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Raj Ghat

Raj Ghat was also the name of a historic ghat situated on the banks of Yamuna. There was also a gate by the same name. But today, it is the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi that is famous as Raj Ghat. It is also located on the banks of Yamuna but on the Ring Road, now known as Mahatma Gandhi Road, near Feroz Shah and 4 km away from Janpath. It was at this spot that Mahatma’s last rites were conducted on 31 January 1948.

The memorial is built in the form of a square shaped platform made from black marble. An eternal flame burns at an end on the platform. A well landscaped way leads to the memorial. You have to walk on a stone footpath surrounded by green lawns to reach the walled enclosure. The footwear has to be removed at the gate as a mark of respect to the memorial.

Raj Ghat is visited by all visiting world leaders as a mark of respect to the father of the nation. Even foreign delegates who visit India offer their tributes at Raj Ghat. On a daily basis, many tourists and local residents visit the memorial to pay their respect. There is also the Gandhi Memorial Museum, which has a great collection of Gandhi memorabilia. There is a film show chronicling the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi at the Museum. The film is in two languages, English and Hindi. English shows are held on all days except Thursdays from 9.30 to 5.30. On Sundays there are two shows, the English show is at 3 pm while the Hindi show is at 5 pm.

On Fridays, to commemorate the day on which Mahatma died, prayers are held at Raj Ghat.

Architecture of Raj Ghat

The architecture of Raj Ghat is very simple, just as the Mahatma would have wanted it to be. It is actually a simple platform of black marble, decorated by fresh flowers. A flame burns eternally in a copper urn at one end on the platform. ‘Hey Ram’, the last words spoken by the Mahatma at the time of his death, are extolled on the platform. Acres of well landscaped gardens surround the memorial, lending a soothing and peaceful aura.

Features of Raj Ghat

Memorials of other leaders too lay near Raj Ghat. Hence if you visit Raj Ghat, you can also visit memorials of Jawaharlal Nehru at Shanti Van, Shakti Sthal of Indira Gandhi, Vijay Ghat of Lal Bahadur Shastri, Vir Bhoomi of Rajiv Gandhi and so on.  Another unique feature at Rajghat is the number of lush trees with labels of names of great world leaders. These are the trees planted by these dignitaries when they visited India. Some of the world leaders who have planted trees here include Queen Elizabeth II, Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Regan-former US Presidents, Yaser Arafat, Marshal Tito, Ho Chi Minh and more.  The US President Barack Obama too planted a sapling here on his recent visit to the country. The Gandhi Memorial Museum is also located near Raj Ghat, where one can see glimpses from the Mahatma’s life in the form of photographs, his possessions and other memorabilia. On the northern side of the memorial stands a beautiful mosque Zinat-ul-Masjid.

Annual Event/ Special Event at the Rajghat

On the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2 and on his death anniversary on January 30, prayer meetings are held which are attended by the prime minister and other leaders from all political parties. Tourists and local residents also come in large numbers to attend prayers on these days. Prayer service is also held every week on Fridays, as this was the day he was assassinated while he was on his way to attend prayers.

How to Reach

Raj Ghat is easily accessible from all parts of Delhi as there are frequent bus services to the area. The Chandni Chowk Metro station is the nearest station for those travelling by Metro. You can also hire a taxi or auto rickshaw from nearby rail stations or hotels to come to Raj Ghat.

  • Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk Metro Station
  • Distance from Old Delhi Railway Station: 4 Kms
  • Distance from IGI Airport: 21 Kms

Best Time to Visit and Entry Fee

Since mornings are not that hot, Raj Ghat is best visited in the morning hours. The memorial is open to all visitors from 5 in the morning to 7.30 in the evenings. There is no entry fee.

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