The inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has ignited a surge of excitement, not just for religious reasons, but also for the town’s burgeoning pilgrim economy. Experts predict a massive influx of devotees, propelling Ayodhya onto the map as a major tourism destination, both within India and globally.
Pilgrim Power:
The concept of a “pilgrim economy” revolves around how pilgrimage activities fuel the economic growth of a particular region. In Ayodhya’s case, the highly anticipated Ram Mandir inauguration is expected to attract a staggering 5 crore devotees annually, according to a recent paper by SBI Research. This influx is comparable to renowned pilgrimage sites like Makkah, which witnesses almost 2 crore visitors each year, generating a revenue of $12 billion for Saudi Arabia.
Numbers Paint a Promising Picture:
Government officials anticipate a daily footfall of over 1 lakh devotees, potentially reaching 3 lakhs. Considering an average expenditure of Rs. 2500 per visitor, Ayodhya’s local economy stands to gain a whopping Rs. 25,000 crore annually. Furthermore, SBI Research predicts that UP could witness a massive Rs. 5,000 crore increase in tax collection in 2024-25 due to the temple and related tourism initiatives.
Beyond Pilgrimage:
The economic impact extends beyond religious tourism. The influx of visitors will fuel the development of hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related infrastructure, potentially adding Rs. 4 lakh crore to UP’s coffers this year alone.
Drawing Parallels:
Currently, Tirupati Balaji in Andhra Pradesh serves as a benchmark, attracting 2.5 crore devotees annually and generating Rs. 1200 crore in revenue. Experts believe Ayodhya has the potential to match, if not surpass, such established pilgrimage centers.
Looking Ahead:
While the true impact of the Ram Mandir on Ayodhya’s economy remains to be seen, the initial projections paint a promising picture. The pilgrim economy is poised for an exponential leap, potentially transforming Ayodhya into a thriving economic hub and a major national and international tourist destination.
