- By Akansha Pandey
- Thu, 13 Nov 2025 04:56 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Ayodhya's economy is set to gain further momentum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the saffron flag on the spire of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple on November 25, an event for which the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi TeerthKshetra Trust is finalising preparations.
The city, referred to as Ramanagari, is described as radiating a new aura with "novelty, divinity, and grandeur" under the guidance of PM Modi and the leadership of CM Yogi.
Record-Breaking Tourism Fuels Growth
Since the construction of the Ram temple, Ayodhya has seen a historic increase in tourists from across India and abroad. This surge in "temple tourism" is credited with taking the entire economy of Uttar Pradesh to new heights.
2023: 57.6 million tourists visited Ayodhya.
2024: Approximately 164.4 million pilgrims visited Ram Lalla, described as a record.
Jan-June 2025: A record-breaking 238.2 million pilgrims have visited.
Post-Consecration: The number of tourists has increased by 40 per cent-50 per cent.
A large number of devotees are also expected for the upcoming flag-hoisting ceremony.
Widespread Economic Impact
The influx of pilgrims is providing a significant boost across multiple sectors:
Local Businesses: It is increasing employment for local traders, small-scale entrepreneurs, and artisans.
Hospitality: Hotels and lodges are being booked quickly, raising the income of the restaurant and hospitality sectors.
Transport: The transport sector sees a significant surge during major events, as hundreds of thousands of pilgrims require e-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, buses, cars, and tourist buses. This increases the income of those in the tour and travel business.
Major Events: The Deepotsav, held even before the temple's consecration ceremony, set new records annually. During this year's Deepotsav:
- Hundreds of thousands of tourists visited.
- 90 per cent of hotels were booked.
An income of more than Rs 50 million was recorded, benefiting restaurants, prasad shops, photographers, sculptors, and low-income earners like potters, florists and boatmen.
Boost For Local Artisans And Products
The arrival of pilgrims is providing significant employment and a large market for local small and medium-sized businesses.
Artisan Growth: Since the temple's construction, the number of local artisans has increased by more than 25 per cent.
Income Increase: Their income has increased "several times over." Daily earnings have risen from a previous Rs 200 to Rs 1,500, with earnings increasing manifold on special days.
Handicrafts: Tourists are purchasing large quantities of idols, bags, clothes, and other items from the handicraft and handloom industries.
ODOP (One District One Product)
Ayodhya's handloom and other products are reaching international markets, with foreign tourists playing a role in making local products global.
Jaggery (gud) is a traditional product in the district. Sugarcane is cultivated on 20% of the total arable land, and the district produces jaggery, gajak, laddu, and chikki. Tourists purchase these products, benefiting sugarcane growers and jaggery traders.
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A 'Role Model' For Development
The text credits Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's "tireless efforts" for Ayodhya's new economic records, stating the city has become a "role model for development and prosperity."
It notes that the development is a symbol of cultural and religious consciousness as well as progress. Under the CM's government, it states, "not only has there been economic development, but social harmony and cultural identity have also been strengthened."
State-wide, temples and their related activities have reportedly contributed approximately Rs 1.25 trillion to Uttar Pradesh's economy.
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