Meetings, Prayers, Forebodings: Reliving Mahatma Gandhi’s Last Day

30 January 1948 went along like any other day for Mahatma Gandhi, until 5:17 pm when Godse shot at him three times.

Here’s what happened on the day Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse. 

(Photo: Arnica Kala/The Quint)

(This graphic novel was first published on 30 January, 2019. It has been reposted from The Quint’s archives on 30 January, 2023.)

Text: Kabir Upmanyu
Illustrations: Arnica Kala

Senior Editor: Shelly Walia

30 January 1948 went along like any other day for Mahatma Gandhi, until 5:17 pm when Nathuram Godse shot at him three times in what was a well-planned and ultimately successful assassination attempt.

Here, we relive some of the moments from Gandhi's last day, starting from his prayers first thing in the morning, to the exchanges he had with his loved ones, and his last meeting held with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

(Illustration: Arnica Kala/The Quint)

(Illustration: Arnica Kala/The Quint)

(Illustration: Arnica Kala/The Quint)

(Illustration: Arnica Kala/The Quint)

(Illustration: Arnica Kala/The Quint)

(Illustration: Arnica Kala/The Quint)

(Illustration: Arnica Kala/The Quint)