Ayodhya hosts three major fairs. During the month of Kartik lakhs of devotees undertake the 14-kos parikrama in the Shukla Paksha. On Devutthana Ekadashi, a 5-kos parikrama is performed, followed by the sacred Kartik Purnima snan, which is observed in both Kashi and Ayodhya.
Earlier also, people used to visit Ayodhya, but the number was less but, after the construction of the Ram Temple began in 2020, the number of visitors at Hanuman Garhi increased significantly. Around 25,000 people started visiting on Saturdays and Tuesdays, but after the Pran Pratistha on January 22, 2024, the number surged to 75,000 daily, reaching one lakh on weekends. Considering this increase, nearly four crore people must have visited Ayodhya between January 22, 2024, and January 22, 2025.
Ayodhya, a relatively small city with a population of just 60,000 in 2011, witnessed significant improvements in its infrastructure after becoming a municipal corporation in 2018. Earlier, the roads were narrow, and cleanliness was a challenge. However, since 2017, the government has systematically addressed these issues, ensuring daily cleanliness.
“I have been associated with the Kumbh since 1989 and have always spent at least a month there. Typically, after Basant Panchami, the number of visitors decreases, but this time, the crowds remained high until March 1. This is because this Kumbh occurred after 144 years, and everyone wanted to be part of it. The impact of this extended to Ayodhya as well, and I had to travel from Prayagraj to Ayodhya four times for crowd management. A journey that usually takes four hours took ten hours”.
Some unfortunate incidents also happened, but everything was resolved within 24 hours. Recognising the influx of devotees, the Ram Temple authorities adjusted the darshan schedule by extending visiting hours, and the midday rest period for the Ram lalla was removed to allow continuous darshan.
Between January 15 and February 28, over four lakh people visited Ayodhya daily, with ten trains running between Prayagraj and Ayodhya. The Tirth triangle of Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Kashi brought immense benefits to the society. This boom in significantly boosted the local economy. People who earlier earned Rs 100 a day now made up to Rs 1,500. The entire society benefited from this transformation.
Citing an anecdote, Champat Rai ji said, “One individual took a Rs 1 lakh loan to buy an e-rickshaw in Ayodhya, and by ferrying passengers across only two points, he repaid the loan within a month. A businessman told champat ji that his business grew 20 times. This is the power of religious tourism.”
Some questioned the economic impact of temple construction, but they fail to see how it has instilled a sense of self-respect and uplifted the entire society. The infrastructural development in Ayodhya is a direct result of religious tourism.
Between February 5, 2020, and February 28, 2025, the Teerth Kshetra Trust have contributed ₹375 crore to the government treasury through GST and TDS on the purchase of construction materials and electricity bills. This revenue showcases the economic advantages of religious tourism.
Champat Rai ji urged the government to establish a dedicated pilgrimage desk separate from tourism to maintain the accounts about the contribution of yatras and mela to the government fund. Teerth purifies the mind and fosters a sense of sanctity. It brings people of different castes together, sending a strong message to those who try to divide society.
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