In commemoration of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on 2nd October 2019, India has planned a string of events over the course of next two years. The whole country is expected to come together from different corners to remember one of its most legendary freedom fighters and peace icons, but the colour of festivities will be unmatched in Gujarat, the birthplace of the Mahatma. If an India holiday is on cards for you in 2019; make sure you stop by at the following places in Gujarat to follow the footprints of Mahatma Gandhi:

Explore-Gujarat-on-Gandhi-Trail
Image Credits: Maulik Joshi

Porbandar

The birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, Porbandar attracts tonnes of tourists including research scholars, novelists and educators fascinated by the Indian icon. You can start your exploration by visiting the Kirti Temple, a 3-storied memorial built adjacent to the house where Gandhi was born and spent early years of his life.    Other than the life-size posters capturing prominent life-moments, look for the Swastika marking the exact place of birth of the Mahatma. Some of the other attractions worth visiting in the city include the Porbandar Bird Sanctuary, preserving over 150 species of birds, Jambuvan Caves, the resting place of warrior Jambuvan of the Hindu epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Rajkot

Surrounded by acres of fields of cotton, Rajkot is where Mahatma Gandhi’s family moved to when he was only seven years old. Head to the famous Khadi Plaza, where hand-woven clothing is sold on the Gandhian principal of ‘Swadeshi’ (of one’s own land). You must also stop by the late 19th‑century courtyard house in the old market area where Gandhi lived with his family. Now a museum, it hosts a largely unseen photo of Gandhi on his death bed. Located in close proximity to Rajkot, one must also visit the nearby town of Gondal where the title of Mahatma was first bestowed on Gandhi.

Sabarmati

The main stop on your Sabarmati visit will the Sabarmati Ashram, established on the banks of eponymous river by Mahatma Gandhi himself. The ashram preserves rare pictures, beautiful paintings, personal letters and precious Gandhian literature in the small museum that it houses. You will also have access to Hridaykunj – Gandhiji’s sparse living quarters. The ashram has been declared a national monument as this was the site from where Gandhi led the famous Dandi March, a cornerstone of the Indian freedom struggle. There are a number of temples in the scenic Sabarmati that one can also check out, including Tapsowi Maharaj Temple and Khodiyar Temple.

Bhavnagar

Continue your pursuit of Gandhi at Bhavnagar, a city where he went to college. Visit the famous Gandhi Smriti, commemorating the life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. There are a number of photographs and mementos in this museum that illuminate his life and struggles. The major attraction here is the pistol used by his assassin to kill him. Beyond the Gandhi Museum, Bhavnagar has ample tourist trappings including Shree Takhteshwar Temple and the Bortalav Lake.

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