The scheduled consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22 has not only established the holy city as a spiritual centre but has also opened doors for substantial business opportunities nationwide. According to preliminary estimates by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), the economic impact of Ram Mandir is expected to surpass `50,000 crore.
Praveen Khandelwal, Secretary General of CAIT, said the temple has created numerous business prospects, especially benefiting small manufacturers and traders. The inauguration of Ram Mandir has spurred a business boom related to puja and religious items.
“The demand for various items associated with worship, such as Shri Ram Mandir models, has become a centre of attraction. These models are available in different sizes. On the other hand, idols, pictures, and artifacts related to Ram Mandir and other deities have seen a considerable surge. These products are crafted from materials like pine wood, wood, cardboard, etc. Additionally, there is a growing demand for religious literature, Hanuman Chalisa, Aarti compilations, and related items,” he said.
Meanwhile, temples in the national capital are also gearing up to mark the momentous occasion of the consecration ceremony at the Ram Mandir on January 22. The temples in Delhi will be bedecked with lights, decorations, diyas, and flowers for the special occasion.
As the date of January 22 approaches, the demand in the markets is increasing day by day, leading to the fact that many individuals involved in their traditional businesses have started dealing in items related to the celebrations of Ram Mandir. Items like flags, banners, and merchandise have gained immense popularity, indicating widespread attraction to the symbol of Ram Mandir. Products like clothing with images of Ram Mandir, Ram Darbar, and other deities are also witnessing high demand. Besides, there is a substantial market demand for various items used in worship, such as clay, brass, and other metal lamps, single lamps, and multi-lamp holders for Aarti, as well as incense stick stands.
Additionally, there is a significant market presence of various items like incense sticks, dhoop (incense), cow dung cakes, scented cups, loban (gum resin), camphor, kumkum (vermilion), sandalwood, roli (vermilion powder), akshata (rice grains used in rituals), and candles made from cotton, along with Ganga water, all of which are highly favored by customers.
Khandelwal further said there is also a high demand in the market for accessories used in worship, such as mats, rugs, sheets, and fabrics made from jute and other materials. Additionally, devotees’ interest extends to prasad offerings such as fruits, sweets, and other edible items. Items like malas, beads, lockets, pendants, and other accessories associated with worship are experiencing robust sales. “Moreover, decorative items for home embellishment, like torans, welcome hangings, and artificial flower garlands, are in high demand,” traders said.
The surge in demand for items related to religious rituals, including havan materials and offerings, is steadily increasing. As preparations intensify for the grand celebration on January 22nd, there is a significant focus on meeting the demand for sweets, fruits, and dry fruits, as well as home and shop decorations.
In addition, the music industry’s involvement in creating songs related to Ram Mandir provides opportunities for lesser-known artists and orchestras to participate in events related to the temple across the country.
“The overall impact of Ram Mandir on various businesses suggests a robust economic message, emphasising prosperity and entrepreneurship within the country,” Khandelwal added.
Ravinder Goyal, the trustee of Jhandewalan Mandir, said the temple will celebrate Diwali on that day, and all the rituals will be performed. “Jhandewalan Mandir will be organising a community kitchen in Ayodhya for the duration of one-and-a-half months starting from Makar Sankranti on January 15,” Goyal said. He added that decorations, diyas, a day-long program of devotional songs, and worship would take place.
Daati Maharaj said that the construction of the temple inside Shri Sidh Shakti Peeth Shanidham Mandir, located at Asola, is underway. “An idol of Prabhu Shri Ram will be installed on the same day, coinciding with Ayodhya’s idol installation ceremony,” he said. He also highlighted that various programmes are set to unfold here from January 17 and will culminate on January 22 to coincide with the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.
