Gandhi Smriti Delhi

Gandhi Smriti, New Delhi: The Hallowed Ground of Mahatma Gandhi’s Martyrdom!🙏🏼🕊️

Key Details:

• Official Name: Gandhi Smriti (formerly known as Birla House or Birla Bhavan). The complex also houses the Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum.
• Location: 5, Tees January Marg (formerly Albuquerque Road), New Delhi – 110011, India. (Near Claridges Hotel).
• Significance:
  • The historic site where Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, spent the last 144 days of his life (from September 9, 1947, to January 30, 1948).
  • The precise spot in the garden where he was assassinated on January 30, 1948, is preserved as the Martyr’s Column (Shaheed Smarak) ⭐.
  • Acquired by the Government of India in 1971 and converted into a national memorial and museum in 1973.
  • A place of pilgrimage for people from all over theworld, promoting Gandhi’s life, teachings, and the message of peace and non-violence.
• Associated With: The martyrdom of Mahatma Gandhi.
• Architectural Style (Birla House): A stately colonial-era mansion reflecting the architectural style of early 20th-century New Delhi.
• Main Attractions ⭐:
  • The Room where Gandhi Lived: Preserved with his meager personal belongings (spectacles, walking stick, spinning wheel, mattress on the floor).
  • The Martyr’s Column (Shaheed Smarak): A stone pillar marking the exact spot in the lawns where Gandhi was shot. Concrete footsteps leading to this spot depict his last walk.
  • The Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum (Upstairs): A state-of-the-art digital museum offering an engaging and interactive experience on Gandhi’s life and philosophy.
  • Photo Galleries: Displaying photographs, documents, and articles related to Gandhi’s life, work, and final days.
  • Prayer Ground: Where Gandhi held his evening multi-faith prayer meetings.
  • Library and Archives: Containing books on and by Gandhi, and a collection of his letters and papers (access may be for research purposes).
  • World Peace Gong.
• Best Time to Visit 🕰️:
  • October to March: Ideal, due to pleasant weather in Delhi.
  • Open throughout the year during visiting hours.
  • Current Weather Note (May 31, 2025): Delhi is experiencing peak summer. If visiting now, plan for early morning or late afternoon to avoid extreme heat. The indoor museum offers respite.
• Entry Fee: Free for all visitors. 🪙
• Timings (Subject to change, verify from official website):
  • Gandhi Smriti Complex: Generally 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Closed on Mondays and Gazetted Holidays.
  • Film Showings (on Gandhi’s life): Often at specific times (e.g., 1:00 PM – English, 4:00 PM – Hindi; subject to change).
• Visitor Guidelines 🙏: Maintain silence and solemnity, follow photography rules.
• CONTACT NUMBER(S) 📞, EMAIL 📧 & WEBSITE 🌐:
  • Phone (Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti):
    • +91-11-23012843
    • +91-11-23011480
    • +91-11-23392710 (Director’s office listed on some sources)
  • Fax: +91-11-23011480 (Often same as one of the phone numbers)
  • Email:
    • [email protected]
    • [email protected]
  • Official Website: https://www.gandhismriti.gov.in/ (This is the primary source for information, timings, events, and contact details for Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti).

Delhi’s Solemn Homage: The Profound Gandhi Smriti 🌟 Gandhi Smriti, formerly known as Birla House, located on Tees January Marg in New Delhi, holds a profoundly poignant place in India’s history. It is the sacred ground where Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of peace and non-violence, spent the final 144 days of his life and where he attained martyrdom on January 30, 1948. This stately mansion, once the residence of the Birla family, was acquired by the Government of India and transformed into a national memorial to honor his memory and propagate his timeless teachings. Today, Gandhi Smriti invites visitors to traverse the path of Gandhi’s last walk, reflect in the room where he lived his final days, and engage with his life and philosophy through thoughtful exhibits and the innovative Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum. It stands as a beacon of peace, urging humanity to embrace the values for which Gandhi lived and died.

Essential Visitor & Memorial Information ℹ️

• Full Address: Gandhi Smriti, 5, Tees January Marg, New Delhi – 110011, India.
• How to Reach:
  • By Metro 🚇:
    • Lok Kalyan Marg Metro Station (Violet Line) is one of the closest (approx. 1.5-2 km).
    • Udyog Bhawan Metro Station (Yellow Line) is also relatively nearby (approx. 2-2.5 km).
    • From these stations, an auto-rickshaw or a short cab ride is required.
  • By Bus 🚌: DTC buses serve routes passing near Tees January Marg. Look for buses going towards Chanakyapuri, India Gate, or Claridges Hotel area.
  • By Auto-rickshaw/Cab 🚕: Easily accessible from any part of Delhi.
• Nearest Metro Station: Lok Kalyan Marg Metro Station (Violet Line) or Udyog Bhawan Metro Station (Yellow Line).
• Contact (Refer to “Authentic Contact Numbers, Email & Website” section above for details).

A Hallowed Ground of History & Remembrance: Gandhi Smriti’s Significance 🇮🇳🏛️🕰️

• The Last Days of Mahatma Gandhi ⭐: The rooms where Gandhiji lived are preserved as they were, offering an intimate glimpse into his austere lifestyle, his work, and his final moments. His meager possessions – spectacles, walking stick, spinning wheel (charkha), and a mattress on the floor – speak volumes of his simplicity.
• Site of Martyrdom (January 30, 1948) ⭐: The most sacred spot is the Martyr’s Column (Shaheed Smarak) in the garden, marking the exact place where Nathuram Godse assassinated Gandhiji while he was on his way to his evening prayer meeting. Concrete footsteps trace his final walk.
• Transformation from Birla House to a National Memorial: The Birla family patriarch, Ghanshyam Das Birla, was a close associate of Gandhi. The house was acquired by the government in 1971 and opened to the public as Gandhi Smriti on August 15, 1973.
• Message of Peace and Non-Violence: The entire complex serves as a center for propagating Gandhi’s message of truth, non-violence, communal harmony, and selfless service.

