Lucknow: Visitors to Ayodhya’s Deepotsav will bring the epic Ramayan to life on mobile phones, with an augmented reality (AR) experience that will let them scan designated spots at Ram Ki Paidi and watch five 3D scenes from the epic unfold against the actual surroundings.The Uttar Pradesh tourism department is developing a location-based application for iOS and Android platforms, allowing visitors to view, record and share the digital scenes on social media. The feature will work only within Ram Ki Paidi, making the physical location an integral part of the experience.An eight-minute laser show and 20-minute projection mapping presentation will combine to create a 28-minute spectacle depicting Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya.Fresh visuals, music, animation and a revised storyboard are being prepared for the occasion. “The presentations are being designed particularly with Gen Z in mind. Projection mapping, lasers, aerial acts and live performances will bring Indian tradition and modern technology together to tell the story of Lord Ram’s return,” tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh said.The main programme on Nov 7, in the presence of chief minister Yogi Adityanath, will feature over 100 folk and classical artists.A floating stage, human aerial acts and moving props will be used to narrate the story through dance, music and Hindi narration.Three additional public shows will follow the main programme on Nov 7, while four shows are scheduled for Nov 8.A separate presentation featuring 2,100 Made-in-India drones, forming Ramayan-themed images in the sky, will be held on Nov 9 exclusively for Ayodhya residents.Acting on the demands of local representatives the tourism department and administration have agreed to continue with the celebrations on the fifth day. While originally celebrations were planned on four days (Nov 5 to 8) with main celebrations taking place on Nov 7, cultural activities, celebrations and events would continue on Nov 9 as well a day after Diwali.Additional chief secretary, tourism, culture and religious affairs, Amrit Abhijat said the initiative aimed to offer pilgrims and tourists from India and abroad a memorable experience of Ayodhya’s faith and cultural heritage.
