I don't know for sure as I only had dealings with private businesses but it was my impression that it was also a government holiday.
I never got into a conversation on Gandhi's status so I can't even speculate on that one....
Isn't Ghandi similar to a founding father that rested india from British control? If so, I don't think the two are comparable. It would be more comparable to have a George Washington Day than a MLK day.
my two cents.
Ivory