Aug. 26--Mahatma Gandhi's first home in the city of Ahmedabad has been opened as a guesthouse. You now can stay in his famous Kochrab ashram, sleep where he slept, walked where he walked, pray where he prayed and eat what he ate -- for only $20 night, including breakfast.
That is, provided you renounce violence and materialism. And keep chaste (not sure how they verify that).
And follow in his sandal steps as an ethical traveler. And follow his example of responsible travel. Gandhi had a very low ecological footprint.
Ahmedabad, in the west Indian state of Gujarat, was the center of India's textile industry. It also is known for its Jain temples ("derasars"), ancient stepwells, Indo-Saracenic architecture, the 17-century palace of Shahibaug, the Bhadrakali Mandir fort and the shaking minarets of Sidi Bashir Mosque. When one minaret is shaken, the other rocks in sympathy. Supposedly.
But Ahmedabad, an hour's flight (about $200) from Mumbai, is most famous for being the city from which Gandhi launched his civil disobedience movement in 1930.
Tourists can sample the lifestyle of India's famously ascetic independence leader and Hindu hard-liner at the 22-guest Kochrab ashram. Guests stay in Gandhi's former spinning workshops and can try their hand on a period charkha, or spinning wheel. You are required to wear khadi, or hand-woven cloth. The early morning devotional songs are optional.
You also can do charity work both within the city slums and in the outlying villages. But you must adhere to Gandhi's 11 vows, and days start at 6 a.m.
"The objective of our program is to allow people to experience a sustainable lifestyle, to enjoy the simplicity of Gandhi and experience the virtue of his Great Soul," said Nischal Barot, the Maroon Migrates travel agent behind the unique Live Gandhi for a While initiative.
"We won't turn people into great souls, he said. "But the experience might transform perceptions toward life, society and natural resources. It also might help tourists find peace and satisfaction within. It's an inspiring place. We don't expect guests to renounce materialism totally, but perhaps they may become better ... servants of society."
The ashram is managed by Ahmedabad's Gujarat Vidyapith University, which Gandhi founded in 1920 to "liberate the Indian youths from the shackles of British colonial rule."
"Gandhi epitomized eco-friendly, sustainable lifestyle. He used local transport, had home stays and consumed per his need. Without waste. He was the prophet of ethical travel."
For further information, visit www.maroonmigrates.com.
Kevin Pilley is a freelance reporter.
