By geonationaltravel.com 
Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated every year on October 2nd, is a day that holds great significance in India. It marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the man who led India’s freedom movement through his principles of non-violence and truth. But Gandhi Jayanti isn’t just about remembering his contributions—it’s also an opportunity to travel to some of the most iconic places where his legacy lives on.
I had the chance to visit some of these historically significant locations, and I want to share my experience with you. Whether you are a history lover or someone looking to deepen your connection with the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, these places to visit on Gandhi Jayanti offer a unique way to celebrate this special day.
Who Was Mahatma Gandhi?
Before I dive into the journey, let’s quickly touch upon who Mahatma Gandhi was. Born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, Gandhi came from a middle-class family. His father, Karamchand Gandhi, served as a Diwan (chief minister) of Porbandar, while his mother, Putlibai, was a deeply religious woman. This upbringing shaped Gandhi’s strong moral and ethical beliefs, particularly the ideas of non-violence (Ahimsa) and truth (Satya).
Gandhi’s life took him across continents—from studying law in England to fighting against racial discrimination in South Africa. It was in South Africa that he first applied his method of Satyagraha (non-violent resistance), which later became the cornerstone of India’s struggle for independence. He returned to India in 1915 and led several landmark movements, including the Salt March and the Quit India Movement.
But to truly understand Gandhi, you need to visit the places where his life unfolded, where his ideals took shape, and where his presence is still deeply felt.
1.Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad: Where the Salt March Began
My journey started at Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, a place that feels like a sanctuary for peace and reflection. Gandhi lived here for 13 years, from 1917 to 1930, and it was from here that he launched the iconic Salt March in 1930—a pivotal moment in India’s independence movement.
The ashram is located on the banks of the Sabarmati River, and even today, it exudes a sense of calm and simplicity. I wandered through the museum, which houses a collection of letters, photographs, and personal items of Gandhi. One of the most striking things I saw was his charkha (spinning wheel), a symbol of self-reliance.
As I walked through the ashram, I couldn’t help but imagine Gandhi himself pacing these grounds, deep in thought, planning his next move in the fight for freedom. Sabarmati Ashram is definitely one of the must-visit places on Gandhi Jayanti, especially if you want to connect with the essence of his teachings.
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: October to March
2.Aga Khan Palace, Pune: A Memorial of Sacrifice
Next on my journey was the Aga Khan Palace in Pune, a place deeply tied to Gandhi’s later years. It was here that Gandhiji, along with his wife Kasturba, was imprisoned during the Quit India Movement in 1942. Unfortunately, Kasturba Gandhi passed away during their imprisonment, and her samadhi (memorial) is located in the palace gardens.
Walking through the corridors of Aga Khan Palace, I felt a deep sense of reverence. The museum inside the palace contains artifacts from Gandhi’s time here, including personal items like his clothes and letters. There’s something profoundly moving about seeing these relics firsthand. I also spent time in the serene garden where Kasturba’s samadhi is located, and the peace that surrounds it is almost palpable.
For anyone looking to visit places related to Gandhi Jayanti, Aga Khan Palace offers a unique insight into the sacrifices made by Gandhi and his family for India’s freedom.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹5 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners
Best Time to Visit: October to February
3.Raj Ghat, Delhi: A Quiet Reflection
After visiting Pune, I headed to the capital—Delhi. Here, one of the most significant places to visit on Gandhi Jayanti is Raj Ghat, the memorial where Gandhi was cremated after his assassination in 1948. The simplicity of the black marble platform, with an eternal flame burning at one end, is striking.
The memorial is surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens, and as I walked through them, I couldn’t help but reflect on Gandhi’s message of peace and unity. Raj Ghat is not just a memorial; it’s a place where you can meditate on the values Gandhi stood for—truth, non-violence, and equality.
If you’re in Delhi on Gandhi Jayanti, a visit to Raj Ghat is a must. The calm and serene atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to spend a few quiet moments reflecting on Gandhi’s life and legacy.
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: October to March
4.Mani Bhavan, Mumbai: The Cradle of Movements
Next, my journey took me to Mumbai, where I visited Mani Bhavan, Gandhi’s residence between 1917 and 1934. Mani Bhavan is where many of Gandhi’s revolutionary ideas were born, including the Non-Cooperation Movement. Today, it is a museum dedicated to his life and work.
What I found fascinating was the room where Gandhi stayed—it has been preserved exactly as it was when he lived there. The museum also houses a library with over 50,000 books on Gandhi and Indian history. It’s one of the lesser-known Gandhi Jayanti places to visit, but it provides a deep understanding of his work and the movements he led.
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: November to March
5.Kirti Mandir, Porbandar: Gandhi’s Birthplace
No journey through Gandhi’s life would be complete without a visit to Kirti Mandir in Porbandar, Gujarat—the place where Gandhi was born. Visiting Kirti Mandir feels like stepping back in time. The house where Gandhi was born has been preserved, and the adjacent memorial, built in 1950, is a tribute to the man who shaped India’s destiny.
The museum here provides a glimpse into Gandhi’s early life, his family, and his journey toward becoming the leader we know today. For me, visiting Kirti Mandir was a humbling experience. Standing in the very house where Gandhi was born gave me a deeper understanding of his humble beginnings and the values that guided him throughout his life.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: November to February
6.Sevagram Ashram, Wardha: A Lesson in Simplicity
Finally, I made my way to Sevagram Ashram in Wardha, Maharashtra, where Gandhi spent his later years. This ashram is different from the others because it is still a working community where the principles of self-reliance and non-violence are practiced every day. Gandhi moved to Sevagram in 1936, and it became his headquarters until his death.
As I walked through the ashram, I was struck by the simplicity of the place. The mud huts, the spinning wheels, and the absence of any modern amenities reminded me of Gandhi’s message of living a simple life. The ashram is still active, offering workshops and training in sustainable living and non-violence.
If you’re interested in learning about Gandhi’s philosophy in action, Sevagram is one of the most enlightening places to visit on Gandhi Jayanti.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: October to February
My Reflections on Gandhi Jayanti:
Visiting these places gave me a profound sense of connection to Gandhi’s life and teachings. Each location holds its own unique charm, from the calmness of Sabarmati Ashram to the historical significance of Aga Khan Palace. As I walked through these sites, I felt like I was retracing Gandhi’s steps, understanding his struggles, and reflecting on his values of truth and non-violence.
If you’re planning a trip to honor Gandhi Jayanti, these are the must-visit places that will give you a deeper appreciation for his life and work. Each place tells a story, not just of Gandhi, but of India’s fight for freedom.
Conclusion:
Gandhi Jayanti is more than just a day on the calendar. It’s a reminder of the power of non-violence and the impact one person can have on the world. By visiting these places to visit on Gandhi Jayanti, you can not only honor Gandhi’s legacy but also reflect on how his principles apply to our lives today.
Whether it’s the historical significance of Sabarmati Ashram or the peaceful surroundings of Raj Ghat, these places will leave you with a sense of peace and a deeper understanding of Gandhi’s life. So, this Gandhi Jayanti, why not plan a visit to these incredible locations and walk in the footsteps of the Father of the Nation?
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