Lucknow: Ayodhya is gearing up for an unprecedented flag hoisting ceremony at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, following the temple’s historic construction. The six-day festival, organized under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoist the saffron flag atop the temple on November 25.
The event is expected to attract pilgrims and tourists from across India and abroad, boosting local businesses and showcasing Ayodhya’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Under CM Yogi’s leadership, the city has witnessed a remarkable revival in tourism and local commerce, with visitors increasingly buying handicrafts, textiles, and other local products, further connecting Ayodhya’s traditions to global markets.
Economic Boost from Tourism
The flag hoisting ceremony is expected to significantly impact Ayodhya’s economy. Hotels and lodges are already experiencing high bookings, and the influx of pilgrims will provide a boost to restaurants, transport services, and small businesses. Local artisans, handloom weavers, and handicraft makers are projected to see increased demand for their products, with income for many craftsmen reportedly rising by 25% since the temple’s completion. During special events such as the Deepotsav festival, local vendors and low-income workers—including potters, florists, and boat operators—have benefited from significant earnings.
Tourism and Pilgrimage Statistics
Ayodhya has experienced exponential growth in visitor numbers since the temple’s completion. In 2024, approximately 16.44 crore pilgrims visited the Ram Lalla shrine, setting a record. In the first half of 2025 alone, over 23.82 crore pilgrims visited the city, marking a 40–50% increase in tourism. This surge has contributed substantially to Uttar Pradesh’s economy, with temple-related tourism generating an estimated ₹1.25 lakh crore for the state.
Global Reach of Local Products
Ayodhya’s local products, including handcrafted items, textiles, and jaggery-based sweets, are reaching international markets through the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. Visitors often purchase jaggery, gajak, laddoos, and other traditional products, benefiting local farmers and small-scale producers while promoting the city’s heritage globally.
The Shri Ram Temple flag hoisting ceremony is poised to become a landmark event, blending cultural splendor with economic growth, and further establishing Ayodhya as a model of religious, social, and commercial revival under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
