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Voices of Faith and Festivity: A Study of Resident Perceptions towards Religious Festival Tourism in Goa

Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Anchored in Social Exchange Theory this qualitative study explores how residents in Goa perceive religious festival tourism, focusing on the culturally rich Diwali celebrations, including the Narkasur Parade, kandil (lantern) making, folk dance forms and the preparation of traditional sweets.These elements reflect the intangible cultural heritage of Goa and contribute to the festival’s growing appeal among cultural tourists. As Goa shifts its tourism strategy from mass promotion to regenerative tourism an approach that prioritizes community well-being, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability—understanding resident perceptions has become more critical than ever.(Ap, 1992; Prayag et al., 2020), this study investigates how local residents evaluate the costs and benefits of Diwali-related tourism, Using in-depth interviews and participant observation, the research captures lived experiences and community narratives from those who actively shape the festival, including artists, elders, youth groups, homemakers, and food artisans. This research contributes to the growing literature on community-centered festival tourism and provides insights for policymakers and tourism planners. It recommends that regenerative tourism initiatives in Goa, such as those outlined in the Goa Tourism Policy (2020) and the Regenerative Tourism Action Plan (2022), actively integrate local voices and traditions into the planning process. Doing so can ensure that tourism not only withstands but revitalizes the cultural heritage of Goa’s festivals, supporting long-term social, spiritual, and cultural resilience.
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17140977
Author: Parker, Chaitali
Language: English
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7081989372
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