Raj Ghat : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Raj Ghat is a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the revered leader of the Indian Independence Movement and one of the most famous figures in modern Indian history. Located in New Delhi, the main attraction at Raj Ghat is a black marble platform that marks the spot where Gandhi was cremated in 1948, following his assassination. Around the site, a lush garden and park provide a serene memorial to Gandhi and his life and work. Raj Ghat is also part of the ‘Gandhi Smriti’, a museum that honours his life with exhibitions dedicated to his teachings, works, and death. There is much to learn about India’s most famous leader at Raj Ghat and no visit to India is complete without a pilgrimage to this site of unforgettable history. This blog post will explore the fascinating history of this memorial and provide insights into the interesting facts, information and travel guide to this beautiful and important site.

Interesting Facts About Raj Ghat

1. Raj Ghat is the site of Mahatma Gandhi’s funeral on 31 January 1948.

2. It was originally known as Dharam Ghat, meaning “Funeral Ghat”.

3. It is located on the banks of Yamuna River near the Old Delhi railway station.

4. The site was selected by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, after a lot of deliberation.

5. The memorial for Mahatma Gandhi is made of black basalt stone and stands in the form of an open square with a path leading to a raised platform.

6. The true beauty of this place comes alive in the form of a beautiful garden surrounding it.

7. The main gate to the memorial was designed by the famous architect, and is made of red sandstone.

8. There is also a museum located at Raj Ghat that showcases various educational and inspiring materials related to the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi.

9. There is a meditation room at the memorial that is used by people from all walks of life, every day.

10. A nominal entrance fee is charged for visiting the Raj Ghat for educational and religious purposes.

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History & Information About Raj Ghat

Raj Ghat is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi in New Delhi, India. It is a black marble platform that marks the spot of Gandhi’s cremation on 31 January 1948, a day after his assassination. It is left open to the sky while an eternal flame burns perpetually at one end. It is located on the banks of the Yamuna River, on Ring Road numbers 5 and 6 of the Lutyens’ Bungalow Zone. Raj Ghat is one of the many memorials to the leader in India and around the world.

Raj Ghat actually consists of two adjacent sites on both sides of the Yamuna River. The cremation site on the west bank (Raj Ghat) is the location of a simple black marble platform that marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. It is surrounded by a park with trees and flowering shrubs. There is an eternal flame—which was lit by the then-President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad—that burns 24 hours a day. The mausoleum is open to international visitors and there is a museum established nearby.

The east bank (Shanti Van) is the location of a much larger memorial, a meditation garden containing trees planted by visiting dignitaries, foreign and domestic. Its pathways are lined with inscribed quotes from Mahatma Gandhi’s whenever possibles.

In the center of the garden is a black-and-red sandstone pillar and a white marble decorative urn containing the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi. It is set facing east and sheltered by a marble canopy supported by four pillars.

Raj Ghat is open daily and hosts a number of gatherings throughout the year, notably during the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. On occasion, the area is closed off for special events and ceremonies, such as the Republic Day parade. It is a popular destination for local schoolchildren, Indian and foreign tourists, activists, and pilgrims alike.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Raj Ghat

Raj Ghat is a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi in Delhi, India. It marks the spot of his cremation in 1948 and stands as a powerful reminder of India’s freedom struggle and spiritual leader of nonviolence.

Location: Raj Ghat is located on the left bank of the Yamuna River on the eastern fringe of New Delhi. It is easily accessible by public transport and is one of the landmarks on Delhi’s tourist circuit.

Opening Hours: Raj Ghat is open all days except on national holidays from 5:00 A.M to 7:00 P.M

Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit Raj Ghat.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Raj Ghat is in the morning as it offers a peaceful atmosphere to think and pay your respects to Mahatma Gandhi.

Attractions:

1. Mahatma Gandhi Memorial: Raj Ghat’s main attraction is the Mahatma Gandhi memorial. Located on the banks of the Yamuna River, the memorial is a black marble platform surrounded by a garden. It is inscribed with the words, “He Ram” which were Mahatma Gandhi’s last words.

2. Eternal Flame: Raj Ghat also has an eternal flame which is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and which burns continuously.

3. Samadhi Mandir: There is also a Samadhi Mandir which houses a statue of the Father of the Nation and contains a maroon cloth with verses from the Bhagavad Gita.

4. Stone Bust: The surrounding area also houses a stone bust of Mahatma Gandhi.

Tips for Travellers:

• Maintain silence when visiting Raj Ghat as it is a memorial for Mahatma Gandhi and a place to show respect for the Father of the Nation.

• Visitors are required to remove their footwear before entering the memorial.

• Always ask permission before taking photographs at Raj Ghat.

• It is advisable to dress conservatively when visiting the memorial out of respect for Mahatma Gandhi.

• Spit or littering is not allowed inside Raj Ghat. Do not leave any rubbish behind.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Raj Ghat

Q. Where is Raj Ghat located?
A. Raj Ghat is located in New Delhi, India on the banks of the Yamuna River.

Q. What is the significance of Raj Ghat?
A. Raj Ghat is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, India’s foremost leader of the non-violent independence movement in the British Raj.

Q. When was Raj Ghat established?
A. Raj Ghat was established in 1948, immediately after the assassination of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.

Q. Who designed Raj Ghat?
A. Raj Ghat was designed by the architect Vanu G. Bharne.

Q. What is the significance of the eternal flame?
A. The eternal flame was lit at Raj Ghat in memory of Mahatma Gandhi and is treated as a symbol of celebration of his life and teachings.

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