Gandhi Maidan
Historical Significance in the Freedom Struggle: Gandhi Maidan, formerly known as Patna Lawns or Bankipore Maidan during the British Raj, is a site of immense historical importance. It served as the launchpad and central venue for many pivotal movements during India's struggle for independence, most notably the Champaran Satyagraha and the Quit India Movement in Bihar. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Jayaprakash Narayan addressed massive rallies here, making the ground synonymous with the national movement and political awakening in the region. The World's Tallest Gandhi Statue: Dominating the ground is the colossal 72-foot-tall bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi, unveiled in 2014. This statue is the world's tallest of Mahatma Gandhi in a standing posture, making it a powerful modern landmark and a major draw for tourists. The figure is depicted with two children, symbolizing his ideals of peace and non-violence being passed to future generations. Function as a Central Public Space: Spanning over 60 acres, the ground functions as the premier public space in Patna. It is used for large-scale events, including the grand annual flag-raising ceremonies on Independence Day and Republic Day, significant political rallies, large religious ceremonies (like Eid and Dussehra prayers), and major trade fairs and exhibitions, such as the renowned Patna Book Fair. It is the city's lungs, recreation spot, and democratic arena all rolled into one. Modern Development and Recreation: In recent years, the Maidan has undergone significant beautification and infrastructural improvements, including walking tracks, improved lighting, and enhanced security, transforming it into a vital recreational hub for morning walkers, joggers, and evening strollers. The green expanse provides a necessary environmental balance amidst the densely built city. (Approx 400 words)
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1-2 hours for a walk/visit; up to 4 hours for a fair/eventPlace Type:
Historical Site, Public Park, Event VenueEntry Fees:
No General Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to access Gandhi Maidan for general public use, such as walking, jogging, or relaxing. It is a fundamental public space and its access is free for all citizens.
Fees for Events and Fairs: During l...No General Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to access Gandhi Maidan for general public use, such as walking, jogging, or relaxing. It is a fundamental public space and its access is free for all citizens.
Fees for Events and Fairs: During large commercial events, like the Trade Fair or a major concert, a nominal entry fee (typically between Rs.10 and Rs.50 per person) is charged by the event organizers for crowd control and to cover the event's logistics and security costs. The popular Patna Book Fair usually has a small ticket price, often Rs.10 per person.
Parking Fees: There is usually a nominal fee for parking vehicles, particularly two-wheelers and cars, in the designated parking areas around the perimeter of the Maidan or on the surrounding roads. This fee is typically around Rs.20 to Rs.50 for a few hours.
Commercial/Photography Permits: As with most public spaces, any professional or commercial use of the Maidan, such as setting up a commercial stall outside of a designated fair or large-scale video/photo shoots, requires a formal permit from the Patna Municipal Corporation, which will incur a significant, non-standardized fee. (Approx )Timing:
Regular Public Timings: Gandhi Maidan is open to the public from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily for walking, jogging, and general recreation. Gates are secured overnight. During major events like the Book Fair or Dussehra, the opening hours are extended, typically until 9:00 PM ...Regular Public Timings: Gandhi Maidan is open to the public from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily for walking, jogging, and general recreation. Gates are secured overnight. During major events like the Book Fair or Dussehra, the opening hours are extended, typically until 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM to accommodate the event schedule.
Ideal Visit Time for Recreation: The best time for recreation is the Early Morning (5:00 AM to 7:00 AM) when the air is fresh and the tracks are busy with walkers and joggers. The Evening (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM) is also pleasant, offering a good spot for a relaxed stroll and enjoying the cool breeze.
Ideal Visit Time for Events: For attending fairs and events, the ideal time is the Late Afternoon (4:00 PM onwards) to avoid the midday sun and enjoy the atmosphere as the lights come on, which is also generally the busiest time for vendors and activities.
Ideal Visit Time for Historical Context: A visit during the week in the Late Morning (10:00 AM to 12:00 PM) allows for a quieter visit to the statue and the Gandhi Sangrahalaya nearby, giving you space for reflection without the huge evening crowd. (Approx )Special Events:
Independence Day & Republic Day Parades: The most significant annual special events are the state-level official parades and flag-hoisting ceremonies held on August 15th and January 26th. These events draw massive crowds, require high security, and feature cultural tableaux...Independence Day & Republic Day Parades: The most significant annual special events are the state-level official parades and flag-hoisting ceremonies held on August 15th and January 26th. These events draw massive crowds, require high security, and feature cultural tableaux and police/military marching, showcasing the state's civic pride and official protocol.
The Patna Book Fair: Held usually in November or December, the book fair is a major fortnight-long cultural and literary event that transforms the ground into a massive exhibition space for publishers from across India. It features book launches, author interactions, and literary seminars, making it a key intellectual event for the state.
Dussehra and Ravan Vadh: The Maidan is the traditional venue for the grand finale of the Dussehra festival, where a massive effigy of Ravana (and often his brother and son) is burned (Ravan Vadh). This spectacle draws the year's largest crowd, often exceeding several hundred thousand people, and is a spectacular display of firecrackers and cultural celebration in October/November.
Large Political Rallies: As the premier political rally ground in Bihar, the Maidan frequently hosts major rallies by national and regional political parties, especially during election years. These gatherings are significant events that shape the political discourse of the state. (Approx )Best Photo Spots:
The Gandhi Statue Base: The area directly around the 72-foot Gandhi statue's pedestal offers excellent angles for wide-angle shots that emphasize the statue's immense scale against the backdrop of the open sky. Late afternoon light is best for modeling the figure's bronze t...The Gandhi Statue Base: The area directly around the 72-foot Gandhi statue's pedestal offers excellent angles for wide-angle shots that emphasize the statue's immense scale against the backdrop of the open sky. Late afternoon light is best for modeling the figure's bronze texture.
The East Side for Sunset: The eastern side of the Maidan provides the perfect vantage point for capturing the sunset. You can frame the silhouettes of the Golghar and the old British-era buildings against the setting sun, capturing the blend of history and nature.
During the Patna Book Fair: The colorful and busy stalls of the Book Fair offer vibrant, dynamic photo opportunities for street and event photography, capturing the energy of the crowd and the intellectual life of the city.
The Flag Post Area: The large national flag and the central parade ground are ideal for a patriotic shot, particularly on a clear day with the flag billowing. This area is also good for capturing the scale of the open ground.
The View from a Nearby High-Rise: Securing a photo from the upper floors of a commercial building or hotel facing the Maidan (like the PNB building or the Biscomaun Tower if accessible) offers a stunning aerial perspective of the entire 60-acre layout, especially when it is full of people during a fair or rally. (Approx )Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Morning Walk or Jog: Take advantage of the dedicated walking and jogging tracks that circle the 60-acre perimeter. The early morning (5:00 AM to 7:00 AM) is the best time for this, offering cool air and a peaceful start to the day. Join the locals in their exercise routines. There are often informal exercise and yoga groups that welcome drop-in participants for a genuine local fitness experience. The vast open space is perfect for a brisk walk or a relaxed stroll with friends and family.
Viewing the World's Tallest Gandhi Statue: Spend time admiring the colossal 72-foot-tall bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Walk around the pedestal to appreciate the scale and the details of the sculpture, which depicts Gandhi guiding two children. It is a powerful photo opportunity. Take a moment to read the inscriptions around the base, w...
Information
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Why Famous:
Centre of Political History: Gandhi Maidan is most famous for being the nerve centre of political activity in Bihar for over a century. It witnessed landmark speeches by national icons, served as the principal location for the Champaran Satyagraha celebrations, and hosted t...Centre of Political History: Gandhi Maidan is most famous for being the nerve centre of political activity in Bihar for over a century. It witnessed landmark speeches by national icons, served as the principal location for the Champaran Satyagraha celebrations, and hosted the final address of Mahatma Gandhi in Patna in 1947. The ground's history is essentially the political history of the state, lending it an unparalleled fame among locals and historians.
