The opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22 has done more than provide spiritual succour to the devotees of Lord Ram. It has become the central force driving Ayodhya’s prosperous local economy and revitalising the district’s contribution towards Uttar Pradesh’s GDP.
A daily influx of over two lakh devotees and tourists, post the temple’s consecration, is not only strengthening Ayodhya’s economy but also leading to an impressive increase in its per capita income.
Ayodhya is now a preferred destination, attracting both local and global tourists. They are contributing towards the district’s thriving economy by staying in the hotels, shopping at local stores, visiting temples, and taking home souvenirs that range from a replica of the Ram Temple to sweets and the Shri Ram flag.
Two months after the pran pratishtha (consecration) of Ram Lalla’s idol at the Ram Temple, the socio-economic sector of Ayodhya has transformed significantly. Despite several industries being a part of the unorganised sector, the sheer volume of daily visitors has brought a substatial financial inflow.
The economic expansion is clearly visible in various sectors, from craftsmen to flower sellers, retailers to the hospitality industry. These businesses have all witnessed a three to four times increase in their profits.
In the hospitality sector, particularly, there has been a rise in tourists, resulting in hotels, guest houses, and home-stays experiencing a four-time upsurge, thereby boosting Ayodhya’s economy.
For instance, Surya Tripathi of Ramayana Hotel has said that the demand for rooms has been continuously increasing since the opening of the Ram Temple. He said luxury rooms ranging from Rs 7,000 to Rs 20,000 are available, while more than 150 new hotels and homestays have come up near the temple, generating employment opportunities.
Further, items sold in the markets, from decorative pieces to Ram idols, and even souvenirs, have seen a remarkable rise in sales. Artisans are even creating toys from remnants of idol-making, further adding to the local income and job creation.
A shopkeeper, Ramkumar, has said that his daily income, which was earlier between Rs 400 and Rs 500, has now increased by Rs 2,500 per day.
Speaking to India Today on the local economy boost, Sushil Jaiswal, President of the Traders Association, said that Ayodhya has gained international attention following the opening of the Ram Temple.
“Whether you are a person writing Jai Shri Ram on tourists’ foreheads, a street vendor, or running hotels, everyone’s business has grown. Prices of property have also increased by five to seven times and those near the temple by 10 times,” Jaiswal added.
Vinod Kumar Srivastava, General Secretary, Uttar Pradesh Economic Association, said that economic impact is very much visible in Ayodhya as every sector has witnessed huge growth.
“With the overall development, people’s income will rise and employment will increase, which will have a positive effect on Ayodhya’s economy,” he further said.
Source Agencies
