During his inaugural state visit to India, President William Ruto made a symbolic gesture of respect at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial on Tuesday, choosing to walk with socks after removing his shoes. The memorial, known as Raj Ghat, holds significance as the final resting place of the revered Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi, who played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence and passed away in 1948.

The site's rules dictate that visitors must not wear shoes while paying tribute, allowing them to walk either barefoot, in socks, or, on occasion, with slippers. Ruto, accompanied by a delegation, adhered to these customs as he laid a wreath at the memorial park and participated in a brief prayer led by officials on-site.

Raj Ghat was established at the location where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, serving as a national shrine and a place for remembrance. Every Friday, a ceremony is held to commemorate the day of Gandhi's death. The memorial, designed by Vanu G Bhuta, has received acclaim for its architectural design and houses museums dedicated to various leaders, including Lal Bahadur Shashtri, Indira Gandhi, Jawaharalal Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, and Sanjay Gandhi.

India's Ministry of Tourism describes the park as a place dominated by grass lawns and trees, reflecting Gandhi's simplicity. Some of the trees on the site were planted by renowned world leaders like Queen Elizabeth II. An eternal flame, erected adjacent to Gandhi's memorial, adds to the sanctity of the place.

President Ruto's gesture of walking with socks is not unprecedented and aligns with similar instances, such as during the G20 meeting hosted by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where leaders like US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also chose to walk with socks or barefoot. The removal of shoes signifies a mark of respect and adherence to the traditions observed at significant memorial sites.