Home of the World's Tallest Gandhi Statue: The 72-foot statue of Mahatma Gandhi is a modern claim to fame, attracting visitors specifically because of its massive size and status as the world's tallest of the leader. It has become a new, definitive icon for Patna and a point of state pride.
Venue for Major State Events: It is the traditional and mandatory venue for the grandest state-level celebrations, including the official Independence Day and Republic Day parades, which are major media and public events. The consistent use of the space for these high-profile national functions reinforces its importance and fame.
Host of the Patna Book Fair: The Maidan is also culturally famous as the long-standing host of the annual Patna Book Fair (typically in November/December), one of the largest and most well-regarded book fairs in eastern India. This event transforms the political ground into a literary and educational hub, drawing intellectuals, students, and book lovers from across the region and giving it a distinct cultural renown. (Approx ) -
Architecture:
Vast Open-Air Arena Design: The architecture of Gandhi Maidan is defined by its massive, essentially rectangular, open-air design, covering about 60 acres (approximately 24 hectares). The primary 'architecture' is the deliberate use of space itself. This design facilitated...Vast Open-Air Arena Design: The architecture of Gandhi Maidan is defined by its massive, essentially rectangular, open-air design, covering about 60 acres (approximately 24 hectares). The primary 'architecture' is the deliberate use of space itself. This design facilitated its historic role as a rallying ground capable of accommodating hundreds of thousands of people, an essential function during the freedom struggle.
The Mahatma Gandhi Statue: The most prominent piece of built architecture is the world's tallest bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi. The statue itself is 72 feet (about 22 meters) high and stands on a granite pedestal. The design is modern, robust, and commanding, aimed at making a powerful visual statement. The sheer scale is its most impressive architectural feature, ensuring it is visible from a great distance.
Peripheral Structures and Tracks: The ground is typically enclosed by a strong boundary wall or fencing and features peripheral elements like wide walking and jogging tracks constructed of paved materials. There are multiple, strategically placed entry and exit gates. Small, functional architectural additions include lighting towers (for night events), public seating areas, and restroom blocks, all designed for high-capacity public use.
Dimensions and Geometry: The shape is roughly an elongated rectangle. With an area of 60 acres, its dimensions are approximately 600 meters by 400 meters. This large, flat geometry makes it ideal for hosting everything from cricket matches to massive political gatherings. The surrounding area, particularly the Ashok Rajpath side, is characterized by historical British-era buildings, providing a colonial architectural context that contrasts with the simple, utilitarian open design of the Maidan itself. The ground's simplicity is intentional, serving as a blank canvas for democratic expression and civic events. (Approx ) -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (PAT), about 7 KM away. Taxis and app-based cabs are easily available. The ride takes about 20-30 minutes.
By Train: Patna Junction (PNBE) is the closest major statio... -
Near Tourist Places:
1.
Gandhi Sangrahalaya: 0. 1 KM (North-West corner of the Maidan). 2.
Golghar: 1 KM (West of the Maidan). 3. Patna Museum (Jadu Ghar) 3 KM (South-West). 4.
Srikrishna Science Centre: 3 KM (South). 5. Jalan Museum (Qila House) 7 KM (East, near Patna Sahib). 6.
Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library: 2 KM (North, towards Ashok Rajpath). 7.
Buddha Smriti Park: 1. 5 KM (South, near Patna Junction). 8.
Mahavir Mandir: 1. 5 KM (Near Patna Junction). 9. Ganga Riverfront (Promenade access point) 3 KM (North). 10.
Patna Junction Railway Station: 1. 5 KM.
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety:
Traffic Caution: The roads surrounding the Maidan are extremely busy. Exercise caution while crossing, especially on Ashok Rajpath.
Crowd Awareness: Be highly aware of pickpockets during lar...
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