As the new temple to the Hindu deity Ram attracts half a million devotees, the small town of Ayodhya in India is struggling to cope with the influx of visitors. The temple, which was consecrated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has become a national focal point, drawing attention from across the country. However, the town lacks the necessary infrastructure to accommodate such a large number of tourists and pilgrims. Local businesspeople and traders are expressing concerns about the city’s unpreparedness and its ability to handle the surge in visitors.
Following the consecration ceremony, a stampede-like situation occurred outside the temple premises, leading to injuries among several pilgrims. The city’s inadequate infrastructure and lack of experience in managing large crowds became apparent. Despite the rush to complete the temple ahead of the upcoming national elections, it is estimated that it will take until 2027 for the construction to be fully complete.
Ayodhya, previously known for hosting religious fairs during Hindu festivals, is now expected to receive millions of tourists and pilgrims annually. However, the town is ill-equipped to handle such volumes of visitors. Local businesses, conditioned to cater to the needs of nearby villagers, are struggling to meet the demands of tourists seeking more modern amenities. The rapid development of Ayodhya as a Hindu pilgrimage site has also caused stress for local businesses, as they feel economic prosperity will only benefit big corporations.
The town’s facelift, aimed at positioning Ayodhya as the main Hindu pilgrimage site, has attracted significant investments. Projects worth 8,500 million Indian rupees (about $10bn) have been sanctioned for development, including the construction of star hotels by major hotel companies. However, smaller businesses are concerned about being overshadowed by these larger investments.
While some businesses are trying to adjust to the new reality, many are struggling with the sudden increase in demand. Guesthouse manager Brijesh Pathak, for example, has seen a surge in bookings since the temple inauguration, but is faced with limited resources and inadequate facilities. As the town becomes a magnet for religious, political, and economic interests, there are concerns that local residents and businesses will be pushed out to make way for larger developments.
The government’s focus on combining religious sentiments, politics, and economics has led to a lack of consideration for the wellbeing of the local community. The administration’s failure to address the town’s infrastructure challenges has resulted in an unprepared Ayodhya struggling to handle the surge in pilgrims. As the city transforms into a mega pilgrimage site, the future of smaller businesses and local residents remains uncertain.
Despite the challenges, enthusiasm among devotees remains high. Pilgrims like Shivam Puri, who traveled from the south of India to witness the temple inauguration, describe a sense of awe and devotion. However, many visitors, like Puri, choose to stay in nearby cities due to the limited amenities and services available in Ayodhya.
In conclusion, Ayodhya is grappling with the aftermath of the controversial temple inauguration. While the town is attracting significant investments and attention, its lack of infrastructure and preparedness raises concerns about its ability to handle the influx of tourists and pilgrims. As the city undergoes rapid development, the future of smaller businesses and the local community hangs in the balance.
