Rajghat

Rajghat, Delhi 

Rajghat is a monument in New Delhi dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation of India. The memorial was built after Gandhiji's assassination at Birla House. Earlier, an ancient ghat on the banks of river Yamuna was called Raj Ghat. Raj Ghat is mainly a twelve feet square platform built of black marble. The forum represents the place where mahatma Gandhi was cremated about his death. Since then, Indians and foreigners have come to this place to honor the Father of the Nation. Any tourism that travels to Raj Ghat must take off their shoes before entering here.

Rajghat, being a memorial to mahatma Gandhi, also presents the glorious life of Gandhiji. Gandhiji's philosophy has been presented through paintings, sculptures and photographs at the Gandhi memorial museum at Rajghat. here his life and the Sarvodaya movement are also shown through the film.

History of Rajghat

The location of Rajghat is quite close to the Yamuna River and was originally known as a historic ghat. The 'Raj Ghat Gate' of the walled city opened to Raj Ghat at the river. Over time, the entire area came to be known as Raj Ghat. It was here where Mahatma Gandhi’s last rites were performed on January 31, 1948, one day after his assassination.

Architecture of Rajghat

It is a rectangular platform made of black marble, constructed on the site where the cremation of Mahatma Gandhi was carried out on 31st January 1948. The last words of the Mahatma ‘Hey Ram’ are inscribed on the black stone. In the background, there is an eternal flame that burns perpetually at one end of the platform. The structure, left open to the sky, is located at the banks of river Yamuna in Delhi. Around the Raj Ghat is a ring road that is officially known as the Mahatma Gandhi road. A stone footpath adorned by lawns leads to the walled enclosure that houses the Raj Ghat. From common people to VIPs, all come and pay homage to the Mahatma at the Raj Ghat. Every visitor is required to remove his/her footwear before entering the memorial.

National Gandhi Museum

The premises of Rajghat has a museum called the National Gandhi Museum dedicated to the Father of the Nation. After Mahatma Gandhi assassination on 30 January 1948, collectors began looking for artefacts belonging to or related to him. These artefacts were collected and taken to Mumbai, from where they were moved to Kota House in 1951 and then moved again in 1957 to a mansion. The year 1959 saw the final movement of the National Gandhi Museum to Rajghat, next to his memorial where it was formally opened by Dr Rajendra Prasad who was the president of India at that time.

The Gandhi Museum has a library that has a unique collection of all that was written about or by him in addition to a host of other study material. The library can be divided into two sections, one which is solely focused on Mahatma Gandhi and the other which concerns itself with other subject matter. There are currently over 35,000 books or documents in the museum's library. The library also has a collection of 2,000 periodicals illustrating Gandhi's life.

A gallery in the museum showcases his personal artefacts such as paintings, one of Gandhi's walking sticks, the shawl and dhoti worn by Gandhi when he was assassinated, one of the bullets that were used to kill Gandhi, his urn, some of Gandhi's teeth and his ivory toothpick. Other exhibits related to India's history are also on display here.

Best time to Visit Raj ghat

Fiends Are you planning to visit during the summer season, there is huge amount of humidity and heat of the city can cause dehydration. As We Know the Monsoons are always a hindrance for outdoor sightseeing. Thus, it is better to You to come this place in the winter season. As we Know the Winter Season starts in Month of October and ends in March. The climate is pleasing and clear for sightseeing and You can stay for some time is this Green Place And If you visit during the anniversary of any of the leaders whose memorial is found here, There you can get a crowded and you can even watch people paying their tribute.

Tips For Visiting Rajghat

1. Do not create unnecessary noise in the area.

2. Do not litter around the park or around Rajghat.

3. Remove your shoes before entering the place as a mark of respect.

How To Reach Rajghat

By Air : Delhi is Indira Gandhi Airport from where you can reach Rajghat via metro, bus or cab

 

By Rail : New Delhi Railway Station and Old Delhi Railway Station Rajghat is closest to these railway stations from major cities of the country There is a direct train service for the station.

 

By Road: Due to being the capital of India, Delhi is directly connected to the major cities of the country. You can also reach here via the tour operator bus or private operator of the state government in Delhi.