Homestays

remain fully booked during Deepotsav, creating employment opportunities for

local families

Ayodhya,

Nov 10 (HS): The grandeur of Deepotsav-2026 in Ayodhya also gave a new height

to the tourism business this time. A large number of tourists from India and

abroad arrived to see Ramnagari illuminated with 36 lakh lamps and the grand

show of 2100 drones. The increasing influx of devotees also had an impact on

the hotel and homestay business of the city. The special thing was that along

with hotels, tourists also gave priority to staying in homestays run by local

families. This increased the income of homestay operators and many families got

new employment opportunities in their own city.

Around

15 lakh tourists visited Ayodhya from November 1 to 7 during Deepotsav, whereas

last year during the same period more than eight lakh tourists had arrived. At

the same time, the number of devotees visiting Ram Lalla also increased from

five lakh last year to around 10 lakh this time. The local business also got

good benefits from the increasing number of tourists and devotees. According to

homestay operators, the demand for rooms at their places during Deepotsav was

much higher than on normal days. Many tourists preferred to stay for a longer

period instead of a day or two.

Vasudev

Maurya, operator of Shri Ramdoot Niwas Homestay, said that during Deepotsav,

there was an increase of about 120 to 130 percent in business compared to

normal days. All the rooms were booked at his place. Many tourists from

Maharashtra also extended their stay. The home-cooked food, family atmosphere

and Hanumangarhi laddus were very much liked by the guests. He said that

tourists were also given information about Shri Ram Temple, Hanumangarhi, Kanak

Bhawan, Guptar Ghat and Saryu Aarti. Due to the rooms being available for rent

at Rs 1000 to 1200 per day, tourists found homestay an economical option.

Avinash

Kusum, operator of Kusum Homestay, said that his rooms were full every day

during Diwali. Tourists visiting with their families preferred fresh

home-cooked meals over takeout. Amenities like light meals for young children

and hot water made guests feel comfortable. Many tourists praised the

atmosphere, saying it felt like staying at a relative's home.

According

to Praveen Mishra, operator of Shri Shivaay Homestay, the demand for rooms

during Deepotsav was so high that even after reaching 100% occupancy, tourists

continued to flow in. Visitors from several states, including Gujarat, praised

the homely atmosphere and hospitality. Praveen said that the good business

generated during Deepotsav has boosted his family's income, and the homestay

has become a promising source of employment for him.

The

homestay business is also providing women with an opportunity to become

financially independent. Poonam Sonkar, operator of Poonam Homestay, said that

80 percent of her rooms were booked during Deepotsav. Many guests also extended

their stay. She welcomed the tourists with Ayodhya's famous Khurchan Peda.

Poonam said that the biggest benefit of this business for her family was that

despite getting a job offer in a big city of Rajasthan, her son decided to stay

in Ayodhya and join the family business. Now two other people have also got

employment in this business.

Rajkumari

Tiwari, operator of The Rama Junction (B&B), said that after her husband

retired from the military, homestays have become a significant source of income

for the family. During Diwali, all the rooms were booked, attracting tourists

from Kerala and Tamil Nadu. She said that this business has allowed her husband

to remain active even after retirement and is contributing to the family's

income.

Deepotsav

is becoming a source of employment: Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh

said that Deepotsav is not only a festival of faith and culture, but is also

becoming a means of increasing employment and livelihood opportunities for

local people. The growing trend of tourists towards homestays in Ayodhya

indicates that the benefits of tourism are now reaching local families. This is

giving people the opportunity to earn additional income and provide employment

to others by arranging accommodation for tourists in their homes.

Amrit

Abhijat, Additional Chief Secretary of the Tourism, Culture and Charitable

Affairs Department, said that homestays are rapidly becoming an important part

of the tourism ecosystem in Ayodhya. They provide tourists with an opportunity

to experience local culture, cuisine, and lifestyle. At the same time, local

families are getting the opportunity to increase their income and create

employment opportunities by engaging in tourism activities.

The

growing homestay business in Ayodhya reflects the transformation of the local

economy with tourism. Business generated during the Deepotsav festival has not

only provided additional income to local families but also increased employment

and self-employment opportunities for youth and women in their own city.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi