36 lakh diyas, 15 lakh tourists: Ayodhya's homestay owners cash in on Deepotsav rush
For several residents, running a homestay has offered an opportunity to earn a livelihood while continuing to live in their hometown.
Ayodhya, birthplace of Lord Ram, shone brightly with over 36 lakh earthen lamps during Deepotsav, giving a major boost to local homestays. The city was lit up by a spectacular 2,100-drone show, attracting approximately 15 lakh tourists between November 1 and 7. This doubled the visitor count from the previous year, reaching nearly 10 lakh devotees who visited Ram Lalla.
Homestay owners took advantage of the surge in footfall, with Poonam Sonkar reporting that 80% of her rooms were occupied. Popular Khurchan Peda, a local sweet, was served to guests, offering an economical stay option at ₹1,000 to ₹1,200 per day. Families traveling with children appreciated the freshly cooked food and hot water availability.
Homestay operators like Poonam Sonkar and Avinash Kusum saw their businesses flourish, with some tourists extending their reservations. The success of homestays has created employment opportunities and encouraged local entrepreneurship, providing an alternative source of income for residents. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh highlighted that Deepotsav is generating employment and opening up livelihood opportunities, signaling that tourism benefits are increasingly reaching local households.
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