TRANSFORMING PILGRIMAGE TOURISM THROUGH DIGITALISATION – ANALYSIS OF TECHNOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS AND USER EXPERIENCES IN THE MAJOR PILGRIMAGE SITES OF ASSAM

Abstract

This research explores the dynamic intersection of digital innovation and pilgrimage tourism in Assam’s major pilgrimage sites. Through a comprehensive analysis, it investigates the varied technological interventions shaping this transformation, scrutinizes user experiences within this digital landscape, and assesses the socio-economic impact of these advancements. The study will give a brief idea about technological integration in pilgrimage sites, encompassing factors such as mobile applications, virtual reality experiences, informational kiosks, and online platforms for donations and information dissemination in the major pilgrimage sites of Assam. The study also highlights the effects on the management of pilgrimage sites, assessing the efficiency of digital tools in tasks like crowd control, resource management, and preservation of cultural heritage. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, interviews, and observational analyses to comprehensively assess the current state of digital adoption and its consequences.

The outcome of the paper will create a positive impact and bring an awareness for the contribution to the broader understanding of the interplay between tradition and technology in sacred spaces and can serve as a template for other regions grappling with similar dynamics, guiding policymakers, technology developers, and religious authorities in creating a harmonious balance between modernization and the preservation of cultural and spiritual values. Method of data collection will be primary and secondary based on interpretation which will be both qualitative and quantitative analysis method through observations, documents, survey and telephonic interviews with the help of simple random and mostly convenience sampling.