Gandhi Bhawan Beleghata

AS INDIA BECAME FREE: ‘Hydari Mansion' at Beliaghata in Kolkata is where Mahatma Gandhi spent the first day of India's Independence in 1947 by fasting, spinning and in prayer. The deeply disturbed leader postponed his visit to Noakhali and stayed back in riot-affected Calcutta to restore peace. Gandhi moved to the house on August 12 from Sodepur Ashram and started fasting on September 1 when violence erupted in many parts of the city. He broke his fast only after assurances from leaders of all communities on September 4. The belongings he used during his stay are kept in a museum here, along with several pictures taken at the time.