Lucknow: Ayodhya will turn into a citywide Ramayan story trail during Deepotsav 2026, with themed installations, digital displays and public artwork designed to help younger visitors understand different episodes of the epic as they move through the city, officials said on Wednesday.The tourism department will recreate every ‘kaand’ (chapters) of Ramayan along key routes, with brief explanations in simple language.Gateways, sculptural artworks, wayfinders and riverfront installations will create a connected visual narrative rather than standalone decorations. Tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh said Deepotsav would allow young visitors to understand Ramayan while experiencing Ayodhya.“Our youth should not remain mere spectators of cultural traditions and must become active participants and torch-bearers who understand their meaning and carry them forward,” he said.Selfie points — 10 each at Ram Katha Park and Ram Ki Paidi — will form part of the trail. Each will have a distinct Ramayan or Ayodhya theme, allowing visitors to engage with the story while taking photographs.A continuous sequence of artworks from Lata Mangeshkar Chowk to Ram Ki Paidi will depict episodes from the epic.Around 10 themed wayfinders will also be placed at entry points, intersections and event locations, while vertical digital screens will provide information about nearby attractions and help visitors navigate the trail.Ramayan-themed gateways, as many as 10, will come up along Dharam Path, along with three ceremonial gateways on prominent approach roads, including those from Sultanpur and Rae Bareli.Pushpak Viman on Saryu, Ram Rath, themed tableaux and a Ram Darbar near Ram Ki Paidi will add to the visual narrative.Floating artwork on Saryu and at Ram Ki Paidi, along with themed flagpoles and decorative installations, will extend the experience across the city, said additional chief secretary, tourism, culture and religious affairs, Amrit Abhijat.
