This Saturday, I had the opportunity to visit the newly built Bapu Tower in Patna with my friends, and it turned out to be one of the most enriching experiences I’ve had in a long time. As a native of East Champaran, the place instantly struck a chord with me. It reminded me of the historic Champaran Satyagraha of 1917, Gandhi’s first movement in India, which began in my very own homeland and changed the course of our freedom struggle. Standing at Bapu Tower, I couldn’t help but feel proud of Bihar’s contribution to the nation.
A Monumental Tribute to Bapu
Located in Gardanibagh, Patna, the 120-feet-high, six-storey Bapu Tower is the first of its kind in India dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. It was envisioned by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and built as a monumental tribute to the Father of the Nation. Far beyond being just an architectural marvel, the tower is designed as a centre of learning and reflection, where Gandhi’s life, struggles, and teachings are brought to life in an engaging way.
One of the highlights of our visit was the turntable theatre show on the ground floor. Here, Gandhi’s biography unfolds in a truly immersive way, making history come alive for visitors. The structure’s design – combining circular and rectangular buildings – allows you to walk through a seamless narrative of Gandhi’s journey.
Inside the Tower
The exhibitions inside left us amazed. At a cost of nearly ₹45 crore, the galleries display sculptures and artefacts meticulously crafted in Ahmedabad. Each piece tells a story, not just of Gandhi, but also of Bihar’s pivotal role in the freedom struggle. For history lovers and students, this is no less than a treasure trove.
The outer look of the tower is equally stunning. Its copper-clad exterior, weighing 42,000 kg, changes into rainbow-like colours due to natural reactions with oxygen and nitrogen. Standing before it with my friends, we couldn’t resist taking dozens of photos! What impressed us further was how the construction embraced green technology, making the tower an eco-friendly landmark.
A Space for Reflection and Pride
Spread across seven acres, the tower includes galleries, research centres, lounges, and administrative spaces. Built at a cost of ₹129 crore, it’s more than just a monument — it’s a cultural and educational hub designed for children, students, researchers, and visitors from across the country.
For me personally, the visit was special. As we explored the tower, my mind kept going back to the Champaran Satyagraha, when Gandhi inspired simple farmers of my district to stand up against injustice. That spirit of courage and non-violence is what the Bapu Tower embodies today.
Final Thoughts
Our trip ended with laughter, snacks from nearby stalls, and plenty of group selfies. But beyond the fun, we walked away with a deep sense of connection to our roots. If you ever come to Patna, don’t miss the chance to visit Bapu Tower. It’s not just a sightseeing spot — it’s a journey through history, a tribute to Gandhi, and a reminder of Bihar’s...
Read moreBapu Tower, Patna – A Landmark Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi
📍 Location & Structure
Situated in Gardanibagh, Patna, this iconic tower stands 120 ft tall with 6 floors, on a sprawling 7‑acre campus .
It comprises two interconnected buildings: a circular six-storey and a rectangular five‑storey structure, linked by ramps and four elevators .
🎨 Architecture & Design
The standout feature is its copper-clad exterior—approx. 35–42 tonnes—which, through natural oxidation, transforms into captivating rainbow hues over time .
Green-tech construction underscores sustainability efforts .
🕰️ History & Investment
Announced on 2 October 2018 (Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary) by CM Nitish Kumar, with phased delays before its inauguration on 2 October 2024 .
Total cost: approx. ₹129 crore (₹85 cr civil works + ₹45 cr exhibits) .
🧭 What to Explore Inside
Ground Floor: 60‑seat turntable/360° theatre presenting an interactive 8‑minute film on Gandhi’s life .
Floors 1–5: Themed exhibitions highlight major episodes — Champaran Satyagraha, Salt March, South Africa expulsion, Quit India movement, as well as his childhood and personal journey .
Features include murals, cut-outs, mannequins, digital touchscreens, audiovisuals, and research-centre lounges, catering to students, senior citizens, and differently-abled visitors .
