The consecration ceremony (Pran Pratishtha) of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024, marked the beginning of a transformative chapter for the temple and the city.
This sacred event, a blend of faith, tradition, and renewal, has triggered profound changes in Ayodhya’s socio-economic landscape. Here are ten standout developments that have emerged since this landmark occasion:
1. Tourism In Ayodhya Reaches New Heights By December 20, 2024, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department reported a staggering influx of visitors to Ayodhya: 135.5 million domestic tourists and 3,153 international visitors. For perspective, Varanasi recorded 62 million domestic tourists and 184,000 international visitors, while Mathura attracted 68 million visitors, including 87,229 from abroad. This tourism surge has positioned Ayodhya as a major spiritual destination on the global map.
2. Unprecedented GST Growth Ayodhya’s GST collections soared to ₹1798.22 crore in the fiscal year 2023-24, a significant leap from ₹990.14 crore in 2021-22 and ₹1322.06 crore in 2022-23. With over 69,656 traders contributing, this milestone highlights the city’s growing economic vibrancy.
3. Rural Economy Gets A Festive Boost The demand for clay diyas during Diwali provided a major boost to Ayodhya’s rural economy. Over 3.73 lakh families purchased an average of 151 diyas each, leading to a total demand of more than 5.64 crore diyas, valued at ₹5.64 crore. Programs like the Matikala Rojgar Yojana, which equipped potters with electric wheels and subsidized loans, further strengthened this sector.
4. Ayodhya’s GDP Witnesses A Rise Employment generated by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra Trust, which hired 1,000 individuals with benefits like provident fund and gratuity, contributed to a 2% increase in Ayodhya’s GDP. This reflects the broader economic revival sparked by the temple’s development.
5. Enhanced Earnings for Local Vendors Small shopkeepers near the temple have experienced a significant increase in daily earnings, ranging from ₹500 to ₹1,500. Vendors selling items like Ram Lalla photos, lockets, and prasad have thrived, while new markets along the Dantdhavan Kund road have further boosted local commerce.
6. Job Creation Across Multiple Sectors Ayodhya has seen over 36,000 new job opportunities in industries such as manufacturing, engineering, telecom, healthcare, construction, and IT. Companies like Insta Human Management Private Limited and Suzlon Energy have actively contributed to this employment boom.
7. Increased Demand for Tourist Guides The growing number of visitors has created a strong demand for knowledgeable tourist guides. In response, Avadh University launched short-term certificate and diploma courses in partnership with the Ayodhya Municipal Corporation, including programs on heritage tourism and essential oil extraction.
8. Boom in Hospitality Infrastructure Since the consecration ceremony, more than 150 new hotels and homestays have sprung up near the temple. The hospitality sector has seen a surge in demand, with luxury rooms ranging from ₹7,000 to ₹20,000 becoming widely available, further enhancing Ayodhya’s appeal as a tourist hotspot.
9. Soaring Property Values Real estate prices in Ayodhya have skyrocketed, with property rates increasing five to seven times across the city and tenfold near the temple. This surge is a testament to the city’s growing prominence and its ripple effect on the state’s overall GDP.
10. Job Growth in Tourism and Hospitality The hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors created over 20,000 jobs ahead of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. From hotel staff to logistics managers, this industry continues to flourish, with many more opportunities expected in the future.
The Pran Pratishtha of the Ram Mandir has not only reaffirmed Ayodhya’s spiritual significance but also turned it into a hub of economic activity.
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