An Interface Of Pilgrims, Pera Merchants, And Hoteliers At The Mata Tripureswari Temple: A Case From Tripura, India

This study explores how the Mata Tripureswari Shaktipeeth affects the potential growth of pilgrimage, pera merchants, and hoteliers in Udaipur. The study emphasizes the significance of domestic tourist influx, NSDPs, and PCIs in analyzing pilgrimage tourism. The survey of pilgrims reveals motivational factors such as praying for children's better future, seeking mental peace, the goddess's darshan, touring holy places, and fulfilling vows. Promoting pilgrimages helps expand tourism throughout the state. Pilgrims have a special bond with Matabari Pera, using it as a bhog (eatable) to the deity. Pilgrims' spending habits significantly influence the economic impact on pera merchants and hoteliers, each with its unique character. Pilgrims like day trippers, budget, domestic and foreign pilgrims, and events visit the shrine. Findings confirm the economic significance of pilgrimage for vendors and hoteliers surrounding the shrine. Tripura is poised to enhance circuit tourism by linking three Indian Shaktipeethas and four in Bangladesh.