Ayodhya: The historic and spiritual grandeur of Guptar Ghat in Ayodhya is being restored at a rapid pace, with the third phase of development now in its final stage. In line with the Yogi government’s vision of Ram Rajya and cultural revival, the site is being transformed into a vibrant destination that visually connects visitors with the era of the Treta Yuga.
A major highlight of the ongoing works is the open-air theatre, which is likely to be opened to the public by Holi. The theatre complex now features grand statues depicting Ravana Vadh, along with impressive sculptures of Lord Hanuman and Jatayu, all of which have been completed and are being installed. These installations are designed to vividly bring alive the spirit and message of the Ramayana.
Guptar Ghat holds immense historical and religious significance. It is believed that Lord Shri Ram took Jal Samadhi at this very ghat, making it one of the most sacred sites for devotees. Recognising its importance, the Uttar Pradesh government has resolved to develop Guptar Ghat as a world-class tourism destination. Substantial development has already been completed in the first two phases, including ghat beautification, water sports facilities, modern parks, and yoga and meditation centres.
₹18.34-Crore Third Phase Nears Completion
The third phase of the project is being executed at a cost of ₹1,833.63 lakh (approximately ₹18.34 crore) and focuses on the development of the terminal end of the ghat. Work is underway on parking areas, pathways, ticket counters, guard rooms, toilet blocks, and kitchen finishing, along with the construction of an interpretation centre, structural murals, and boundary walls.
The open-air theatre is the centrepiece of this phase, where finishing work, electrification, and horticulture are in progress. Once operational, the theatre will host Ramayana-based plays, Ramleela performances, bhajan-kirtan, and cultural programmes, offering visitors a deeply immersive spiritual and cultural experience. The completed statues of Ravana Vadh, Hanuman, and Jatayu will serve as permanent visual anchors of these narratives.
Set to Emerge as a Cultural and Entertainment Hub
With the completion of this phase, Guptar Ghat is set to become not only a major religious destination but also a cultural and recreational hub. The Yogi government’s focus on positioning Ayodhya as a global tourism centre has gained further momentum following the construction of the Shri Ram Temple, and the revitalisation of Guptar Ghat is expected to add significantly to the city’s appeal.
Devotees and tourists alike will be able to enjoy serenity along the banks of the Sarayu River while experiencing modern amenities and evening Ramayana-based performances in the open-air theatre.
Project to Be Completed by February 2026
The project is being implemented by the Uttar Pradesh Projects Corporation Limited under the Tourism Department. Ayodhya Project Manager Manoj Kumar Sharma said that around 90 per cent of the work has been completed. The project faced some delays due to an expansion in the scope of work but is now expected to be fully completed by February 2026. The open-air theatre and the entire Guptar Ghat complex are likely to be opened to devotees and tourists around Holi or by March 2026.
