Lucknow/Ayodhya: Ayodhya is set to welcome another tourism attraction ahead of this year’s Deepotsav, with a new cultural and recreational hub taking shape along the Saryu river near Rajghat.
Developed under the Shri Ayodhya Ji Teerth Vikas Yojana at an estimated cost of Rs 22.72 crore, the project is around 90 per cent complete and is targeted for completion by the end of October 2026.
The tourism hub will feature an amphitheatre with a seating capacity of around 150 to 200 people, where cultural programmes can be organised. A mural wall depicting the complete Hanuman Chalisa will be another major attraction. The project will also include a food plaza with eight shops, a café, public amenities and other facilities for visitors.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said the rising number of visitors during Deepotsav reflected the growing importance of spiritual and cultural tourism in Ayodhya. He said around 2.85 crore domestic and foreign tourists had visited Ayodhya during the Deepotsav period in October-November last year, and the number was expected to increase this year.
He said the new amphitheatre and food plaza would allow visitors to experience cultural programmes, local cuisine and the ambience of the Saryu together. The facilities, he added, would remain useful for tourists throughout the year and not be limited to the Deepotsav period.
Additional Chief Secretary and Director General, Tourism, Amrit Abhijat said the project was being developed not merely to provide visitor facilities but also to create a new and memorable experience along the Saryu. He said the initiative would further expand Ayodhya’s tourism landscape and add another attraction to the Ramayana Circuit.
