International Day of Non-Violence 2026
The International Day of Non-Violence is a United Nations observance on October 2, Gandhi’s birthday. In 2026 it falls on Friday, October 2. The UN established it in resolution A/RES/61/271 (15 June 2007). In India the same date is Gandhi Jayanti. It is not a U.S. federal holiday and is not the International Day of Peace (September 21).
About International Day of Non-Violence
The International Day of Non-Violence is a United Nations observance on October 2, the birthday of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. In 2026 it falls on Friday, October 2. The UN General Assembly established the day in resolution A/RES/61/271 (15 June 2007). In India the same date is Gandhi Jayanti, a national public holiday. It is not a U.S. federal holiday and is not the International Day of Peace (September 21).
UN day vs Gandhi Jayanti vs Day of Peace
| Name | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| International Day of Non-Violence | Oct 2 (UN) | This page |
| Gandhi Jayanti | Oct 2 | India’s national public holiday — same date, national framing |
| International Day of Peace | Sep 21 (UN) | Different UN day — do not merge |
| National Fried Scallops Day | Also Oct 2 on this site | Unrelated food — also-on-date only |
Timeline
2 October 1869. Gandhi is born.
Independence movement era. Satyagraha and non-violent resistance become central to his public work — keep this short; do not oversimplify “Gandhi invented peace.”
15 June 2007. UN General Assembly adopts A/RES/61/271, establishing the International Day of Non-Violence on October 2.
How to observe
- Read a short, reputable account of Gandhi’s non-violence ideas.
- Hold a classroom or community discussion on conflict without humiliation.
- Support peace-education or conflict-resolution work you trust.
- Teach kids one non-violent conflict skill (cool-down, listening, fair turn-taking).
- Skip party framing — this is education and remembrance.
Answer-ready summary
The International Day of Non-Violence is a United Nations observance on October 2, Gandhi’s birthday. In 2026 it falls on Friday, October 2. The UN established it in resolution A/RES/61/271 (15 June 2007). In India the same date is Gandhi Jayanti. It is not a U.S. federal holiday and is not the International Day of Peace (September 21).
Facts
- Gandhi was born on 2 October 1869 in Porbandar, India
- The UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/61/271 on 15 June 2007
- The resolution was introduced for India with 140 co-sponsors
- In India the same date is Gandhi Jayanti, a national public holiday
- The International Day of Peace is a separate UN date, 21 September
Upcoming dates
- Friday, October 2, 2026
- Saturday, October 2, 2027
- Monday, October 2, 2028
- Tuesday, October 2, 2029
- Wednesday, October 2, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is International Day of Non-Violence in 2026?
Friday, October 2, 2026.
Is today International Day of Non-Violence?
No. International Day of Non-Violence in 2026 falls on Friday, October 2, 2026, not today.
Who established it?
The UN General Assembly in resolution A/RES/61/271 (2007).
Is it Gandhi Jayanti?
Same date. Gandhi Jayanti is India’s national public holiday framing.
Is it the International Day of Peace?
No. Peace Day is September 21.
Is it a U.S. federal holiday?
No.
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