India celebrates the birthday of one of its most legendary leaders Mahatma Gandhi with utmost honour and holds deep regard for his ideals that continue to guide the country till day. Let us guide you to some iconic places where you can pay homage to Bapu on Gandhi Jayanti this year. By Shubhanjana Das
1. Satyagraha Ashram Smarak and Sangrahalaya, Kochrab
Paldi area of Kochrab village shelters the first ashram founded by the Mahatma back in 1915. This is where he observed his first hunger strike for the freedom struggle. The foundations for the Satyagraha movement, which stirred the whole country into action was laid here. On entering, you will find a prayer ground and a well-maintained quaint bungalow that speaks of its time. The bungalow has life-size portraits and paintings of Gandhi.
Where: Sabarmati river front.
Timings: From 8:30 am to 5 pm; Closed from 12 pm to 3 pm.
2. Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram and Memorial, Sabarmati
An ideal centre for learning about the life and works of Gandhi, the Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram is located on the Sabarmati front and was established in 1917, a year after the Satyagraha Ashram Smarak. There is a museum and library along with Hridaya Kunj facing the river where Gandhi ji and his wife Kasturba lived for 12 years. There is also the Kutir and Nadini Guest House on the right. The Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram was the starting point for the historic Dandi March in 1930. Great care goes into preserving the house right as it was back in the day with exhibits that include rare letters that Gandhi wrote to Hitler, Tagore, and other prominent personalities during the freedom movement. The Hridaya Kunj also has the utensils the couple used during their stay there.
Timings: 8 am to 7 pm.
3. Gandhi Smriti, New Delhi
The erstwhile residence of industrialist GD Birla was later converted to a memorial for the Mahatma. It houses the memories of the last 144 days of the life of Gandhi, as this was where Gandhi was shot and assassinated by Nathuram Godse. Visitors can see the room he lived in and the prayer ground where he greeted his visitors.
4. Aga Khan Palace, Pune
The Aga Khan Palace was where Gandhi was kept imprisoned along with Kasturba, where she breathed her last. The palace has a Gandhi National Memorial where you can find displays of photos from the time of the freedom struggle that dictate Gandhi’s story.
5. Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya, Mumbai
Known as Mani Bhavan to locals, this place served as Gandhi’s headquarters from 1917 to 1934. The iconic charkha that Gandhi is associated with has its roots in the Mani Bhavan. Along with a museum and a library dedicated to the life and times of Gandhi, there is a bust of Gandhi on the compounds as well. Martin Luther King Jr., who was said to have been heavily influenced by Gandhi, and Barrack Obama visited Mani Bhavan during their travels to India.
6. Kirti Mandir, Porbandar
The village where Gandhi was born and brought up in Porbandar has the ancestral home where Gandhi grew up. Now known as Kirti Mandir, this three-storey haveli now houses a museum, which has the charkha used by Gandhi, his rare possessions, old photographs, and a library. There is also a Kasturba Memorial in the haveli.
Timings: 7:30 am-7 pm for Kirti Mandir; 7:30 am-6.00 pm for Gandhi ji’s birthplace.
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