Author ORCID Identifier
0000-0003-1384-6614
Abstract
Festivals are a distinct type of celebration and have the potential to boost the economic and socio-cultural aspects of tourism. This case study analysis focuses on the Chithirai festival, a well-known and recognised religious festival in South India that attracts many visitors yearly. The festival is celebrated in Madurai, southern Tamil Nadu, popularly known as India’s cultural capital. The unique Chithirai festival commemorates various narratives from Hindu scriptures, the most notable of which is the celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswaran. This article delves into the festival’s economic and socio-cultural contributions and its historical and religious implications. The post-pandemic scenario is also explored to gain insight into the sustainability of festival tourism. Furthermore, the study discusses the important events, rituals, and majestic Dravidian architectural style.
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Recommended Citation
R, Pooja and K, Sathiyabamavathy Dr
(2025)
"Religious Festivals: A Niche Celebration to Foster Economic and Socio-Cultural Sustainability,"
International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage:
Vol. 13:
Iss.
1, Article 6.
Available at:
https://arrow.tudublin.ie/ijrtp/vol13/iss1/6