Pilgrimage and Prosperity: A Sociological Analysis of the Economic Significance of  Religious Tourism in Uttarakhand

Author(s)	Ms. Komal Arya, Prof. Priyanka Neeraj Ruwali
Country	India
Abstract	Religious tourism, a defining feature of Uttarakhand—popularly known as Devbhumi or the “Land of Gods”—plays a vital role in the state’s economy and society. Drawing on secondary data, this study examines its contributions to employment, revenue, infrastructure, and the preservation of traditional livelihoods, with a focus on circuits like Char Dham and hubs such as Haridwar and Rishikesh. While religious tourism sustains rural economies and community enterprises, it also generates challenges, including environmental degradation, infrastructural pressure, inflation, and cultural commodification. The paper argues that ensuring long-term benefits requires a balance between economic growth, ecological preservation, and community empowerment, recommending a sustainable tourism framework, stronger environmental governance, and economic diversification beyond seasonal pilgrimage flows.
Keywords	Religious Tourism, Pilgrimage, Economy of Uttarakhand, Sociology of Religion, Sustainable Tourism, and Culture.
Field	Sociology > Tourism / Transport
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 6, November-December 2025
Published On	2025-12-22
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i06.63791

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