Paying Homage To Our Beloved Bapu, Take A Stroll Through Mahatma Gandhi Park

Located on Church Mission Road, Mahatma Gandhi Park is yet another tribute to the Father of the Nation, and although the park is small in size, its historical significance is immeasurable. Functional since the British era, the park provides a serene atmosphere to relax & break away from the fast-paced lifestyle. Conveniently situated on the main road, the park provides a green backdrop for the otherwise congested area near the Old Delhi Railway Station. 

Inside The Park

As you enter the park, a notification board detailing the desire to keep the park clean welcomes you. Compared to other gardens, the Gandhi Park has been rather well maintained. The pathway lined with trees & bushes on both sides lead to a corner housing a statue of the freedom fighter. Built in bronze, the statue stands tall on a tower-shaped pedestal. The high concrete tower bears the ‘Ashoka Chakra’, the 24-spoke wheel as found on the Indian National Flag. 

The Inscriptions & Sculpture

The tower-shaped platform has the word ‘Gandhi’ & ‘Father of the Nation’ inscribed in Hindi - the national language. The inscription in Hindi is further followed by the most spoken languages of India. This is symbolic of Gandhi’s support of the downtrodden and his fight for equality of all irrespective of caste, creed & religion. The inscriptions are further followed by the figure of a spinning wheel popularized by the Mahatma to put an end to the production and use of foreign goods and assist the poor to self-sustain themselves. 

The sculpture follows the most renowned pose of Gandhi, draped in a dhoti (loin cloth) and the upper body covered with a simple shawl; wearing circular-framed spectacles and clasping a stick in one hand. The sculpture has been done up realistically; complete with wrinkles on the clothes, the drape of the shawl and the movement of the hands and feet. The statue has been encircled with palm trees and trimmed bushes planted at equal intervals and the traditional-style lamp posts & white iron fence border the sculpture. 

Sample Old Delhi’s Delights Nearby

The park is situated at walking distance from Chandni Chowk. If you’re a foodie, a visit to the park must be followed up by a jaunt to the congested lanes of Chandni Chowk. You cannot miss the Pani Puri at Navrang Snacks. Further in the market, the roadside food stalls prepare crispy bread pakoras & sumptuous papdi chaat. Paranthe Wali Gali is another major stop with a glass full of lassi (buttermilk) to wash it all down with.

The Mahatma Gandhi Park is reachable by bus, auto rickshaw; prepaid & postpaid taxis or the metro. The nearest metro station is Chandni Chowk. After descending at the station you can either choose to take a cycle rickshaw to reach the park or walk down the stretch. 

Admission to the park is free & open to all, and the park begs to be explored - come drop by when you have some time to kill!