International Day of Non-Violence
Mark the International Day of Non-Violence on Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday. The United Nations set October 2 as a global date to spread the idea that political and social change can be pursued without physical violence — through education, public awareness, and the methods Gandhi called satyagraha.
About International Day of Non-Violence
History & origins
The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on 2 October, the birthday of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (born 1869 in Porbandar, India). Gandhi led India’s independence movement and developed a philosophy and strategy of non-violent resistance that later influenced civil-rights and freedom movements in other countries.
The United Nations General Assembly established the day in resolution A/RES/61/271 of 15 June 2007. The resolution asks Member States, UN bodies, regional and non-governmental organizations, and individuals to commemorate the day “in an appropriate manner and to disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness.” It reaffirms “the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence” and the desire “to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence.” India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Anand Sharma, introduced the text on behalf of 140 co-sponsors.
The date matches Gandhi Jayanti, a national public holiday in India. The UN day is an international observance, not a public holiday in most other countries. It is separate from the International Day of Peace (21 September).
Why it matters
The day is a yearly reminder that non-violence is not passivity. It is a set of public methods — protest, non-cooperation, and non-violent intervention — used to challenge unjust power without copying that power’s violence. It also keeps Gandhi’s record in view: the Salt March of 1930, mass civil disobedience, and a lifelong argument that the means of struggle shape the society that follows.
How to celebrate
This is not a party date. Read a short account of Gandhi’s life or of a non-violent campaign in your own country. Discuss, in a classroom or community group, the difference between non-violence and doing nothing. Support peace-education or conflict-resolution work that already exists locally. Teach children how to name harm and seek help without hitting back as the first move. If you live in India, the day aligns with Gandhi Jayanti public observances; elsewhere, a quiet reading or a school assembly is enough.
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?
International Day of Non-Violence in 2026 falls on Friday, October 2, 2026.
What is International Day of Non-Violence?
It is a United Nations observance on Gandhi’s birthday. The day is meant to spread the message of non-violence through education and public awareness, and to affirm a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding.
Who started International Day of Non-Violence?
The UN General Assembly created it in 2007 through resolution A/RES/61/271. The date is Gandhi’s birthday; India led the resolution, which had 140 co-sponsors.
How do you celebrate International Day of Non-Violence?
A simple way is to learn about Gandhi’s methods and about non-violent campaigns closer to home. Schools and civic groups often use the date for education, discussion, and peace-building work — not for a festival.
Is International Day of Non-Violence an official holiday?
It is an official United Nations observance. In India, 2 October is also Gandhi Jayanti, a national public holiday. It is not a U.S. federal holiday, and most countries do not treat the UN day as a day off.
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