Kathmandu— Barahakshetra Dham, located in Barahakshetra Municipality-1 in Sunsari, Nepal, serves as both a religious center and an economic pillar supporting over 90 families through various businesses. For generations, locals have relied on the steady influx of pilgrims to sustain their livelihoods through flower shops, hotels, snack outlets, and guest houses.

Economic Impact Through Religious Tourism

Local hotel entrepreneur Uma Shrestha emphasized that her family's business has been sustained by the pilgrimage traffic for generations. 'Our ancestral occupation is the hotel business, and even today our family depends on it for our livelihood,' she said. Despite a seasonal dip during monsoon months from mid-June to mid-August, the influx of devotees throughout the rest of the year ensures steady income.

Raju Ghimire, Vice-Chairman of the Barahakshetra Temple Trust, noted that pilgrims contribute significantly to the local economy beyond just religious activities. 'Pilgrims buy prayer materials, eat in local hotels, and many stay overnight,' he said. This spending supports nearly 100 households within the temple complex.

Diverse Business Opportunities

Outside the temple premises, a variety of businesses cater to pilgrims' needs. Shops selling flowers, offerings, garlands, and religious materials are commonplace alongside hotels and snack outlets. In recent years, guest houses have been established to accommodate visitors from outside the area, creating employment opportunities for local youth.

Local entrepreneur Bhabin Raut highlighted the positive impact of religious tourism on trade and hospitality in the region. 'Every pilgrim visiting the temple becomes a customer for local businesses,' he said.

(With inputs from Rising Nepal)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.