Overview
Sabarmati: The pious heritage of Mahatma Gandhi
One of the laurels of Gujarat, Sabarmati is a peaceful settlement embroidered by river Sabarmati. Gandhi Ashram is the most spiritual hotspot here. It epitomizes the great life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the Father of India.
This ashram is located between a crematorium and a jail. Mahatma Gandhi believed that any non-violent rebel would eventually go either to jail or the crematorium at least once in his life. The saga of the Indian freedom struggle was indeed mushroomed with such unfortunate episodes.
The ashram served as Mahatma Gandhi's home from 1917 to 1930. It was an epicentre for the popular Dandi March in 1930, led by Gandhi against the salt tax imposed by the British. He vowed not to return to the ashram until India attained its freedom. After the death of Mahatma Gandhi, some of his ashes were immersed in the Sabarmati river flowing in front of the ashram.
Following are the main attractions of Sabarmati:
The Museum: The historical events of Mahatma Gandhi are reflected through eight majestic paintings and 250 photo enlargements. Most of these events belong to the period from 1915 to 1930. Inspiring quotations, letters, and other souvenirs of Gandhi's life are also included.
Magan Niwas: It is named after Maganlal Gandhi, who was described by Mahatma Gandhi as the soul of the ashram. He introduced upgraded designs of the spinning wheel, locally called the Charkha, in the ashram.
Upasana Mandir: Gandhi considered prayer as the ultimate food for the soul. He, along with the ashram inhabitants, offered prayers daily at this site. They listened to hymns and at times read from the Gita, the holy book of Hindus.
Hriday Kunj:
This site is of historical importance as Gandhi stayed here along with his wife,
Kasturba. This small house is considered a national monument and is
carefully preserved at the ashram. Like the heart of the body, this place
keeps the entire ashram alive.
Vinoba Kutir: Named after Vinoba Bhave, the spiritual successor of Mahatma Gandhi, it is the place where Vinoba Bhave stayed for some time. The site is also called Mira Kutir, named after Madeleine, the daughter of British Admiral Sir Edmund Slade. Later, she was renamed Mirabehn by Gandhi.
Library: This library has over 35,000 books and 155 letters of felicitation received by Mahatma Gandhi, besides miscellaneous records such as coins and postal stamps. There are also 4,500 books from Mahadevbhai's personal collection and books on Gandhian ideologies.
Shopping In Sabarmati: You can buy books on Gandhi and Khadi fabric from the local shops. You can also check out the “Mahadevbhani Diary”, based on the history of the Indian freedom struggle, published by the Gandhi Ashram.
Excursions from Sabarmati: Visitors can also travel to places like Sidi Sayed Mosque (6 km) and Kankaria Lake (9 km).
When to reach:
The best time to visit Sabarmati is between October and March due
to the pleasant weather conditions. The Kite Festival (January) is
also a sought-after time to enjoy the Sabarmati trip.
How to reach:
Air: Ahmedabad Airport is the closest airport to Sabarmati,
receiving flights from Delhi and Mumbai. There are also direct flights
linking Ahmedabad to Dubai, UK, USA and Singapore.
Rail: Sabarmati Railway Station links Sabarmati to major Indian
cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Pune.
Road: Several bus services operate from Ahmedabad and other parts
of Gujarat to Sabarmati.
