Title: EXPLORING THE DRIVERS OF RELIGIOUS TOURISM AND ITS SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ON DESTINATION COMMUNITIES WITH A SPECIAL REFERENCE TO AMBUBACHI MELA, KAMAKHYA TEMPLE GUWAHATI
Author: Jayshree Talukdar and Dr. Dipankar Malakar
Abstract:

Religious tourism is a vital contributor to cultural preservation and local economies, offering spiritual, socio-economic, and environmental dimensions. This study explores the drivers of religious tourism and its socio-economic and environmental impacts, with a special focus on Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati. Utilizing a descriptive research design, primary data was collected through structured questionnaires targeting local residents and tourists. Key findings reveal that spiritual connection, peace, and cultural curiosity are primary motivators for visiting religious sites. Despite the large influx of visitors during Ambubachi Mela, environmental impacts were minimal, as pre- and post-event analyses showed no significant differences. Socio-economic benefits were evident, including moderate to significant increases in employment, local business growth, and indirect economic contributions to small and medium enterprises. However, these benefits were unevenly distributed, and long-term infrastructure improvements were limited. Challenges such as poor crowd management and inadequate cleanliness underscore the need for better planning and resource allocation. The study highlights the importance of addressing barriers like time constraints and financial limitations while fostering sustainable tourism practices. These insights are crucial for enhancing the religious tourism experience, promoting socio-economic growth, and minimizing environmental impacts for events like Ambubachi Mela.

Keywords: Religious Tourism, Cultural Preservation, Socio-Economic Impact, Environmental Impact, Ambubachi Mela, Sustainable Tourism, Crowd Management
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38193/IJRCMS.2025.7315
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Date of Publication: 20-05-2025
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Published Vol & Issue: Volume 7 Issue 3 May-June 2025