Raj Ghat

Raj Ghat is the solemn memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River in New Delhi, it marks the exact spot where Gandhi was cremated on January 31, 1948, following his assassination. The name Raj Ghat translates to King's Bank, referring to its historical location near an old gate of the walled city of Shahjahanabad. The memorial was designed by architect Vanu G. Bhuta to reflect the simplicity and humility that characterized Gandhi's life. It consists of a square platform made of black marble, left open to the sky, symbolizing his connection with nature and the common people. At one end of the platform, an eternal flame burns inside a glass frame, representing the enduring nature of his principles of Satyagraha and Ahimsa. Over the decades, Raj Ghat has become a site of pilgrimage for people from all over the world, including heads of state and global dignitaries who come to pay their respects. The surrounding area has been developed into a lush green park with labeled trees planted by various international leaders. While Raj Ghat is the most famous, the larger complex also houses memorials for other prominent Indian figures, making it a significant landmark of national heritage.