Gandhi Jayanti: Places in India Paying Homage to Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi is revered around the world for bringing the principles of non-violence to the fore and the significance of his contribution to India’s struggle for independence. He is an inseparable part of India’s cultural and philosophical fabric. 2nd October, the Mahatma’s birth anniversary, is celebrated as a national holiday! 

Many memorials, and museums have been established throughout India to honour his memory. Many Gandhi museums in India depict his life and teachings, and visiting them can be an enlightening experience. They are also a great way to ensure that future generations are exposed to Gandhi's ideology, teachings, and personal effects. India has many places to visit and celebrate Gandhi Jayanti if you're intrigued by Gandhi and his principles, a few of which are listed below. 

Kirti Mandir and Museum, Porbandar, Gujarat

Porbandar, the city where Mahatma Gandhi was born, is a beautiful port on the Arabian Sea and marks the very end of the state of Saurashtra (Gujarat). A 79-foot-tall monument has been erected in the alley where Bapu was born in 1869 to honour his birthplace.

The Kirti Mandir is the main draw for visitors. A swastika marks the spot on the third floor of Gandhi's family home, which is believed to be where his mother Putlibai gave birth to him. The top floor, including Gandhi's reading area, is accessible by a steep, wooden staircase.

Gandhi's wife Kasturba was born at Navi Khadi, which is located behind Kirti Mandir.  A Gandhian library, a prayer hall, a nursery, and a steeple decked up with scenes from Gandhi's life can all be found in the new structure that resides next to Kirti Mandir.

Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad is on the banks of the namesake river, which was his home for about 12 years. This place was the birthplace of two pivotal social movements: the Dandi March and the Salt Satyagraha. 

Along with all the Gandhi museums in India, the Sabarmati Museum and ashram in India continues to be a beacon of hope and wisdom, a memorial to Gandhi's life work, and a testament to others who have battled for similar causes. Visiting this Mahatma Gandhi ashram in India and reading up on him at the library gives tourists a glimpse of pre-independence India.

Aga Khan Palace, Pune, Maharashtra

Home to some significant events in Indian history, the Aga Khan Palace was a place where Mahatma Gandhi and his wife, Kasturba Gandhi, were imprisoned. It is situated on sprawling premises, with multiple lawns and spacious halls. There are traces of Italian architecture seen in the intricate details of its elegant and magnificent structure. The Aga Khan Palace houses the room where Gandhi taught science lessons to his granddaughter. You also get to view the room where Kasturba Gandhi and the Mahatma had their meals. 

It was at this Palace that Kasturba spent the last of her days. It is also believed that Gandhiji’s secretary Mahadev Desai breathed his last here. Their samadhis rest on the Palace premises. Several festivals take place throughout the year at the Palace, many of them commemorating the Mahatma’s teachings and lifestyle, thereby offering many insights into his life. If you visit the Aga Khan Palace at Pune on Gandhi Jayanti, you will be privy to one of such festivals. 

Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Famously known as Mahatma Gandhi’s home in Mumbai, Mani Bhavan is located on greener Gamdevi streets. The simple two-storied home belonging to a known diamond merchant, Raveshankar Jagjeevan Jhaveri, who was a supporter of the Indian National Congress back in the day, still embodies a retro-style charm. Mani Bhavan witnessed the Mahatma’s political legacy for seventeen long crucial years of his life.

Not only did he initiate several important political movements from this location, but he also learnt to use the spinning wheel here. In the rooms and corridors of Mani Bhavan, you will see several important documents including, scriptures and court orders. There is a library on the ground floor with over 50,000 books by and on Mahatma Gandhi. In short, Mani Bhavan is a treasure trove of stories belonging to a significant era in Indian history.   

Gandhi Smriti, Raj Ghat, Delhi

One of the most important sights to visit when travelling along the Gandhi trail across India is where Gandhiji spent his last days before his assassination. At Gandhi Smriti, there is a museum built to commemorate the great man, and a Martyr’s Column stands to mark the place where he was shot.

A short distance from there is the Raj Ghat, the site of his cremation. A platform made from black marble has the words ‘He Ram’ inscribed on them, and an eternal flame burns to signify that the imprints he left on our nation will live forever. 

If you are interested in learning more about the life and times of the legendary Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi, then travelling to the places listed above is a great option for you. It is also the perfect way to honour his memory and earn valuable insights into the nation’s struggle for independence on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. National Gandhi Museum in New Delhi, Gandhi Memorial Museum in Madurai, Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya in  Barrackpore, and Magan Sangrahalaya in Wardha, Maharashtra are some of the other places to visit and celebrate Gandhi Jayanti.