and peace-related events.