Temple tourism in India is likely to witness a major boost after the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. At least 100 million people are expected to visit the Ram temple in Ayodhya every year, according to analysts at Jefferies. By comparison, about 9 million people visit Vatican City, home of the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. About 20 million people visit Mecca, the holy place of Muslims.
“The creation of a new religious tourist center (Ayodhya) with improved connectivity and infrastructure can have a significant economic impact,” the analysts noted, as quoted by Reuters news agency.
The report states that India currently generates $200 billion (7% of India's economy) in tourism revenue. The Indian government's financial support to pilgrimage sites in the country will significantly boost tourism.
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Full coverage of Ram Temple inauguration: Ayodhya Ram Mandir opening ceremony
The report highlights how the fortunes of Varanasi changed after the inauguration of the Kashi-Vishwanath corridor. Since the Varanasi corridor opened, more than 130 million tourists have visited the area, Reuters reported, citing government data. According to the report, the annual number of tourists visiting Varanasi before the development of the corridor was only 7 million. According to the report, local and hotel revenue in Varanasi has increased by up to 65%.
On January 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the Pran Pratishtha or consecration ceremony of Lord Ram Lalla at the Ram Janmbhoomi temple in Ayodhya. Hindu priests performed the elaborate rituals and a 51-inch tall Ram Lalla idol was consecrated. The ceremony was also attended by Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.
Hundreds of VVIP guests including cricketer Virat Kohli, actor Rajinikanth, actor Amitabh Bachchan, industrialist Mukesh Ambani, singer Sonu Nigam, actress Kangana Ranaut, yoga guru Baba Ramdev and celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor attended the grand opening of Ram Temple .
The Ram Janmbhoomi Temple will be opened for 'darshan' for devotees and pilgrims from January 23.
