Hindu Religious Devotion in Media as Contemporary Folklore: Prospects for Religious Tourism in India

Abstract

Pilgrimages have long been a feature of religious practice, where the significant site has the power to encourage reflection anew upon the mysteries of the religion. This article explores the impact of contemporary mass media power in India upon religious tourism. This is linked to greater opportunities and facilities for travel, all leading to greater visualization of a nostalgic past where gods and kingdoms reigned, where miracles occurred, and so opportunities for the ‘searching’ of contemporary society.