Pilgrimage in India is an age-old tradition. It has been there for millions of years with devotees on their quest to find their spiritual space. One famous pilgrimage centre is Mata Vaishno Devi Temple in the Katra region of Jammu. As a top tourist destination among pilgrims, Mata Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra has seen a significant tourism boom in recent years. So much so that it is now being seen as positively contributing to the economic growth and regional development of the State of Jammu & Kashmir.
Be it the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage in Jammu or the annually organised Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir; religious tourism constitutes an integral component of the total tourism in the state. And when it is Mata Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra, many industries benefit from organising such pilgrimages. Enterprises such as hotels, transport, commercial establishments and Govt. as well as private agencies in charge of facilitating services such as Pithoos, Palkies, Ponies and more.
The craze of pilgrimage is such that age can hinder the way but not the destination where devotees are determined to go. The pilgrimage is said to be taken at least once in a lifetime. Therefore, at any point in a person’s life, it can occur to them that now is the time to walk on the religious walk of their life. But that is not just it. Many pilgrims keep coming back to Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, for their faith in the miraculous offerings of Mata is more profound than just a detour.
Also read: Katra to Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan – Katra Town & Facilities
Open throughout the year, Mata Vaishno Devi Dhaam witnesses thousands of pilgrims show up daily to offer their prayers in person. The 13-km arduous trek begins from the base camp Katra. And the mother residing in the fold of three-peaked mountains, known as Trikuta Parvat, fulfils the wishes of her devotees.
Economic Benefits of Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra
How religious tourism adds to the economic condition is determined by how it contributes to the country’s economy’s national income and tax revenues. By estimating the contribution, the monetary value of tourism is ascertained. Vaishno Devi pilgrimage is vastly credited for income and employment generation in the state. From providing accommodation in lodges, hotels, dormitories, and Dharamshalas to facilitating transport services via bus, taxi and even helicopters, there are daily affairs through which locals primarily benefit and earn their livelihood. For example: According to a research study, the total monthly income generated by the registered Pithoos alone constitutes Rs. 2.43 crores. Thus, the following are the economic benefits of Mata Vaishno Devi tourism:
1. Employment Opportunities for the locals
2. Development of the Infrastructure in the region
3. State-of-the-art accommodation units
4. Quality education to the masses due to regional development
5. Top-notch medical facilities and services at affordable prices