Gandhi’s final resting place
Raj Ghat, A memorial that shaped modern India

The Raj Ghat memorial in Delhi holds profound significance as Mahatma Gandhi’s final resting place.

During my recent visit to this sacred site along the serene Yamuna River, I found this to be a space that perfectly embodies Gandhi’s principles of simplicity and peace.

The Memorial’s Distinctive Features

At the heart of Raj Ghat lies a striking black marble platform marking the spot where Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948. As I approached the memorial, I noticed the carefully inscribed words ‘He Ram’ (Oh God) – Gandhi’s last words before his passing. The eternal flame burns steadily behind the platform, symbolising the enduring nature of Gandhi’s philosophy and teachings.

The memorial’s minimalist design by architect Vanu G. Bhūta incorporates a stone path surrounded by manicured lawns with the memorial at its centre. During my walk around the grounds, I found the simplicity of the space and the reverence of local visitors deeply moving.

The black marble platform stands as a powerful reminder of Gandhi’s lasting impact on India and the world and it was certainly being treated with awe and reverence.

Honouring Gandhi’s Legacy

Talking to my guide afterwards, I learned that every Friday at 5pm, Raj Ghat comes alive with commemorative prayers, marking the day of Gandhi’s passing. Special ceremonies also take place on 2 October and 30 January, celebrating his birth and death anniversaries respectively.

Since initially being built, the memorial complex has grown to include tributes to other notable Indian leaders. Exploring further north, I came across the memorials of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi. These aditional memorial now turn the entire space serves as a tribute to India’s remarkable leadership heritage.

South of Raj Ghat, across Kisan Ghat Road, I explored the peaceful gardens housing Gandhi Darshan. This fascinating pavilion showcases photographs documenting Gandhi’s life and work, offering valuable insights into the Mahatma’s extraordinary journey and his vision for India.

From my visit to Raj Ghat, I gained a deeper appreciation for Gandhi’s enduring legacy and the thoughtful way in which his memory has been preserved in this serene memorial complex. It really was a moving experience and one I was to encounter on numerous times while in India.

This really is a very religious country.