Gandhi statue in Kapiolani Park, beachside of the zoo

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.

FREE. Everyone is welcome. If possible, wear white as a symbol of peace.

Free parking at the Waikiki Shell and metered parking at the zoo.

The Gandhi International Institute for Peace cordially invites you to celebrate the 148th birthday of one of the world’s great leaders, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. As a pioneer of Satyagraha (true resistance) through vast, nonviolent civil disobedience, he became one of the most important political and spiritual leaders of his time. The event includes an interfaith plea for world peace, multicultural dances, and music by the Royal Hawaiian Band. Hawaii is the first state to proclaim October 2 as “Mahatma Gandhi Day.”

http://www.gandhianpeace.com/events.html

Our wonderful Kumu Mālia Helelā and her hula halau – Nā Hula Ola Aloha will perform a special hula at the Annual Gandhi Birthday Celebration on October 2 in Kapiolani Park.

This Hula Pahu (hula performed with drum) titled Ka’ala was written and choreographed by Kumu Mālia and is presented as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Mount Ka’ala is the highest peak on O’ahu and is a symbol of a solid and steadfast character. It’s calm and peaceful presence provides shelter to the island of Oahu.  Ka’ala is also used in Hawaiian poetry as an example of excellence, high ideals, and nobility. Mahatma Gandhi embodied the qualities of Mount Ka’ala – he was peaceful, yet solid as a mountain. His utmost determination and steadfast progression towards his visionary goals made him so charismatic that thousands of people followed him. The song also references the birds Kaiona – a Hawaiian goddess who had the power to send her birds to guide lost travelers back to the proper path.  Kumu Malia feels that the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi serves a similar role, with his actions and teachings guiding us to the path of steadfast nonviolence.

Our own dance teacher Miss Willow Chang and her Bollywood Hawaii troupe will be performing for the tenth time at this annual event!