Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Thai theatre group performs play on Ramayana in Ayodhya

Notably, the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya was held on January 22.

Thai theatre group performs play on Ramayana in Ayodhya

A theatre group from Thailand performed a play based on the Ramayana at the Tulsi Udyan in Ayodhya.

One of the performers said, "I am from the Ministry of Culture, Thailand, and today we will perform dance and stage an episode of lord Ram. We are surprised that in Ayodhya people are celebrating saying Jai Shree Sam. It's impressive. In, Thailand Ramayan is called Ramakiyan. Lord Ram has influenced Thai people, especially with his thoughts."


Notably, the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla was held on January 22 with PM Modi performing the ceremony, led by a group of priests.

The Ram Lalla idol was unveiled at the elaborate Pran Pratishtha ceremony, which involved hour-long rituals in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who led the ceremony.

The temple was open to the public from the next day onwards.

Meanwhile, amid the rush of devotees and long queues in Ayodhya for a sighting (darshan) of Ram Lalla, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the Union Cabinet during which he advised his top ministers to defer their visit to the grand temple.

According to government sources, Prime Minister Modi voiced concern over the heavy rush of devotees and the inconvenience caused to the public by VVIP and VIP visits to the temple town along with elaborate security details.

He proposed that Union ministers plan or defer their Ayodhya visits in March to ensure a smoother and more organised experience for everyone involved, sources said.

On Wednesday, the frenzy and fervour among the visiting devotees and locals were noticeable as they were on the prior when the temple was opened for darshan. The temple witnessed surging footfalls following the 'Pran Pratishtha' of Shri Ram Lalla and the grand opening on Monday.

Security was tightened in the holy city after the first day of darshan on Tuesday drew an estimated several thousand devotees.

More For You

Pokémon pop-up Natural History Museum

All profits from the pop-up and online sales support the Museum’s charitable mission

Luke Dyson

London's Natural History Museum to host Pokémon pop-up shop exploring 'Pokécology'

Highlights

  • Free, ticketed pop-up runs 26 January to 19 April at the Natural History Museum’s Cranbourne Boutique.
  • Exclusive Pikachu TCG Promo Card included with in-store purchases, launching at select UK retailers 30 January.
  • Products inspired by Museum’s iconic architecture and scientific illustrations, available in-store and online.
Pokémon fans in London can look forward to an immersive new experience as The Pokémon Company International teams up with the Natural History Museum for a special pop-up shop, running from Monday 26 January to Sunday 19 April 2026.
First announced in September 2025, the free, ticketed pop-up celebrates the theme of ‘Pokécology’, highlighting Pokémon’s interactions with the natural world and their diverse habitats.
Visitors who have secured tickets will explore themed merchandise and artwork inspired by the Museum’s iconic Hintze Hall and botanical ceiling panels, reimagined with Grass-type Pokémon such as Ivysaur and Victreebel.
Other designs draw from classic naturalist books and scientific illustrations, featuring Water- and Bug-type Pokémon, along with items celebrating Eevee’s evolutions.
The collection includes stationery, clothing, pins, bags, posters, gold-plated decorations, and Pikachu plushes.
Purchases made at the pop-up include the exclusive oversize Pikachu at the Museum Pokémon TCG Promo Card as a gift, with a limit of one per customer.
From Friday 30 January, the card will also be available at select UK retailers, though it will not be sold online. Many products will also launch online via the Natural History Museum shop from midday on 26 January 2026, while stocks last.
Selected items will become available on Pokémon Center UK in early February, with purchase limits applied to ensure fair access for fans.
All profits from the pop-up and online sales support the Museum’s charitable mission, including research by its 400 scientists working on solutions to the planetary emergency.
With this unique collaboration, Pokémon and the Natural History Museum offer fans a chance to combine their love of collectibles with environmental education and scientific inspiration.