Raas Festival: A Catalyst for Tourism Development in Assam, India

Traditionally religious practices have been central to any celebration and have greatly influenced the shaping of the cultural identity of any society. With time, these celebrations have transitioned into mega festivals with larger participation from within and outside the community. Through the display of songs, dances, and other art forms, these festivals are upholding and preserving the ethnic identity and culture of the community. They are not only sources of relaxation and entertainment, but also provide visitors with unique cultural experience. By attracting tourists, festivals exert strong influence on the local economy, thereby, driving growth and development. The paper attempts to assess the socio-economic impact of the Raas festival in the Nalbari district of Assam. Primary data collected during the festival as well as post festival in 2022- 2023, following random sampling technique, have been used for the purpose. The study reveals that increased tourist spending in the festival has generated higher income via the operation of the multiplier and has revitalized the local economy. There has been infrastructure development to sustain increased tourist footfalls. The Probit Regression estimates indicate the factors that positively influence community participation in the festival. The study also highlights the challenges and suggests measures for capturing the true potential of festival tourism.