Himani Sharma
October 2, 2025, is not just another date on the calendar. It brings together two occasions that hold a deep place in India’s cultural and moral landscape: Dussehra, the festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil, and Gandhi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, remembered worldwide for his commitment to truth and non-violence.
The overlap of these two days creates a unique moment for reflection, where timeless stories and enduring values meet.
Dussehra: Festival signifying victory of good over evil
Dussehra or Vijayadashami is celebrated across India as the day Lord Rama triumphed over Ravana. It is a reminder that arrogance, greed and wrongdoing, no matter how powerful, ultimately fall before truth and virtue.
The burning of Ravana’s effigies is not only a spectacle but also a symbolic act, inviting people to confront and let go of the negative traits within themselves. Each year, the festival reinforces a simple but powerful lesson: good has the strength to prevail.
Gandhi Jayanti: Remembering simplicity and peace
On the same day, Gandhi Jayanti honours the birth of Mahatma Gandhi. His life and teachings remind us that courage is not only found in force but also in patience, integrity and the refusal to give in to hatred.
Through the principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and satyagraha (truth), he showed the world that peaceful methods can bring about lasting change. His spinning wheel remains a symbol of humility, self-reliance and moral strength.
Meeting of two ideals
Placing these two occasions side by side creates an interesting contrast. Dussehra reflects the use of strength to defeat evil, while Gandhi Jayanti emphasises the power of peace to transform it. One story celebrates decisive action, the other celebrates restraint and compassion.
Far from being a contradiction, this overlap shows that life often calls for both — firmness in resisting wrong and wisdom in choosing the way forward.
In a fast moving world, October 2 invites us to pause. Dussehra encourages us to overcome negativity with determination, while Gandhi Jayanti asks us to practice kindness, patience and honesty in daily life.
Together, they remind us that balance is key: strength and gentleness, action and reflection, courage and compassion.
October 2, 2025, therefore, is more than the union of two important dates. It is a shared reminder that the fight against negativity does not always require force, nor does peace mean inaction. As effigies of Ravana light up the night and portraits of Gandhi are garlanded in respect, the day leaves us with a simple yet powerful thought — true victory lies not only in defeating what is wrong but also in nurturing what is right.
Himani Sharma
