Sanskriti Sangrahalay to come up on Gomti banks in Lucknow

Lucknow: UP Tourism recently approved development of a first-of-its-kind cultural centre dedicated to India’s rituals, traditions and life-cycle practices.To be known as Uttar Pradesh Sanskriti Sangrahalay, the museum and ritual centre is likely to come up on the banks of the Gomti at an estimated cost of Rs 23.4 crore.“The fund was provided for the design, development and curation of the project. Rs 8 crore was provided as the first tranche,” officials said.Envisioned as a major addition to Uttar Pradesh’s cultural tourism network, the centre is expected to complement established spiritual destinations such as Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura, Prayagraj and Sarnath.Unlike conventional museums focused primarily on artefacts, the proposed facility will present India’s ritual traditions through immersive experiences and digital technologies.Visitors will be guided through the journey of human life, beginning with Garbhadhana (conception) and culminating in Antyeshti (last rites), while also exploring the four Purusharthas of Indian philosophy — Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha.Officials said the museum will feature thematic galleries on the origins of rituals, life-cycle ceremonies, living traditions and sacred knowledge systems.Technologies such as holographic installations, 270-degree projection screens, 3D projection mapping, panoramic video walls and kinetic sculptures will be used to create interactive exhibits.A key attraction will be galleries dedicated to the 16 Hindu samskaras, alongside exhibits on folk traditions, spiritual practices and cultural customs followed across generations.Outdoor experiential spaces are also planned to interpret the concepts of Vanaprastha, Sannyasa and Antyeshti through landscaped environments, water features and ceremonial installations.The architectural design will draw inspiration from indigenous and tribal traditions of Uttar Pradesh, including Tharu and Bhotiya motifs.Sustainable features such as solar energy systems, rainwater harvesting and climate-responsive construction have also been incorporated into the project plan.Tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh said the centre aims to present India’s living cultural heritage in an engaging format while connecting visitors with traditions and philosophies that continue to influence contemporary society.