Economic Significance of Pilgrimage: A Focused Micro Level Study from Kerala, India

Pilgrimage to any sacred or divine place is of great importance to express the socio- cultural sentiments of a person or society. This study attempts a focused approach of Sabarimala pilgrimage, by looking in to the involvement of a group of people. Sabarimala is significant not only as a renowned and well-visited pilgrim centre, but it is deeply attached to the very life of a group of people on the fringe and buffer zones of PTR. The economic dimension of the pilgrim season is quite impressive and the generated income has spin off effects. Along with its economic side, its environmental aspects are explored in the study.