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Pilgrimage Tourism : India has a very strong mythological background and is also known as the land of Gods and Goddesss. India being the most culturally developed country and the birthplace of many saints, poets and philosophers has marked growth in pilgrimage tourism since ancient time itself. Pilgrimage tourism promotes international understanding and gives support to local handicrafts and cultural activities. It is an important segment of the country’s economy especially in terms of its contribution towards foreign exchange earnings, generation of additional income and creation of employment opportunities. If there is any state where the rich culture and traditions of India are still intact than it has to Rajasthan. The major chunk of tourists visit Rajasthan not only to get acquaintance with its iconic heritages and marvellous master pieces but also to quench their spiritual thirst and pray with heart and soul. Be its mosque and temple, Rajasthan is bestowed with shrines of multiple religion that evokes a pure feeling of dignity and communal harmony which attracts tourists in large numbers

T = Transportation (Airline companies, railways, car, bus, more) T1 = Travel Agents (A fragmented arrangement with insurance, currency exchange etc.) T2 = Tour Operators (Offer customized tours, including travel) A1 = Accommodation & Catering (Hotels, House, Boats, Resorts, Guest House, Restaurants etc.) A2 = Attractions The direct contribution of such type of tourism to GDP is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2015-2025 to 88.6 billion dollars (2.5% of GDP) in 2025. The tourism’s direct contribution to GDP in the Year 2015 was 47 billion dollars. Foreign tourist arrivals increased at a CAGR of 7.1% during 2005-15. By 2025, foreign tourist arrivals are expected to increase to 15.3 million according to world tourism organisation. During January-April 2015, Foreign Exchange earnings from religious tourism were about USD 6.5 billion. Domestic travellers contributed over 81.4% to total tourism revenue in 2014. In Rajasthan Temple Guide Yojana (2006) started to provide the pilgrims / tourists visiting major temples of the state with information about the historical importance of there temple. To generate employment opportunities for the youths in addition to enhancement of knowledge of the pilgrims. Religious tourism circuits – 1 and Religious tourism circuits – 2 are developed by Rajasthan Government to provide facilities to pilgrims, to attract investment from foreigners. Following are religious tourism circuits found in Rajasthan which play significant role in tourism of Rajasthan. 1. Shekhawati Circuit : Veer Hanumanji Mandir (Khatu), Khatu Shyam ji Mandir, Jeen Mata Mandir, Salasar Balaji etc. 2. Jaipur-Sikar Circuit : Triveni Dham, Shakambhari Mata ji, Mansha Mata, Ganeshwar Mahadev, Tapekeshwar & Bhageshwar Mahadev etc. 3. Sawai Madhopur-Tonk District : Ghushmeshvar, Jyotirling Shri Kalyanji, Shakambhari Mata 4. Ramdevra Circuit : Jodhpur to Osian – Jaisalmer – Nakoda 5. Karauli-Dosa : Mehandipur Balaji, Kaila Devi, Shri Mahaveer ji etc. 6. Marwar Circuit : Jodhpur to Pali, Delwara Temple, Somnath Mahadev, Pavapuri Teerthdham. 7. Pushkar : Ajmer to Pushkar – Bikaner Deshnok, Karnimata, Brahma ji Mandir, Pushkar, Khwaza Dargah etc. 8. Bikaner Circuits : Bikaner-Jaisalmer, Kolayat Kapil Muni Temple, Ramdevra, Gajner Kila etc. 9. Barmer : Jodhpur to Nakoda to Barmer and Kiradu’s Temples. Tourism specially religious tourism accounts for approximately 6% of the Rajasthan’s economy and provides economic benefits like foreign exchange earnings, regional development, infrastructure development and promotes local business. In Rajasthan, religious tourism accounts for 0.9% in GSDP and 0.7% in state employment It has a significant multiplier effect on the state economy. In Rajasthan, tourism is the third largest employer after agriculture and textile sector.

(a)  Role of Pilgrimage Tourism in Economy :India’s Travel and Tourism Sector ranks 7^th in the world in terms of its total contribution to the country’s GDP shows a new report by the World Travel and Tourism Council.

According to the new data tourism generate INR 14.1 trillion in 2016, which is the world’s 7^th largest in terms of absolute size, the sum is equivalent to 9.6% of India’s GDP. India’s Tourism sector was also the fastest growing amongst the G-20 countries, growing 8.5% in 2016. A further 6.7% growth in forecast for 2017. Actually religious tourism has a big future in India. There are two distinct aspects to religious tourism in India, one the faith of domestic tourist, who has a spiritual attachment to the destination in line with their religious beliefs, the other is the foreign tourist, someone belonging to a different religion, region or country, for whom the destination and religious practices have the dimension of novelty a spiritual experience different from their own.

Pilgrimage tourism generates employment opportunities for following segments of tourism and hospitality of nation :(B) Positive and Negative Socio-Eco-Environmental Impacts of Tourism :

Economic impacts with positive direction are employment opportunities, income growth, increase foreign exchange, infra structure development whereas negative impacts are seasonal unemployment, shortage of services and under use of facilities.

Social and Cultural impact signifies the impact it creates in terms of social changes in the lives of local people, improvements in infrastructure, life style changes etc. Environmental impact refer to the impact on the nature and surrounding areas. Positive impacts are seen in regarding area in terms of huge investments, better education, better leisure facilities, organising frequent social events and thus a better lifestyle for the local people. They interact with the tourists mix with people from diverse background which creates a composition culture in the region. Due to the demand for better services, varied employment opportunities are created within the region and therefore people do not feel the need to migrate to other cities to earn their living.

Negative impacts are found in terms of over crowding, poor sanitation which may further lead to diseases both to the tourists as well as local people. Foreign culture disturbs the local culture and creates unrest among the people. The local people may copy the lifestyle of tourists through the demonstration effect and the result could be loss of native customs and traditions. Some people may enter into criminal activities to fetch easy money from tourists which leads to increased crime and anti-social activities and loss of moral and religious values.

This research paper is mainly based on secondary data such as brochure, pamphlets, books, news papers, internet etc.

1. Cohen, E. (1992), “Pilgrimage and Tourism : Convergence and Divergence” in Morinis, A. (Ed.), Sacred Journeys : The Anthropology of Pilgrimage, Greenwood Press, West Port, Pp. 47-61. 2. Collins-Kreines, N. (2010), “Researching Pilgrimage, Continuity and Transformations”, Annals of Tourism Research, Vol. 37, No. 2, PP. 440-456. 3. Jaideep Singh (2016), “Rajasthan Tourism : Contribution to economy and new initiatives by State Governments”. 4. Prakash Talwar (2006), “Travel and Tourism Management – Vol. 2”, Isha Books, Delhi. 5. Rajasthan Profile (2016), Census of India. 6. Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation Official Website.