World's first Ramayan wax museum to open in Ayodhya. Here’s all you need to know

Ayodhya is all set to welcome the “world’s first” Ramayana-themed wax museum this Deepotsav 2025, featuring lifelike statues of nearly all major characters from the epic.

Spread across 10,000 square feet, the museum is coming up on the Parikrama Path near the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir as part of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s initiative to boost religious tourism in the city.

Officials said nearly Rs 7.5 crore has already been invested in the project, which will be inaugurated on Deepotsav. Once open, it will offer devotees and tourists a unique glimpse into the world of Ramayana, bringing its characters and stories to life through wax sculptures.

Here’s what we know about the project.

-The upcoming museum will showcase around 50 lifelike wax figures of key Ramayana characters, including Lord Ram, Mata Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, Hanuman, Ravana and Vibhishan. Each statue has been crafted with fine detail, from attire and expressions to posture and lighting, to bring the spirit of the Ramayana alive.

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-Built in traditional South Indian architectural style, the project is being executed by the Sunil Wax Museum, a Kerala-based company known for its celebrity wax museums in Lonavala and Thiruvananthapuram.

-Designed to take visitors on a journey through the Ramayana, the museum’s layout follows the story chronologically. The ground floor will depict scenes from Lord Ram’s childhood to Sita’s swayamvar. A special selfie point featuring Ram Lalla’s wax statue will allow devotees to capture photos with the deity.

-The first floor will recreate key moments such as the 14-year exile, Sita’s abduction, the burning of Lanka (Lanka Dahan), and the climactic battle between Ram and Ravana.

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-Officials said the entire experience will be elevated with 3D light effects and immersive soundscapes. Visitors will be welcomed by the subtle fragrance reminiscent of the Treta Yuga, along with the continuous chanting of the ‘Ram Tarak Mantra’ and Ram bhajans playing in the background.

-Located along the Chaudah Kosi Parikrama route, opposite Kashiram Colony, the museum will charge an entry fee of Rs 100 per person. To maintain a pleasant experience, only 100 visitors will be allowed inside at a time.

-The facility will have round-the-clock security with 24/7 CCTV surveillance, fire safety systems, and four emergency exits. The fully air-conditioned interiors will be kept at a comfortable 22 degrees Celsius.

-Outside the museum, the space is designed to cater to tourists and families. It will feature a dedicated parking area, snack zones, a studio coffee house, an entertainment area, and a curated food court offering both South and North Indian dishes.

- Ayodhya Municipal Commissioner Jayendra Kumar said construction work is moving swiftly and being closely supervised to ensure it’s ready in time for Deepotsav. Divisional Commissioner Rajesh Kumar added that the wax museum “will give a new dimension to Ayodhya’s cultural heritage.”

-The museum will be operated in partnership with the Ayodhya Municipal Corporation. Of the total revenue collected, 12 per cent will go to the local civic body, as per The Indian Express.

-This year, Ayodhya’s grand Deepotsav celebrations will be held from October 28 to 31, with the main diya-lighting ceremony on October 30. Every year during Deepotsav, millions of lamps illuminate the city, a sight that has earned Ayodhya international recognition and multiple world records

With input from agencies