Indian festivals: the contribution they make to cultural and economic wellbeing : A case study of Ganapati festival

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight an Indian festival’s contribution to cultural and economic well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes a qualitative approach to analyze the impacts of Ganesh Chaturthi festival, which is annually celebrated over a period of two weeks across the nation.

Findings

The study shows that the Ganesh Chaturthi festival fosters national cohesiveness, promotes communal harmony, preserves family values, helps maintain national identity, revitalizes the economy and fosters cultural tourism.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides useful insights for policy makers, local government, businesses and community leaders for deriving optimal benefits from the annual Ganapati festival.

Originality/value

The Indian economy is developing very rapidly, and yet there is limited published literature available on the contribution of festivals to these developments.

Citation

Gaur, S.S. and Chapnerkar, M. (2015), "Indian festivals: the contribution they make to cultural and economic wellbeing : A case study of Ganapati festival", Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. 7 No. 4, pp. 367-376. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-03-2015-0017