The wax museum, which will be unveiled on Deepotsav this year, will recreate iconic scenes from the Ramayana by blending tradition with modern artistry
The Ramayana — a story retold over centuries through scriptures, theatre, and festivals — will soon find a new form of expression at the temple town of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, which is home to the Ram Mandir.
This Deepotsav, which is observed before Diwali, a wax museum will be unveiled that will recreate iconic scenes from the Ramayana, blending tradition with modern artistry. Spanning 10,000 square feet, it will feature nearly 50 life-sized statues of major characters from the epic, including Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman, Sugriv, and Jatayu. With an estimated investment of Rs 7.5 crore, this project is seen as both a tribute to India’s spiritual heritage and a new attraction for those who throng Ayodhya each year.
Officials from the Uttar Pradesh government said the museum is designed to be more than just a gallery of statues, offering an immersive experience that brings the Ramayana to life. Key episodes of the epic, including Ram’s battle with Ravana, Sita’s abduction, Hanuman’s journey to Lanka, and the construction of Ram Setu, will be recreated using a mix of wax artistry, intricate costumes, and state-of-the-art audio-visual effects.
To engage younger generations, the museum will include interactive displays. Children and youth will not only witness lifelike depictions of the characters from the epic but also experience the story through sound, light, and visual presentations.
A Maharashtra-based organisation, in collaboration with experts from Kerala, is leading the work on the statues. Authorities said each figure is being sculpted with attention to detail to ensure realism and cultural authenticity.
Deepotsav has now become a significant event in Ayodhya, when numerous diyas are lit along the ghats of the Saryu river. This year, the wax museum will be a highlight of the festivities.
Municipal commissioner Jayendra Kumar said the construction work is rapidly progressing and being closely monitored. “The wax museum will be a landmark attraction. We are ensuring timely completion so that devotees and visitors can witness this cultural marvel during Deepotsav,” he said.
Divisional commissioner Rajesh Kumar said the museum will add a new dimension to Ayodhya’s heritage. “Alongside the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, the wax museum will strengthen the city’s appeal as a religious destination while also presenting the timeless values of the Ramayana to the world stage,” he said.
The project is being executed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, similar to Ayodhya’s ‘Bhool Bhulaiya’ project in Amaniganj. This approach, officials said, enables efficient execution while meeting both cultural and economic goals.
This model is part of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision of developing Ayodhya into a world-class cultural and religious tourism hub. Over the past few years, large-scale infrastructure projects such as road widening, beautification of the ghats, and heritage revival works have been undertaken to accommodate the influx of pilgrims following the construction of the Ram temple.
Officials estimated that the wax museum will further enrich the tourism circuit, offering devotees and international visitors a deeper cultural immersion beyond temple visits. They said once operational, the museum will host guided tours and educational programmes as well, helping schoolchildren and foreign visitors alike to understand the Ramayana in a more interactive format.
“The museum will showcase not just the epic story of Ramayana, but also the values of courage, devotion, and dharma that define Indian culture,” said an official associated with the project. “It is not just an attraction but a storytelling space where mythology meets modern presentation.”
