Raj Ghat, Delhi

About Raj Ghat

Rajghat, located on Mahatma Gandhi Marg in Delhi, is a religious memorial built on the site where Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, was funeral. Constructed soon after his assassination in 1948, the memorial has become an permanent symbol of India’s struggle for independence. Covering about 2.5 hectares, it features a simple black marble platform surrounded by quiet gardens, showing openness, simplicity, and harmony with nature, reflecting Gandhi’s values. The site allows visitors to experience both historical reverence and cultural significance. Rajghat serves as a place for national ceremonies, quiet reflection, and remembrance, highlighting Gandhi’s legacy of nonviolence, peace, and humility. Its serene design and landscaped surroundings make it a major destination for tourists, scholars, and anyone wishing to honor India’s freedom movement.

Architecture of Raj Ghat

Raj Ghat is an example of minimalist memorial architecture, developed in the early post-independence period. Commissioned by the Government of India and completed in 1956, the memorial was designed by architect Vanu G. Bhuta after a national design competition. The layout emphasizes simplicity over decoration, using traditional stone masonry rather than modern industrial materials. At the heart of the memorial is a black marble platform, roughly 12 feet by 12 feet, marking Gandhi’s cremation spot. His reputed final words, “Hey Ram,” are inscribed on its surface. Surrounding the platform are red sandstone pathways and boundary enclosures, blending harmoniously with the landscaped gardens. The memorial is also raised above the ground to prevent flooding from the nearby Yamuna River, showing careful planning and integration with the natural surroundings.

• Black marble cremation platform with eternal flame
• Walled enclosure and entrance gate
• Stone pathways flanked by lawns and trees
• Extensive landscaped gardens
• Memorials of other national leaders nearby

Interesting facts about Raj Ghat

• The memorial hosts prayer services and celebrations on Gandhiji's birth and death anniversaries, which attract people from across the country.
• Its inscription “Hey Ram” is believed to be Gandhi’s last spoken words before his assassination.
• An eternal flame burns continuously at one end of the platform, symbolising the enduring spirit of Gandhi’s ideals.
• The memorial is surrounded by a beautiful garden with trees and well-manicured lawns, providing a serene and contemplative environment.
• The natural surroundings of the Rajghat area are also full of trees planted by public figures and other eminent personalities.
• The memorial’s raised platform and site adjustments account for seasonal flooding from the nearby Yamuna River, showcasing thoughtful engineering.

How to reach Raj Ghat