Assessing the Impact of Attukal Pongala Festival: Insights into Local Perceptions and Community Livelihood

Abstract

Festivals exhibit the rich culture and heritage of a particular community. Festivals often unite communities, fostering social unity and a sense of belonging. Festivals can stimulate economic activity and create opportunities for local livelihoods across various sectors, including retail, hospitality, transportation, tourism, event support services, and more. Businesses that strategically align themselves with festival audiences can influence the inflow of visitors to generate revenue and support their livelihoods. This study explores the resident’s perception of Attukal Pongala, a significant religious festival in Kerala, India, on local livelihoods. The Attukal Pongala held in Attukal Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest gathering of women for a religious activity. Women from different walks of life come together to participate in the ritual, irrespective of caste, creed, or social status. This annual religious festival is vibrant evidence of cultural heritage and spiritual devotion. The study examines residence perception and the impacts of the festival on local livelihood. It also investigates the relationship between demographic factors and the influence of pilgrimage tourism in the local community. This paper analysis explores the manifold benefits of festival tourism and development within the community, demonstrating how these initiatives enhance residents’ income and living standards, create job opportunities, and promote infrastructural improvements, all while fostering community pride and entrepreneurial growth.

Keywords: Religious Festival, Residence Perception, Local Livelihoods

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