Raj Ghat

Quick Facts

About Raj Ghat

The memorial of Raj Ghat has been made of black color marble that is a raised platform and is the place that symbolizes the cremation ground of Mahatma Gandhi who died on 31st January 1948. The memorial lies in an open sky with a flame that burns continuously at one corner. The location of Raj Ghat is on the banks of river Yamuna that flows in Delhi. The pathway that leads to the memorial has been made using stones and the corner along the entire pathway is adorned with green plush plants. The memorial is surrounded by green lawns. In close vicinity of the memorial, there are two museums dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. The inscription of “Hey Ram” on the memorial adores it, since these were the last words voiced by Mahatma Gandhi.

The foreign bigwig pays homage by offering flowers on the memorial. It is recommended not to wear shoes while paying homage. Every Friday, a special prayer is performed since it’s the day on which he died. Homage is also paid on birth and death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Very close to Raj Ghat, there are cremation grounds of many other known leaders of India.

Towards the north of Raj Ghat is the memorial of Jawaharlal Nehru named as Shantivan that means a ‘forest of peace’. The memorials are adored with green lush gardens. Sanjay Gandhi, grandson of Nehru Ji,has his memorial adjacent to Nehruji’s.

History of Raj Ghat

Death of the Father of the Nation - Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi brought into existence Raj Ghat. The body of Mahatma Gandhi had been cremated at this place and later the cenotaph was constructed. The Ring road of the city of Delhi has been honored in the name of Mahatma Gandhi and hence is also referred as Mahatma Gandhi Road.

30th January 1948 is the death date of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhiji was shot by Nathuram Godse, when he was going to attend a prayer meeting. At this time, Mahatma Gandhi was surrounded by his followers and some family members. Godse emerged from the crowd and bowed in front of Gandhi ji and shot him three times. Gandhi ji was taken to Birla House immediately where he took his last breath. Godse surrendered himself to the police immediately after shooting the Mahatma.

On 31st January 1948, his body was cremated at Raj Ghat. Since then Raj Ghat is visited by uncountable visitors each day who come from all parts of the world.

How to Reach

Delhi has an international airport named as Indira Gandhi International airport. The nearest railway station is the Old Delhi railway station while the nearest metro station is the Kashmiri Gate station. Raj Ghat can also visited by hiring the local buses, taxis or auto-rickshaw.

Tourist Attractions around Raj Ghat

Feroz Shah Kotla Cricket Stadium Delhi

Feroz Shah Kotla stadium is the second stadium of the country and is listed among the worlds best stadium. The stadium organizes many domestic and international matches. The stadium has also witnessed the World Cup matches in 2012.

Shantivan Delhi

Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, had his last rituals performed at Shantivan. The memorial is located close to Raj Ghat. The memorial is surrounded by green lush garden. On the eve of birth and death anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru prayers are organized along with few cultural programmes.

List of Memorials at Raj Ghat Area

The lists of memorials that exist in the close vicinity to Raj Ghat are listed below in the sequential order of the date of the death:

Raj Ghat and Associated Memorials