Also hosts a 160‑seat auditorium, museum, gallery space, cafeteria, gift-shop, and multi-purpose halls .
🎟️ Tickets & Accessibility
Visitor Type Fee Remarks
Adults (12 yrs) ₹50 Slots from 10:30 am–4pm; closed Mondays Children (5–12 yrs) ₹10 — Students, elderly (70+), differently-abled, group visitors 25 Free Slot booking recommended
Onsite parking available: ~50 cars, 150 two-wheelers, 6 buses .
Accessibility includes ramps and wheelchairs, ensuring an inclusive experience .
👥 Public & Community Reception
In the first six months after opening, over 52,000 visitors explored the tower; June 2025 alone saw 14,610 attendees .
A Reddit user noted:
“It looks really beautiful from the outside… Reality does not look bad” — echoing local pride and appreciation.
🌟 Final Take
Bapu Tower has quickly become a cultural and educational hotspot—marrying modern design with rich historical storytelling. Its immersive galleries, cinematic experiences, and inspirational narrative make it a must-visit for families, students, researchers, and tourists interested in Gandhi’s legacy and Bihar’s role in India’s freedom struggle.
✅ Tips for Visitors
Book slots early, especially on weekends.
Reserve tickets online or at the counter (Tue–Sun, 10:30 am–4pm).
Weekdays or early mornings offer a serene visit with fewer crowds.
The nighttime lighting beautifully highlights the copper facade—ideal for photographs.
🎯 Verdict
A thoughtfully curated, visually stunning tribute to “Bapu”, Bapu Tower is not just a memorial—it’s a living, learning space that honours Gandhi’s ideals in the...
Read moreBapu Tower : A Monumental Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi in Patna, Bihar. In the heart of Patna, Bihar, a new landmark has emerged as a monumental tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, fondly known as the Father of the Nation. The Bapu Tower, located in Gardanibagh, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. This tower, the first of its kind in the country dedicated to Gandhi, has been completed, marking a significant milestone in the architectural and cultural landscape of Bihar.
The Bapu Tower, towering at a height of 120 feet and comprising six stories, is the realization of a dream project envisioned by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The tower is not just an architectural marvel but also a hub for learning and reflection on Gandhi’s life and contributions to India’s freedom struggle and his universal principles of peace, non-violence, and harmony.
The Bapu Tower offers visitors a unique experience with its turntable theatre show on the ground floor, where Gandhi’s biography comes to life. The structure, designed to facilitate an immersive journey through Gandhi’s history, includes both circular and rectangular buildings that guide tourists through an engaging narrative of Bapu’s life and legacy.
An exhibition relating to the history of Gandhiji and Bihar, organized within the tower, has been set up at a cost of about Rs 45 crore. It features sculptures and artefacts that have been meticulously crafted in a factory in Ahmedabad, adding depth and authenticity to the visitor experience.
A striking feature of the Bapu Tower is its exterior copper layer, weighing 42 thousand kg, which adorns the circular building’s outer wall. This copper facade undergoes a beautiful transformation into rainbow colours due to the reaction of oxygen and nitrogen, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the tower. Additionally, the tower’s construction has embraced green technology, reflecting high standards of environmental management and sustainable development.
The construction of the Bapu Tower, which began on October 2, 2018, has seen several extensions from its initial completion target. Finally completed, the tower is set to be inaugurated on February 4, 2024, serving as a beacon of Gandhian principles and a source of inspiration for future generations.
The construction cost of the Bapu Tower is Rs 129 crore, a significant investment in preserving and promoting the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. The tower, spread over seven acres, includes various galleries, research centres, lounges for distinguished guests, and administrative offices, making it a comprehensive educational and cultural hub.
Bapu Tower is poised to become a vital resource for children, students, researchers, and anyone interested in Gandhi’s principles. With its extensive exhibition of historical events, Gandhi’s thoughts, and his profound connection with Bihar, the tower offers an enlightening experience that goes beyond...
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