‘Better future’: India’s Ayodhya sees business boom with Ram temple launch

Ayodhya is getting an economic boost as it gears up for millions of tourists to see the controversial Ram temple. The gains could help Modi solidify support among traders.

Ayodhya, India – A 13-kilometre stretch around the controversial Ram temple in the northern Indian city of Ayodhya is lit up with sparkling lights, the walls in the area covered in murals as the city prepares for the January 22 inauguration ceremony by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

But Rajesh Majhi has no time to enjoy the beauty of the city as he is working overtime to print banners to be used for roadside advertisements for the consecration ceremony. He is also behind on huge orders of wooden carved miniature replicas of the Ram temple, which is currently under construction.

The 38-year-old says his business has increased nearly 30 percent in the past six months. “I have been in the business for the past 12 years, but have never witnessed such a huge demand for banners. There is a surge in the visits of VIPs and religious activities in the city in the past few months,” he told Al Jazeera.

His monthly orders for banners have doubled to 60,000 now from a year ago, and he’s opened a manufacturing unit to make replicas of the Ram temple, a new business line for him, he said.

“We are making 4,000-5,000 pieces every month but the demand is more than the supply. Traders are ready to pay any price and buy them because of that gap between demand and supply,” he said.

Kamal Kaushal, 62, who sells utensils in the city, around seven kilometres from the temple, is also happy with the rapid growth of his business.

“I have been running my shop since 1978 but have never come across such a massive demand for utensils used in religious activities. Earlier, it was