Negotiating Development: Reflecting the Impact of Religious Tourism on Local and Global Scales in Ayodhya

Abstract

This article explores religious tourism’s complex and multifaceted impact on both local and global scales, specifically focusing on Ayodhya. The study intends to examine how religious tourism in Ayodhya influences economic, social and cultural dynamics within the local community while contributing to broader global patterns of religious pilgrimage and tourism. The analysis of the study is conducted on two scales. First, at the local level, the article analyses the socio-economic development. Second, at the global scale, the study considers how Ayodhya’s emergence as a religious tourism hub intersects with transnational religious movements and global networks, providing significant economic opportunities to non-locals. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the development dilemmas in Ayodhya, particularly the tensions between local and global interests, and addresses associated challenges.