Journey Through Gandhi’s Final Days: What to See & Experience 🙏🏼🚶‍♀️🖼️

• Visiting Gandhi’s Room and Personal Belongings ⭐: Experience the simplicity and sanctity of the room where Mahatma Gandhi spent his last 144 days.
• Paying Respects at the Martyr’s Column (Shaheed Smarak) ⭐: A deeply moving experience to stand at the spot where he fell, marked by a simple stone pillar and an eternal flame (if present, though the pillar is the main marker).
• Exploring the Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum ⭐: Located upstairs, this state-of-the-art digital museum offers an interactive and engaging way to learn about Gandhi’s life, philosophy, and major events through touch screens, videos, audio clips, and other multimedia exhibits. It’s particularly engaging for younger audiences.
• Photo Galleries & Exhibits: Extensive galleries display photographs, documents, newspaper clippings, and personal artifacts related to Mahatma Gandhi’s life, his role in the freedom struggle, and his final days.
• The Library and Archives: A rich resource for researchers and scholars, housing books by and on Gandhi, periodicals, and archival materials (access to archives may require prior permission).
• Attending Prayer Meetings: Evening prayer meetings (Sarva Dharma Prarthana) are sometimes held at the prayer ground where Gandhi used to conduct them. Check the official website for timings and public accessibility.
• World Peace Gong: A symbol of peace and harmony installed on the premises.
• Bookshop: Selling Gandhian literature, books, and related souvenirs.

Visitor Etiquette & Guidelines 🙏🏼🕊️

• Maintain Solemnity and Respect ⭐: Gandhi Smriti is a place of deep historical significance and reverence. Visitors are expected to maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor.
• Dress Modestly: Appropriate, respectful attire is advised.
• Photography Policies: Photography for personal, non-commercial use is generally permitted in outdoor areas and some galleries, usually without flash. Always check for specific signage or ask staff, especially in sensitive areas like Gandhi’s room or near the Martyr’s Column.
• Silence in Designated Areas: Observe silence, especially in Gandhi’s room, the prayer ground, and museum galleries.
• No Food or Drinks: Consumption of food and beverages is not allowed inside the buildings or exhibition areas.
• Follow Instructions: Adhere to the guidance provided by the staff and security personnel.
• Footwear: You may be required to remove footwear before entering certain areas, such as Gandhi’s preserved room.

Insider Tips for Your Visit 💡

• Allocate Sufficient Time: Plan for at least 2-3 hours to thoughtfully explore the entire complex, including the preserved rooms, the Martyr’s Column, the photo galleries, and the Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum.
• Visit the Multimedia Museum: Don’t miss the Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum, as it offers a very engaging and modern way to understand Gandhi’s life and teachings.
• Check Prayer Meeting Timings: If you wish to experience the serenity of the prayer meeting (if open to the public), check the schedule on the official website.
• Read About Gandhi’s Last Days: Familiarizing yourself with the historical context of Gandhi’s final days and his assassination will make the visit more poignant and meaningful.
• Guided Tours: Inquire about the availability of guided tours or audio guides for a more structured experience.

Why Gandhi Smriti is a Poignant & Essential Delhi Landmark ✨❤️

• Direct & Powerful Connection to Mahatma Gandhi’s Martyrdom: It is the actual place where one of the most significant events in modern Indian history occurred.
• A Place for Reflection & Introspection: Offers a serene and contemplative atmosphere to reflect on Gandhi’s life, his profound teachings of peace and non-violence, and his ultimate sacrifice.
• Rich Educational Resource: The museum and galleries provide comprehensive insights into Gandhian philosophy, his role in India’s independence, and his relevance in today’s world.
• Inspires Values: Serves as a constant reminder of the values of truth, simplicity, selflessness, and courage.
• Centrally Located & Accessible: Easy to reach within New Delhi.

Delhi’s Solemn Homage to the Mahatma: Where His Earthly Journey Concluded and His Legacy Eternally Resides 🇮🇳🙏🏼🕊️ Gandhi Smriti is not just a museum but a sacred space that allows visitors to connect with the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi, making it an indispensable stop for anyone visiting Delhi.

Planning Your Visit to Gandhi Smriti 🗺️

• Best For: Everyone – history enthusiasts, students of Indian history and Gandhian philosophy, peace seekers, followers of Gandhi, families, tourists (both domestic and international).
• Time Allocation: A minimum of 2-3 hours is recommended for a meaningful visit.
• What to Expect: A serene, well-maintained, and historically charged memorial complex. It includes the preserved sections of Birla House where Gandhi stayed, the poignant Martyr’s Column, informative traditional museum galleries, and an engaging modern multimedia museum. The atmosphere is solemn and reflective.
• Facilities:
  • Museum galleries (traditional and multimedia).
  • Preserved historical rooms.
  • Martyr’s Column and prayer ground.
  • Library and archives.
  • Bookshop selling Gandhian literature and souvenirs.
  • Drinking water facilities.
  • Clean restrooms.
  • Cloakroom (may be available for depositing bags).
  • Wheelchair accessibility in many parts.
  • Parking space is usually available.
• Film Screenings: Often, documentary films on Mahatma Gandhi are screened at scheduled times (check website for details).