Transforming Ayodhya: Government Announces Global Competition To Showcase Cultural Heritage Through Artworks In The Temple Town

To promote the cultural heritage within the city’s landscape, the ADA has announced a competition for designing murals and sculptures along four major roads of Ayodhya.

The Global Design Competition will aim to showcase the epitome of Indian traditions and the finest examples of modern infrastructure in India.

With the ongoing development of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, the government has additionally been focused on wide-scale development of the ‘Temple Town’ — envisioned to become a prominent destination on the global religious map.

The Uttar Pradesh government, and the Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) has been spearheading infrastructure and planning advancements in the city in order to cater to the anticipated surge and new opportunities — particularly in tourism and allied sectors.

Alongside the improvements in civic amenities, development of tourist spots, and creating facilities and investment opportunities, the plans for the Temple Town encompass the portrayal of its rich heritage and cultural landscape through integrating diverse art forms into the city design.

To promote the cultural heritage within the city’s landscape, the ADA has announced a competition for designing murals and sculptures along four major roads of Ayodhya.

The Global Design Competition — will aim to showcase the epitome of Indian traditions and the finest examples of modern infrastructure in India, with a particular emphasis on encouraging active involvement from the young generation.

The murals and sculptures will be based on the theme of abstract portrayal of Ramayana and relevant traditional and vedic designs — for the Ram Path, Bhakti Path, Janambhoomi Path, Dharam Path and other major arterial roads in Ayodhya — routes which will have major movement of pilgrims and tourists.

The details of the competition can be explored here.

“Through the design competition, ADA strives to create a distinctive, iconic, and awe-inspiring artistic expression that will provide an exhilarating experience to those passing by, elevating their mood and leaving a lasting impression,” states the competition brief.

The design must incorporate elements that represent the Ramayana, the life of Shri Ram, and the historical significance of Ayodhya.

Additionally, it should vividly portray the cultural essence and identity of Ayodhya by weaving interactions through innovative design, materials textures, forms, colours and more.

By opening up this platform, the authority hopes for diverse participation from across the globe to showcase creative engagement in the development in Ayodhya.

Previously, the ADA came up with initiatives through the Ayodhya Arts Project to give the city a facelift with global art diversity and skills.

Under one of its initiatives, the Ayodhya Arts Project in association with Namami Gange — took up the cleaning of Ram Ki Paidi of the distortions that had taken place over the years and restore its former grandeur.

It is part of a large beautification project that will see the Ram Ki Paidi and eight heritage ponds being beautified with artwork, sculptures and installations.