The impact of religious tourism on the socio-economic development of the tarapith temple region in Birbhum District, West Bengal

Abstract

This study examines the complex effects of religious tourism on the socio-economic growth of the Tarapith Temple region in the District of Birbhum, West Bengal. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study examines primary data obtained from in-depth interviews with 35 local beneficiaries and a thorough analysis of secondary sources, such as scholarly publications and official reports. The study explores the complex relationship between religious tourism and important socio-economic factors, examining how it affects social dynamics, infrastructural development, local livelihoods, and cultural preservation. By providing insightful information for policymakers, tourism stakeholders, and local communities in creating sustainable and equitable tourism models, this study adds to the expanding corpus of research on the socioeconomic effects of religious tourism.