Gandhiji Ashram (Dewan Mahatma Gandhi)

Gandhiji Ashram, also known as Dewan Mahatma Gandhi (1 June 2014)


The Gandhiji Ashram, also known as Dewan Mahatma Gandhi, is a civic hall at 674 Jalan Kebun Bunga, George Town, Penang. It belongs to the Hindu Mahajana Sangam, an association of waterfront coolies formed in 1935. It was built as a madayalam, also called madam, which is a religious retreat for use during celebrations such as the Thaipusam and Chitrapournami festivals.

The Gandhiji Ashram is located adjacent to the Arulmigu Sree Ganeshar Temple, at the foot of the Balathandayuthapani Temple, where the annual Thaipusam celebrations are held. This association looks after the Indian labourers' welfare and takes the form of a labour union. The Dewan Mahatma Gandhi was so named in 1948 after Gandhi's assassination.

Gandhiji Ashram during the unveiling of the Gandhi statue (5 October 2008)


Dewan Mahatma Gandhi is used as a religious retreat. The also provides shelter to estate workers who come to Penang during the festivals.

Dewan Mahatma Gandhi is on the Map of Jalan Kebun Bunga, Penang

Nearby Sights

The following are other sights within the vicinity of Gandhiji Ashram which you may also consider exploring. The sights are arranged according to their sequence as you enter Jalan Kebun Bunga.


Statue of Mahatma Gandhi (5 October 2008)


Close up of Gandhi statue (5 October 2008)

Updates on Dewan Mahatma Gandhi

August, 2013: A exhibit of rare photographs of Mahatma Gandhi will be open to the public from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, inclusive public holidays and Sundays. Groups interested to pay a visit are requested to make arrangements by contacting the Hindu Mahajana Sangam at 016 415 7990.

5 October, 2008: A ceremony was held at the Gandhiji Ashram to unveil a statue of Mahatma Gandhi. The ceremony was also to celebrate United Nation's International Day against violence and to commemorate the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. I was told afterwards by the ashram that the statue is actually made life size.

Gandhiji Ashram (3 January 2005)


Gandhiji Ashram during the unveiling of the Gandhi statue (5 October 2008)


16 November 2012: The Gandhiji Ashram is undergoing renovation. Work is expected to be completed before end December so that activities and classes can resume in January 2013.

Renovation in progress at the Gandhiji Ashram
Author: © M. Nelamegam (16 November 2012)

Front façade of the Gandhiji Ashram during renovation
Author: © M. Nelamegam (16 November 2012)

Ongoing renovation at Gandhiji Ashram
Author: © M. Nelamegam (16 November 2012)

View of renovation work at Gandhiji Ashram
Author: © M. Nelamegam (16 November 2012)

A new roof in place at Gandhiji Ashram
Author: © M. Nelamegam (16 November 2012)

Tiles for the renovation of Gandhiji Ashram
Author: © M. Nelamegam (16 November 2012)

10 July 2012: Rare period photographs are being put on public display every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Gandhiji Ashram. These photographs were presented to the Hindu Mahajana Sangam by the Indian Cultural Centre, Indian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur. The Hindu Mahajana Sangam welcomes the general public to visit and view these photographs. The following is a selection of shots from the Hindu Mahajana Sangam.

Indian coolies resting on a pull cart
© Dr Ooi Cheng Ghee courtesy of the Hindu Mahajana Sangam

An old photograph of the Gandhiji Ashram
Courtesy of the Hindu Mahajana Sangam

Labourers were repacking betel nuts for re-export after drying
© Dr Ooi Cheng Ghee courtesy of the Hindu Mahajana Sangam

Carrying the attakavadi (8 July 2012)
© Dr Ooi Cheng Ghee courtesy of the Hindu Mahajana Sangam.