Indians Celebrate Anniversary of Birth of Gandhi.
Indians last Sunday (Oct. 2) celebrated the 86th. birth anniversary of Mr. Gandhi 0 the father of the nation. As the day dawned, people started going to Rajghat, the place where he was cremated, to offer flowers at the Samadhi, the shrine, and pay homage to the beloved saint-leader. On the occasion, prayers were held and favourite devotional songs of Mr. Gandhi were sung in chorus. The highlight of the ceremony was the spinning of yarn for "Khadi" (cloth), which is the symbol of India's economy. The Ministers of the Government also joined in the prayers and mass spinning. Later in the evening, a group of Harijans, the Untouchables, numbering nearly 50 and formed in a procession, tried to enter Digamber Jain temple in Delhi. According to new constitution, untouchability in any form is prohibited to practise. But certain communities still adhere to old customs, according to which Harijans are not allowed to worship in their temples. This bath led by Mr. Bhagat Ami Chand, M.L.A., of Delhi Assembly, was very peaceful and requested the temple authorities to permit them to enter, but returned calmly when permission was refused. Police were posted at the spot lest the quarrel may start on that issue. Police did not intervene.
Keystone Photo Shows:- Dr. K.N. Katju, India's Defence Minister, engaged in spinning yarn at Rajghat. The occasion was Gandhi Jayanti. (Dr. Katju is in the centre).
Photo measures 10.25 x 8 inches.
Photo is dated 10-10-1955.
Photo back:
