Impact of the Pilgrimage Tourism of...

CHAPTER - V

Impact of the Pilgrimage Tourism of Vailankanni

CHAPTER – V

IMPACT OF THE PILGRIMAGE TOURISM OF VAILANKANNI

This research is an attempt to establish the fact that Vailankanni is one

of the rare places in the globe where people gather in great number, from

various parts of the world, irrespective of caste, creed, race, color, language,

culture and nationality.

The pilgrimage tourism of Vailankanni stands as a unique medium for

broadening the limits of human knowledge and as essential unifying factor for

the cultural propagation that is necessary to bring people together. In

pilgrimage tourism, a social exchange takes place, the pilgrim tourist carries

back home with him new habits and way of life.

The pilgrimage tourism of Vailankanni brings a number of intelligible

benefits. It offers educational, social, cultural, religious and political values. It

brings an international understanding. The following are some of the findings

in the course of preparation of this research work.

Before analyzing the positive and negative impacts of the pilgrimage

tourism of Vailankanni let us examine the details of the respondents.

a. Age of the respondents

b. Sex of the respondents

c. Educational qualifications of the respondents

d. Monthly income of the respondents

e. Occupation of the respondents

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Table No. XIII

Age of the Respondents1

S. No Description Frequency Percentage

1 Below 34 55 15

2 35 – 44 45 11

3 45 – 54 71 17

4 55 – 64 104 26

5 65 and above 125 31

Total 400 100

The above table reveals that 15 percent of the respondents belong to the

age group, 11 percent of the respondents are between the age 35 – 44. 17

percent of them are between the age of 45 – 54, 26 percent of the respondents

between the age of 55 – 64 and 31 percent of them are 65 and above.

Chart No.5

Age of the Respondents

1511

17

26

31

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Below 3435 – 4445 – 5455 – 6465 and above

1 Field Survey.

205

Table No.XIV

Sex of the Respondents2


1 Male 187 47

2 Female 213 53

Total 400 100

It is found on the above table that 47 percent of the respondents are male

and 53 percent of them are female.

Chart No. 6

Sex of the Respondents

47 %

53 %

44454647484950515253

MaleFemale

2 Field Survey.

206

Table No. XV

Educational Qualifications of the Respondents3


1 School education 140 35

2 Graduate 114 28

3 Postgraduate 80 20

4 Others 57 15

5 Illiterate 9 2

Total 400 100

The above table reveals the educational qualifications of the

respondents. 35 percent of them have school education. 28 percent of them are

graduates, 20 percent of them are post graduates, 15 percent of them belong to

the category of others and 2 percent of them are illiterate.

Chart No. 7

Educational Qualifications of the Respondents

35

28

20

15

20

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

School education

Graduate

Postgraduate

Others

Illiterate

3 Field Survey.

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Table No. XVI

Monthly Income of the Respondents4


1 Below Rs 5000 192 48

2 5001 to 15000 107 28

3 15001 to 30000 68 16

4 30001 to 50000 28 7

5 50001 and above 5 1

Total 400 100

The above table reveals the monthly income of the respondents under

study and it is found 48 percent of the respondents have a monthly income of

Rs 5000 and below. 28 percent of them have the monthly income Rs 5001 to

15000. Rs 15001 to 30000 monthly income holders are 16 percent. Rs 30001 to

50000 are 7 percent and those who earn 50001 and above are 1 percent.

Chart No. 8

Monthly Income of the Respondents

48 %

28 %

16 %

7 %

1 %0

10

20

30

40

50

Below Rs 50005001 to 1500015001 to 3000030001 to 5000050001 and above

4 Field Survey.

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Table No. XVII

Occupation of the Respondents5


1 Salaried 128 32

2 Business 72 18

3 Professional 50 13

4 Agriculturists 47 11

5 Pensioner 12 3

6 Other 91 23

Total 400 100

It is informed the above table that 32 percent of the respondents are

salaried class. 18 percent represents the business people, 13 percent of the

professionals, 11 percent of the agriculturists, 3 percent of the respondents are

pensioners and 23 percent of the respondents belonged to other category.

Chart No. 9

Occupation of the Respondents

48 %

28 %

16 % 7 %

1 %

23 %

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

SalariedBusinessProfessionalAgriculturistsPensionerOther

5 Field Survey.

209

Positive Impacts

The researcher had the opportunity to minister at this Holy Shrine

Vailankanni for a period of ten years. Therefore, the personal observation, the

personal interviews with the resource persons who are connected with the

pilgrimage tourism of Vailankanni and the questionnaire made it possible to

establish the statistical report of the incoming number of the pilgrim tourists

round the year. The records of Vailankanni Township, the systematic

calculation of the number of lodges that accommodate the pilgrim tourists, the

number of cabs, tourist buses, corporation and private buses that come into

Vailankanni and the analytical examination of the ticket sale rates in the bus

transport corporations and railways ultimately enhanced this research to be

authentic.

Table No. XVIII

Incoming Number of Pilgrim Tourists

Number of Persons

Per Day Seasons

20,00,000 During the Annual festival period

15,000 On normal days throughout the year

1,00,000 On Sundays and Saturdays

2,00,000 During the month of May

5,00,000 On Christmas day

5,00,000 On New years day

1,50,000 On Good Friday and Easter

1,00,000 On Government holidays like Pongal, Dasra, Diwali, Puja, Onam, and on the Holidays of schools and colleges.

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Chart No. 10

Percentage of devotees from various parts of the world

35 %

25 %

10 %6 %

2 %7 % 7 %

05

101520253035

Devotees from Various Parts ofWorld

Tamil Nadu

Kerala, Andhra andKarnatakaMaharashtra

North India

Andaman and Nicobar

South Asian Countries

Other

35% From Tamil Nadu

25% From Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka

10% From Maharashtra

6% From Total North India

8% From Sri Lanka

2% From Andaman and Nicobar Island

7% From South Asian countries

7% From Other parts of the world. (Europe, America and

Australia)

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Chart No. 11

Percentage of devotees from different religions

50 %

10 %

20 %

2 %

10 %5 %

2 % 1 %05

101520253035404550

Devotees from Different Religions

CatholicsNon CatholicsHindusMuslimsOther ReligionsNon BelieversOrthodoxRationalists

Catholics : 50%

Non Catholics : 10%

Hindus : 20%

Muslims : 2%

Other religions (Buddhists, Sikhs, Parsis and etc.) : 10%

Non Believers : 5%

Orthodox : 2%

Rationalists : 1%

The Pilgrimage Tourism of Vailankanni fosters

National Integration and International Understanding

The highest priority is being given to national integration today, to help

India rise above the many divisive forces that led to widespread mistrust among

the people. The pilgrimage tourism of Vailankanni contributes in a substantial

manner to re-affirm the values of India being a country with a multi-lingual,

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multi-religious and multi-cultural society where one is to celebrate true unity in

diversity. It has the objective of bringing humankind closer together. All

vacations involve change and adaptations, pilgrim groups from different races,

regions and political areas meet and inter mingle in Vailankanni.

Foreign Tourists Visiting Vailankanni

A Tourist from Goa

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The Need for the National Integration

India is a country of rich cultural heritage with lot of differences. The

spirit of unity under the leadership of Gandhi got independence. The same

spirit is needed for the continuous growth and welfare of the nation. Only when

there is a peace, one can develop into a great nation, so national integration is

essential forever. Integrity of nation is vital for its security and prosperity. India

is a country of diversity. Achieving unity in diversity was the major challenge

that the nation builder had to face soon after independence. The British left the

sub-continent by cutting it into two and thereby creating two countries, India

and Pakistan. Pakistan became a religious state where as India chose to remain

secular. India comprises people belonging to different beliefs, races, religions

and languages unless a cultural integration among these different sections of

people takes place, unless every Indian considers himself an Indian first, the

integration of India is incomplete.

Muslim Pilgrims at Vailankanni

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Though rapid industrialisation leads to the mushroom growth of slums,

the introduction of industries in cities paves the way for the eradication of

poverty and unemployment. The different pattern of education prevailing in

different states, the introduction of regional languages as the medium of

instruction coupled with reservation policies in educational institutions, have

practically imposed a ban preventing students from one state to study in

another. The separatist tendencies prevalent in different parts of the country are

real threat to the unity of the country. Communal clashes have become a

regular feature. Even if some thing happened in a far distant place, it echoes

resound in inland and lead to communal clashes. National languages, border

adjustments, river waters dispute, caste feeling, political philosophies anything

can become the theme of contest and confrontation. Unless it is to instill a

feeling of brotherhood in the minds of people of different regions and religions,

national integration will only be a dream. The strength of Indian culture ties in

India’s unity in diversity.

The Role of Vailankanni Pilgrimage in National Integration

Vailankanni Arockia Matha Church in Nagappattinam District, Tamil

Nadu majestically stands as a great symbol of communal harmony. People

flock throughout the year, from all over the world, irrespective of caste, creed,

color and religions. To offer prayers and to obtain blessings for their well

being, and to offer thanks for the gifts they received. However, the crowd of

pilgrims becomes vast during the annual feast of this Vailankanni church. The

name and fame of Vailankanni church is known far and wide transcending

many faiths. The annual feast of Our Lady of Vailankanni is not only

recognised as a religious festivity but also is considered as an occasion to

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strengthen national integration. Vailankanni Arockia Matha Church stands as

the symbol of unity, harmony, peace and brotherhood for which Mother Mary

stands in a unique manner uniting people of the whole world in loving

fellowship under her mantle of love.

Hindu devotees visiting Vailankanni

The religious practices that are prevalent in Vailankanni Church reflect

truth, love, harmony and peace. These are values which humanity likes, seeks

and endeavors to establish. It is the element of transcendence embodied in

religion that elevates religion above all historical and communitarian

limitations and gives its devotees the essential freedom to rise above the

bondages of its own limitations and link themselves with men of other faiths.

Vailankanni pilgrimage piety can never be considered as a matter of narrow

historicity, an ethnically or really bound reality.

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Pilgrims from North India Religious indifferentism and fanatism can do a lot of harm to a nation,

the first by depriving religion of its role in modern society and the second by

exaggerating the role of religion and fighting for the unimportant elements of

religions. Both ways of behavior may jeopardize national integration. Only

when people are in the state of non-freedom they fight and create communal

disharmony. But here in Vailankanni the followers of different religions come

and stay peacefully, co-exist and pray together for the building up of a nation.

Thus the pilgrimage tourism of Vailankanni paves the way to break the barriers

between man and man.

Vailankanni Pilgrimage paves the way for the International

Understanding

“God is My Father. The World is my Home. All Men and Women are

my Brothers and Sisters”. It is opined by Vivekananda, a disciple of

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Ramakrishna.6 People from world over do come to this holy place Vailankanni

and experience the unity in diversity. The fusion of international pilgrims with

Indian pilgrims in Vailankanni generally made thinking universal values of

peace and harmony. The peaceful climate that prevails in Vailankanni between

the foreign travelers and the Indians is the standing proof for sustainable

growth of the international unity. Vailankanni pilgrimage tourism not only

fosters internal unity but also the international understanding and universal

harmony. The interaction between the national and international pilgrims opens

the gates for the universal understanding, which would lead to substantial and

positive growth of the nations. Material achievements alone cannot be judged

as total growth of a nation.

Vailankanni being a tourist and pilgrimage center, it paves the way for

creating a progressive future. The noble ideals of Jesus’ love and concern for

each other, religious tolerance, respect for composite culture once increasingly

seen among the pilgrims who come from various parts of the world. Tsunami

hit Vailankanni attracted the global attention without any discrimination and

reservation. The whole world extended its helping hands through welfare

programmes and community development.

As one learn from the history, the universities were centers of the

sciences in common to all neighboring nations, for example, the University of

Paris, that of Bologna or the first German University Praha, nowadays in

Czechoslovakia. In the same way Vailankanni opens its gates for all the

pilgrims from world over and permit them to worship as they wish. Religions

in Gandhian perspective are meant to establish peace on earth. In the novena 6 Interview with Ramananda, Disciple of Vivekananda, Vailankanni, on 3rd September 2007.

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prayer that is conducted in Vailankanni Church, they do pray for the peace in

the world and for all the people in the world.

Among the socio-religious reformers of India, Raja Rammohan Roy

(1772 – 1833) stands out as a pioneer in the formation of the national

consciousness of united India as one nation. As national integration amounts to

holding in different parts of a country together by a common link or bond,

certain administrative factors have to be centralised. In India different

languages are spoken and different cultures are followed. One has to mark out a

harmonious blending of opposing principles. Only with such a national outlook

can anyone move towards universal brotherhood.

The Pilgrimage Tourism of Vailankanni promotes Universal

Brotherhood

India is a huge country where one finds various culture, various states

but even so, there is real unity. It is surprise to see how such a large federation

of states and how such a large geographical area with all its variety is sticking

together. It is really very creditable. So the promotion of national integration is

in the best interest of India. Tourist and pilgrimage centers foster national

unity, particularly the pilgrimage tourism of Vailankanni which is the subject

matter of research, promotes a positive concept of nationalism, a concept which

is open to other nations, which is open to international integration and universal

brotherhood. It also awakens the genuine values in the hearts of the pilgrim

tourists who visit Vailankanni. In course of time, these genuine values flow

into genuine actions of love and acceptance of one’s own neighbor. The result

will be harmony, peace, happiness and an integrated society. Gandhi once said,

“The greatness of a religion consists in its capacity to produce great minds”,

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meaning, “Great minds capable of accepting and appreciating the other”.7

Actually, the teachings of Christianity especially the documents of the Second

Vatican Council always stand for such a goal.

On the last judgment day when people are arranged on the merits of the

their actions Jesus gathers on his right people from all nations who have acted

with righteousness and love, love which is the substance of every moral law.

Elsewhere Jesus illustrates this principle with the story of the Good Samaritan,

the representatives of a rejected religion, who practices love, while the

representatives of the accepted religions pass by. Further, in his talk with the

Samaritan women, Jesus denies the ultimate significance of any particular

place of adoration and demands adoration in spirit and truth.8

The pilgrims in Vailankanni are greatly influenced by the loving grace

of God through the Mother Mary and through the co-pilgrims to seek values

that are basic and eternal, that will bind men together and thus create a world of

love, abiding peace and harmony. The pilgrimage tourism of Vailankanni

makes the realization of universal brotherhood possible.

The observed factors that promote universal brotherhood

It is noticed that the pilgrims who visit Vailankanni understand and

accept each other. A great amount of peace and harmony prevail among them

in spite of the fact that they follow different faith and travel from various parts

of the globe.

7 Interview with Puspha Raj, Madurai, on 20th December 2005. 8 The Holy Bible, NT, John 4:6-8, King James Version, p. 1101.

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Vailankanni is one of the rare places in the globe wherein the

unbelievers and the followers of all religions look at their fellow pilgrims of

other faiths with such an attitude of solidarity and love. In this way the

pilgrimage tourism of Vailankanni paves the way for changing the atmosphere

of India which has an enormous wealth of religious heritage and varieties. It

also gives a hope that a new nation will surely emerge strengthened by a deeper

sense of unity and all embracing love. India is a nation where a guest for truth

and cry of the poor equally assail ears. They are in fact inter-related.

Socio-Cultural impact of the Vailankanni Pilgrimage Tourism

Man is the crown of creation in the universe. He makes lot of efforts in

order to make his life happy and beautiful. The desire of man is the origin of

the creation of music, art and literature. Thus, whatever man creates in the field

of thinking and action with the help of his intelligence may be termed culture.9

So culture may be regarded in a wider sense as the way one feel and think, live

and worship.

According to Taylor, “Culture is that complex whole of which includes

knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capability and habit

acquired by man as a member of society10”. Mathew Arnold writes, “Culture is

the acquainting by ourselves with the best that has been known and said in the

world”.11 In the words of White, “Culture is symbolic, continuous, cumulative

progressive process”. Whitehead, the famous philosopher and educationist of

America writes, “Culture is activity of thought and receptiveness to beauty and

9 VM Gnanapragasam, Beschi and Inculturaiton, 150th Anniversary of the New Madurai Mission (1838-198), India, 1987, p. 171. 10 Ibid, p.2. 11 VC Pandey, Evolution of Indian Culture, Printwell Publication, Lucknow, 1986, p. 2.

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human feelings”. With the development of human knowledge and perception,

the qualities of love, kindness, etc. also are developed. Culture exposes the

developed qualities of a man. To conclude in the words of Mac Iver, this is the

realm of styles, of values, of emotional attachments, of intellectual advent.

Culture is the anti-thesis of civilization. It is the expression of India in modes

of living and thinking, in the every day intercourse, in art, in literature in

religion, in re-operation and enjoyment.12

The culture of a country and a race is subject to the influences of the

culture of other countries or races. Although the external forms of different

culture differ, internally they have it in the other similarity. In short,

civilization becomes possible when chaos and insecurity are minimized. Here it

is apt to give one definition given by priest of a Franciscan missionary, about

culture, “culture is a historically transmitted pattern of meaning embodied in

symbols, a system of inherited conception, expressed in symbolic form by

means of which human beings communicate, perpetuate and develop their

knowledge towards life”.13

Vailankanni has a renowned name in the cultural history of Tamil Nadu.

Vailankanni occupied a distinct place in the peninsular India due to its cultural

and harmonious nature. The location of Vailankanni near by the seashore itself

seems to be the strong foundation for cultural prosperity. Being the location

near the sea-shore as well as near the flourishing port of Nagappattinam,

Vailankanni could get a development and a refined culture.

12 Ibid, p. 2. 13 VM Gnanapragasam, op. cit. p. 173.

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The cultural development has been studied under four different phases

namely; enculturation, acculturation, transculturation and inculturation.

Enculturation is the process by which an individual becomes inserted into his

own culture. Through his life, man learns from ancestors, which would

distinguish human from other creatures. The culture, which is inherited from

his elders or ancestors, came from generation to generation. This learning

experience is called enculturation. Acculturation denotes the phenomenon

resulting from contact between culture of two regions or races. It indicates the

mutual influence of both. It is also viewed as the adaptation of custom or

practice from a foreign culture.

In the 16th century AD, the Europeans particularly the Portuguese landed

in Vailankanni, there arises a fusion of cultural elements; one is indigenous and

the other is exogenous. This resulted in the flourishment of trade to a great

extent in the Coromandal Coast. Gradually, the Portuguese could get

popularity, which lead to the amalgamation of two cultures. This association

paved the way for multifarious developmental progress. Christianity could get

its base in the Nagapattinam region. This produced for reaching cultural

changes. The rigidity of customs and practices began to wave. This created

many socio-cultural changes in that area.

Transculturation transfers the culture of its own to the other culture. In

Vailankanni it had its impact mainly on art and architecture. The best example

is the Vailankanni church wherein the architectural edifices, like the twin

towers, domes, spires, lantern towers exhibit the western influence. Even in art,

especially in sculpture and painting one can witness the influence of

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transculturation. The images in the church and its Hellenistic and Byzantine

stylistic features expose the western cultural effects.

Inculturation is a dynamic phenomenon by which the exotic cultural

elements have been accepted. This leads to adaptation, which further brings to

inculturation. Christianity is laid on the strong foundation of Indian customs

and practices. This inculturation may be visible, in all the day-to-day cultural

life in Vailankanni. Many local customs are preserved or adapted, such as the

blessing of the new crop, the ceremonial procession with the first share to the

village church, throwing of rice grains on the newly married couple, blessing of

a new house before occupation etc. On the other hand, many indigenous

customs, were declared illegal; Sati, bigamy, shaving a widow’s head, etc. The

abolition of several of these customs has been upheld in India today. Thus a

constant encounter is taking place between the two cultures. Whatever was

considered religiously offensive was avoided or abolished. Whatever did not

violate the tenets of Christianity was occupied or adopted to its culture.

Christianity has its roots in India since the beginning of the first century

AD. In fact according to tradition Thomas himself brought Christianity to India

in the first century AD. When the antiquity of Christianity is analyzed, it seems

remarkable that there has never been a truly Christian culture. There was a

beginning of enculturation at the time of Thomas. Even then, the Christians

were able to keep up their Hindus social customs; they did not have any contact

with the philosophy of the Hindu Community. Instead, they mainly depended

on the Eastern Syrian Church for theology and liturgy (religious rites).14 The

14 P. Thomas, Churches in India, Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, New Delhi, 1989, pp. 4 – 8.

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Portuguese who arrived in AD 1438 were keenly interest in their trade. As they

were merchants, they showed disinterest to understand the language, customs

and practices of India. On the other hand as soon as the missionaries arrived in

India they realized the importance of learning as well as understanding the

Indian languages and customs. The missionaries had come to India chiefly to

evangelize the country. A missionary cannot be expected to perform his task

unless he is able to mingle with the people among whom he works. Hence it

was incumbent upon the missionaries to dedicate themselves to the study of the

Indian languages. The missionaries had on esteem of their own western culture.

So they ignored the social structure and human value of the converted people

with their western customs, thereby destroying the indigenous culture. But the

learning of indigenous language and customs automatically made them to

freely mingle with natives15.

In Vailankanni, due to Christianisation or Westernisation, there is a

fusion of rituals, habits and culture, which leads to inculturation. The

conversion to Christianity changed the faith but not the custom of the society.

Development without culture has no meaning. It is said history did not stop

yesterday nor it stops today. So it is the case with culture. The religious

tendency and behavior of the society brought about development in the society.

Subsequently a society rich in culture and civilisation came into existence.

Cultural and harmonious nature of Vailankanni

The pilgrimage tourism of Vailankanni which fosters national, social

and universal harmonies also paves the way for the cultural development.

Vailankanni occupies a distinct place in the peninsular India due to its cultural 15 Ibid, p.8.

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and harmonious nature. The location of Vailankanni near the seashore itself

seems to be the strong foundation for the cultural prosperity. A casual observer

of the day today activities of the shrine of Vailankanni will arrive at the

conclusion that Our Lady of Health, Vailankanni is being venerated as a loving

and caring mother by the pilgrim tourists who visit this tourist and pilgrimage

centre, due to the infusion of Indianisation or Inculturation with Hinduisation.

For example, the devotees in Vailankanni break the coconut into two halves

before offering them. The white kernel of the coconut symbolises the purity of

heart with which the devotees make offering. However making a vow to

tonsure the head is not exclusively Hindu practice. Such a practice is found in

the Holy Bible. Paul tonsured his head as he had made a vow to do so.16

Shaving of the hair on the head is an act of penance especially for a woman.

This practice is also followed by some of the devotees as an act of penance.

Bathing in the sea has a religious significance. Non-Christian devotees

consider that it is a religious practice. In Hindu temples such as Kanyakumari,

Rameshwaram, Tiruchendur and Mahabalipuram, the devotees worship the

deities after taking bath in the sea. Such a Hindu practice is being adopted in

Vailankanni. The different aspects of Hindu cultural practices that are prevalent

in Vailankanni reveal the fact that pilgrimage tourism of Vailankanni respects

and promotes the Indian culture. Through the scientific and systematic method

of questionnaire, it is learnt that the arrival of foreign tourists in Vailankanni

does not endanger the existing local customs and culture.

Vailankanni Pilgrimage Promotes Socio-Cultural Integration

The nature and composition of the various groups of pilgrims involved

in Vailankanni pilgrimage and the relationship between pilgrims help to

16 The Holy Bible, NT, Acts of the Apostles, 18;18, King James version, p. 1153.

226

establish the fact that socio-cultural integration is possible in Vailankanni. In

spite of demographic, social, ethnic and linguistic differences the pilgrims

appreciate, accept and respect each others’ social customs and culture.

The transitory nature of the relationships between the pilgrim tourists

and the local residents, often coupled with language barriers, allows little

opportunity for understanding to develop between the two groups. The

contribution of Vailankanni pilgrimage tourism to the socio-cultural integration

of India is praiseworthy. In Vailankanni the real integration of different

sectarian forms of worship is explicitly seen. One can learn from history that

political integration based on imperial conquest failed. Therefore, the Indian

intellectuals and cultural leaders turned away from the political realm to culture

and religion for their own emotional integration and directly for the integration

of one India. Both religion and cultural tolerance, learning and appreciating

attitude of visitors that are found in the shrine Vailankanni enhance the

integration of India.

The pilgrimage tourism of Vailankanni brings the pilgrim tourists and

the local residents closer together. The pilgrims who gather in Vailankanni are

transformed to certain extent to remove all barriers between them and

encourage their intellectual and spiritual heritage through a better knowledge of

the world. All vocations involve change and adaptation. Pilgrim groups from

different races regions and political areas meet and intermingle. This social

interaction influences the pilgrims, social integration and it is not an

exaggeration if it is stated that Vailankanni pilgrimage tourism stands as the

passport for peace, harmony. Vailankanni pilgrimage tourism is also one of the

civilizing influences in the world. The pilgrims from world over arrive not only

227

with money, but with treasures of their civilisation and the history of this

country of which they are the ambassadors.

Table No. XIX

The Arrival of Foreign Tourists in Vailankanni Endangers the Existing Local Customs and Culture17


1 Not at all 348 87

2 To certain extent 52 13

3 Extremely 0 0

Total 400 100

The above table reveals that 87 percent of respondents say that the

arrival of foreign tourists in Vailankanni not at all endangers the existing local

customs and culture and 13 percent say that it endangers to certain extent.

Chart No. 12

The Arrival of Foreign Tourists in Vailankanni Endangers the Existing Local Customs and Culture

87 %

13 %0 %0

102030405060708090

The Arrival of ForeignTourists in Vailankanni

endangers the existing localcustoms and culture

Not at all

To certain extent

Extremely

17 Field Survey.

228

The Economic Impact of Vailankanni Pilgrimage Tourism

Production, distribution and consumption are the three dimensions of

economics. Andre Silgreried adds ‘travel’ as the Fourth Dimension of

modern economics18. Tourism is acknowledged as an industry today. The

economic development of a country is inter-linked with the development of

tourism. Tourism helps to earn foreign exchange largely. It also provides both

direct and indirect employment to millions of people.

The pilgrimage tourism of Vailankanni generates a number of direct and

indirect job opportunities. The total economy of the entire area of Vailankanni

greatly depends on the pilgrimage tourism industry of Vailankanni.

Considerably, steady growth in the incoming number of pilgrims was found

after the introduction of motor cars. The pilgrimage tourism of Vailankanni is

the most important, income generating, economic enterprise more particularly

in Vailankanni and in the world. The people engaged in this pilgrimage tourism

business welcome ‘strange pilgrims’ as their brothers and sisters, with real

dedication, commitment and hospitality really help the pilgrims in different

phases. Hospitality is a single phenomenon which simultaneously involves two

phases of the pilgrims business activities. The first phase involves the

employees, employers and the guests. In this phase the three components share

a healthy relationship because they are mutually beneficial. In the second phase

which involves transport and accommodation. The Catholic Church gives high

priority to human works through the Holy See’s encyclicals like Rerum

Novarum and Laborem Exercens.

18 G.G. Singhal, Glimpses of Tourism in India, Kanishka Publishers, New Delhi, 2006, p.3.

229

Man’s life is built up everyday out of work and from work, it derives its

specific dignity, but at the same time, the work contains the unceasing measure

of human toil and suffering. A career serves an individual’s own need for

development; it derives little social benefits to this type of work in terms of

public obligation. Vocation is in simple terms a calling from God. It is a calling

to recreate the world continuously and it is a calling to serve the needy and the

downtrodden. For the people of faith, when they take business as a vocation,

nothing other than serving God and his people can be the ultimate objectives or

measures.

Economic benefits

The major economic benefit in promoting the pilgrimage tourism of

Vailankanni tends to be the earning of foreign exchange. Income from foreign

pilgrims in the form of foreign exchange earning adds to the national income.

Vailankanni pilgrimage tourism provides employment, brings infrastructural

improvement and helps regional development. The incoming number of

pilgrims in Vailankanni has enhanced the income of the natives and the

outsiders.

Employment Opportunities

Vailankanni pilgrimage tourism generates a number of direct and

indirect job opportunities. Apart from the workers employed in the private

concerns, a good number of workers are employed in the church and its allied

institutions. A very liberal policy is followed in the Church, with regard to

employment. Contrary to popular perception, employment is not restricted only

to the Catholics. In fact non-Christians outnumber the Christians and thus

230

Vailankanni stands as the role model for the national, social, cultural and

religious integration and universal brotherhood.

Of the 792 employed, 301 are Catholics, 491 are Hindus and only One

Muslim. The Hindu employees are recruited not only from Vailankanni, but

also from distant places. One could have complaints from Catholics that they

are not getting their due in the employment opportunities of the Church. This

grievance is one way high lights the uniqueness of the shrine Vailankanni and

the Catholicism of nature towards all fellowmen, irrespective of religious

belief.

Pilgrimage Tourism of Vailankanni and Standard of Living

The visit by the pilgrims to Vailankanni affects the living pattern of the

local residents. The way visitors conduct themselves and their personal

relationships with citizens of the host town often have the profound effect upon

the mode of life and the attitude of the local people. It is an undeniable fact that

the inflow of pilgrim tourists in Vailankanni facilitates for sophisticated and

higher economic standard of living of the local people. The exposure of local

residents to the foreign and domestic pilgrim tourists is potentially beneficial

from the political and economic point of view. The economic benefit and the

socio-cultural interaction influence the standard of living of the local residents.

The pilgrims encounter the pilgrim centre Vailankanni with its inhabitants and

social structure and mode of life. The pilgrim tourists are also in turn affected

by the experience. They carry back home with the habits and new outlook on

life.

231

Development of Infrastructure

Development and improvement of infrastructure is another important

benefit. In addition to development of new infrastructure, the improvements in

existing infrastructure which are undertaken in order to attract and provide

facilities for the pilgrim tourists is also of crucial importance. These

improvements may confer benefits upon the resident population in Vailankanni

by providing them amenities which, hitherto, they had not enjoyed. Further

more, the provision of infrastructure may provide the basis or serve as an

encouragement for greater economic diversification a variety of secondary

industries like hotels, lodging, transport etc. Thus, indirectly, the inflow of

pilgrims may be responsible for stimulating other economic activities. Creation

of basic infrastructure for pilgrim tourists’ usage in Vailankanni will also be of

service to other sectors of the economy like small scale industries and

agriculture. The outcome of this is better equilibrium of general economic

growth. The economic benefit from the existing infrastructure in Vailankanni is

considerably high and thus it make a decisive contribution to the growth of the

national economy.

The Park and Fountain at the Vailankanni

232

Table No. XX

Vailankanni Tourism improves the Local Infrastructure19


1 Yes 374 94

2 To certain extent 26 6

3 Not at all 0 0

Total 400 100

The above table denotes that the 94 percent of the respondents agree that

the Vailankanni tourism improves the local infrastructure, while 6 percent of

the respondents say that it is only to certain extent.

Chart No. 13

Vailankanni Tourism improves the Local Infrastructure

94 %

6 % 0 %0102030405060708090

100

Vailankanni Tourism improvesthe Local Infrastructure

Yes

To certain extent

Not at all

Regional Development

The provision of infrastructure the construction of roads, the system of

electricity supply, water supply and sewage disposal, hospitals, schools and 19 Field Survey.

233

shops become necessary when this particular Vailankanni pilgrimage and

tourist centre is developed for the growth of pilgrimage tourism. This is a key

factor in the promotion of economic growth. The United Nations Conference

on International Travel and Tourism held in Rome in 1963, noted that tourism

was important not as a source of foreign exchange, but also a factor in the

location of industry and in the development of less developed regions. It further

stated that in some cases the development of tourism might be the only means

of promoting the economic advancement of less-developed areas lacking in

other resources.20 Vailankanni being a pilgrimage and tourist centre has greatly

benefited from the pilgrimage and tourism development. The areas in and

around Vailankanni has been developed for the use of pilgrims and thus it has

brought a lot of prosperity to the locale. The pilgrimage tourist expenditure in

Vailankanni area greatly helps the development of the areas around it. Thus,

the State Government and the Church Administration create and develop

facilities for the pilgrims with a view to bring prosperity in Vailankanni.

Amusement park at Vailankanni Beach

20 Interview with Fr AJ Joseph, Ooty, on 12th November 2006.

234

Spiritual and Educational Value of Vailankanni Pilgrimage Tourism

The pilgrimage tourism of Vailankanni fosters a feeling of love,

understanding and goodwill. It generates international emotional integration. It

also facilitates mutual help often accompanied by cultural exchange and by

cultural enrichment of those who come as pilgrims as well as those local

residents. Pilgrimage tourism is considered as an intellectual and spiritual art.

Both the pilgrims as well as the local people are more spiritually enriched and

encouraged to vanish auspicious prejudices through the encounter of

civilization, culture or religious belief in Vailankanni. Thus, Vailankanni

pilgrimage tourism helps to break down prejudices, barriers and suspicions that

exist between nations. In fact friendly mood exists in Vailankanni where in

people belonging to different countries, practicing different life styles and

speaking different languages come together to pay homage to Mother Mary.

The mingling of cultures in Vailankanni has positive effects, wrong notions in

the minds of the pilgrims about the thoughts, cultural, religions and way of life

or people are dispelled by seeing things for themselves. Vailankanni pilgrimage

tourism is a channel through which one can promote knowledge and

understanding among the people of the world and build up those resources of

friendship and good will in which alone lies the prospect of establishing the

lasting foundations of a world community. Thus, Vailankanni pilgrimage

tourism stands as an education of other peoples’ habits, society, food, dress and

whole way of life without any perceptions professing the desirability of love

and goodwill for humanity. Therefore, in the ultimate analysis one can reach

the conclusion that the pilgrimage tourism of Vailankanni promotes universal

brotherhood, fosters national integration, international understanding and peace

in the world.

235

Heritage Conservation and Preservation in Vailankanni

The magnificent and spectacular Vailankanni church majestically stands

as the remarkable cultural attraction for innumerable pilgrims and enthusiastic

tourists. The ancient structure of the main church is well preserved by the

Vailankanni church administration. Every year just before the commencement

of the annual feast of Vailankanni considerable attention is given for the

effective conservation, preservation and restoration of the exuberant structure

of Vailankanni church. The church administration also pays due attention in the

construction of infrastructure of the tourism of Vailankanni by taking due

consideration not to permit the other structures to exceed the esthetic and

gothic structure of the original church which is a strong attraction to visitors.

The Benefits of Conserving the Natural and Architectural Heritage

in Vailankanni

a) Makes Vailankanni even more attractive

The preservation of the original gothic church makes Vailankanni even

more attractive for the travelers to visit.

b) Helps the visitors to breathe easier

The church administration and the Special grade Panchayat in

Vailankanni are keen to protect the seashore and the green spaces. The

above said both administrations are careful for not to build more and

exceedingly high buildings. Thus, the air pollution caused by demolition

and new construction is prudently avoided.

236

c) Keeps the visitors happy

The conservation of the heritage of Vailankanni connects the visitors to

their past and strengthens their sense of self, their sense of community

and their ability to shape their future.

d) Conserves energy and keeps the local economy booming

The preservation of the heritage in Vailankanni generates jobs during

rehabilitation and draws tourists and commercial activities. Reusing of

the spectacular historic church saves the energy used to build it and

maintain it.

The Contribution of Vailankanni Pilgrimage Tourism to

Environmental Conservation

Well-planned and clean operation of tourism facilities that are available

in Vailankanni minimizes the environmental impacts. The church authorities

and the Special Grade Panchayat in Vailankanni take careful steps in waste

treatment and disposal to avoid pollution. They also follow scientific and

systematic pollution prevention and waste minimization techniques. To raise

environmental awareness among the residents and the visitors the district

collector and the Tamil Nadu Health department distribute printed notices and

make public announcements in Vailankanni. They provide information,

training and support to community groups working on waste prevention. They

also publicize the positive effects of waste prevention and the eradication of the

use of plastic carry bags.

237

Eco-Friendly Products in Vailnkanni

The church administration organizes small sale cottage industries to

produce eco-friendly products such as doormats made of coconut fiber,

detergent soaps, phinoil and soap oil which could be used in the lodges and in

the church cleaning. The eco-friendly garland making the statue making and

the candle making businesses are also flourishing in Vilankanni. Mostly the

locals are engaged in these endowers. It is remarkable to note that the artists in

Vailnkanni carefully avoid the usage of plastic in statue making.

Empowerment of Women and the Pilgrimage Tourism of

Vailankanni

The empowerment of women is one of the universal issues in the

process of development of countries all over the world. The Government of

India made Empowerment of Women as one of the principal objectives of the

Ninth Five Year Plan (1994—2002) and also declared 2001 as the year of

‘Women Empowerment’. The political empowerment of women in

Vailankanni is remarkably visible by having Mrs Julee as the chairperson of

Special Grade Panchayat. Thus, women in Vailnkanni have gained greater

share of control over decision making in the society. The Shrine administration

also gives increasingly great attention in the upliftment of women by offering

job opportunities particularly for women. The traditional devotion of lighting

candles has created sufficient job opportunities for women. Church owns a

candle industry totally run by women. Moreover about 30% of women are

engaged themselves in the candle production at their respective homes.

The church administration along with Thanjavur Multipurpose Social

Service Society, non governmental organizations and with district

238

administration conduct entrepreneurship development training for women,

capacity building and skill formation to expose the women of Vailankanni to

various business opportunities and to motivate them to start economic

activities. Self help groups consist 12—20 women are also encouraged by

Thanjavur Multipurpose Social Service Society and the Shrine to improve the

saving habits of women to fulfill the economic needs through self-employment

of women and utilize bank loan and government schemes. Education to women

is the most powerful instrument of changing position in the society. Education

also brings about reduction in inequalities and acts as the means to improve

their standards. Therefore the church administration pays due attention in

conducting schools and boarding specially for girl children.

239

A view about the prices being charged for the facilities can be seen in

the following Table XXI.

Table No. XXI

Facility Rating

Facility Rating

Foreign Pilgrim Tourists

Very High High Moderate Cheap

i. Food 0 0 79 % 21%

ii. Accommodation 0 0 21 % 79 %

iii. Transport 0 0 20 % 80 %

iv. General Shopping 0 0 91 % 9 %

Domestic Pilgrim Tourists

i. Food 12 % 15 % 55 % 18 %

ii. Accommodation 26 % 28 % 39 % 7 %

iii. Transport 10 % 17 % 70 % 3 %

iv. General Shopping 56 % 18 % 24 % 2 %

240

The respondents were persuaded to give suggestion for further growth in

various facilities and activities for the pilgrimage tourism promotion in

Vailankanni. The following Table XIII states the wishes and suggestions of the

pilgrim tourists in Vailankanni.

Table No. XXII

Wishes and Suggestions of the Respondents

Wishes and Suggestions of the Respondents Facility / Activity Should be

improved Should be increased Both

Foreign Pilgrim Tourists i. Accommodation 45 % 80 % 18 %

ii. Transport 80 % 10 % 2 %

iii. Recreational activities 60 % 5 % 3 %

Domestic Pilgrim Tourists i. Accommodation 35 % 70 % 8 %

ii. Transport 20 % 75 % 20 %

iii. Recreational activities 10 % 50 % 10 % Negative Impacts

Along with the positive and progressive impacts of the pilgrimage

tourism of Vailankanni there are also some inevitable negative elements found

in Vailankanni. Pollution of environment, destruction of eco-system and

exploitation of the local people are also some of the inevitable evil elements

found in Vailankanni.

The concept of modernization coupled with globalisation drastically

affected the common people in and around Vailankanni. They are not able to

adjust with the onslaught of the alien systems of life-style and culture. The

241

unstable economic condition also affects their other development work. In

1980, at a conference in Manila convened by religious leaders of developing

countries, worried about culture. They made a categorical statement that

tourism does more harm than good to people and to societies of the ‘Third

World’. It does not benefit the majority of the people. Instead it exploits and

pollutes the environment, destroys the ecosystem, bastardizes the culture, robes

people of their traditional values and ways of life and subjugates women and

children in the objects of slavery and prostitution.21

The Ecological System and the Pilgrimage Tourism of Vailankanni

The growth of the pilgrimage tourism of Vailankanni leads to

modification of environment. The ecological system in which man and other

organisms live much affected during the time of annual festival in Vailankanni.

Despite of the growing interest in the pilgrimage tourism of Vailankanni by the

church and state administration, air pollution, destruction of Vailankanni

coastlines, the pollution of river Velliar (which runs on the southern side of the

shrine) from human waste and detergents and the traffic congestions become

increasingly inevitable threats to the environment in Vailankanni. Despite the

warnings on the wider use of polythene bags is also found. Unlike the Nilgiris

District in Tamil Nadu, South India, where the use of ordinary paper bag is

encouraged. No such arrangements are found. Though the dumping of garbage

is controlled systematically by the state and church administration, practically

it becomes impossible to maintain a clean and pollution free environment in

Vailankanni where innumerable pilgrim tourists gather in great number

especially during the annual festival, from various socio-cultural backgrounds.

21 Interview with Sr R. Sheela. Providential College, Coonoor, on 2nd July 2006

242

Table No. XXIII

Plastic and Polythene Bags are used in Vailankanni22


1 Not at all 5 1

2 Some what 327 82

3 Extremely 68 17

Total 400 100

The above table describes that the plastic and polythene bags are used in

Vailankanni. 1 percent of the respondents say that it is not at used. 82 percent

of the respondents say that it somewhat used and 17 percent of the respondents

say that it extremely used.

Chart No. 14

Plastic and Polythene Bags are used in Vailankanni

1 %

82 %

17 %

0102030405060708090

Plastic and Polythene Bagsare used in Vailankanni

Not at all

Some what

Extremely

Crime and Anti-Social activities

The most significant and desirable product of the pilgrimage tourism of

Vailankanni is its effect on the moral standards of the human society. On the

contrary the pilgrimage tourism of Vailankanni contributes (to certain extent)

22 Field Survey.

243

to an increase in criminal and anti-social activities; such as prostitution, crime

and gambling.

Table No.XXIV

Anti Social Activities like drug and liquor traffic is in Vailankanni 23


1 Agree 175 44

2 Strongly agree 138 34

3 No opinion 67 17

4 Disagree 20 5

5 Strongly Disagree 0 0

Total 400 100

The above table reveals that 44 percent of the respondents agree that the

anti-social activities like drug and liquor traffic is in Vailankanni, while 34

percent strongly agree. 17 percent of the respondents have no opinion and 5

percent disagree.

Chart No.15

Anti Social Activities like drug and liquor traffic is in Vailankanni

44 %

34 %

17 %

5 %0 %05

1015202530354045

Anti Social Activities likedrug and liquor traffic is

in Vailankanni

Agree

Strongly agree

No opinion

Disagree

StronglyDisagree

23 Field Survey.

244

Table No.XXV

Anti Social Activities like Prostitution is in Vailankanni24


1 Agree 175 44


3 No opinion 22 6

4 Disagree 75 19


Total 400 100

The above table describes that 44 percent of the respondents agree that

the anti – social activity is in. 29 percent of the respondents strongly agree. 6

percent of the respondents have no opinion. 19 percent of the respondents

disagree and 2 percent of the respondents strongly disagree.

Chart No.16

Anti Social Activities like Prostitution is in Vailankanni

44 %

29 %

6 %

19 %

2 %05

1015202530354045

Anti Social Activities likeProstitution is in Vailankanni

Agree

Strongly agree

No opinion

Disagree

StronglyDisagree

24 Field Survey.

245

Table No.XXVI

Beggars in Vailankanni are a nuisance for the Tourists25


1 Agree 107 27


3 No opinion 20 5

4 Disagree 255 64


Total 400 100

It is known from the above table whether the beggars in Vailankanni are

a nuisance for the tourists. 27 percent of the respondents agree while 4 percent

of them strongly agree. 5 percent of them have no opinion and 64 percent of the

respondents strongly disagree.

Chart No.17

Beggars in Vailankanni are a nuisance for the Tourists

27 %

4 % 5 %

64 %

0 %010203040506070

Beggars in Vailankanni are anuisance for Tourists

Agree

Strongly agree

No opinion

Disagree

StronglyDisagree

25 Field Survey.

246

Challenges to Eco System in Vailankanni

Environmental changes are seen because of the building of hotels and

lodges in environmentally sensitive areas in Vailankanni. Vailannkanni has

experienced many problems due to the poor planning in sewage system size,

dumping of sewage effluent into the sea , the lack of water and over crowded

conditions especially during the annual festival days and in the month of May

have led to serious health problems for some local residents and a few pilgrim

tourists alike. Tourist –generated pollution and the smoke that comes from the

chimneys of the hotels in vailankannin is also a threat to this area.

Culturally and Ecologically Sustainable Vailankanni Tourism and

the Local Community Development

We shall discuss here the following factors; a) Who benefits from the

money that tourism generates in Vailankanni? b) What are the effects of

tourism industry in Vailankanni on environment and the local culture? c) Are

children and women exploited?

Vailankanni tourism can bring improved income and standard of living

for local people as it revitalizes local culture, crafts (statues, glass dooms,

souvenirs and gift articles) and customs. Valankanni tourism also brings

economic and social development without its original culture being destroyed.

Vailankanni tourism actively incorporates the local society in service.

However, the flora and fauna may be irreparably damaged in and around

Vailankanni the tourism of Vailankanni generates employment and income to

most of the people in this locality. Our point of discussion here is; whether the

natives of Vailankanni are the real beneficiaries.

247

According to the personal observation of the researcher, the survival of

the fittest theory exists in Vailankanni. Except a limited number of rich natives

others are unable to run the accommodation and hotel business in a large scale.

Lodges

a) The number of lodges owned by the natives in Vailankanni : 36

b) The number of lodges owned by the settlers in Vailankanni : 62

Total number of Private Lodges : 98

Chart No.18

Lodge Owners

63%

37%

Lodges of Natives Lodges of Settlers

248

Hotels

a) The number of hotels run by the natives in Vailankanni : 3

b) The number of hotels run by the settlers in Vailankanni : 10

Total Number of Luxurious Hotels in Vailankanni : 13

Chart No.19

Hotel Owners

23%

77%

Hotels run byNatives

Hotels run bysettlers

Nevertheless the proprietors of the following hotels; Hotel Sea Gate,

Hotel Golden Sand, Hotel Vailankanni, Hotel MGM, and Hotel Dravider, are

not the natives of Vailankanni they provide standard food and accommodation

facilities together to the tourists. They run their business with the help of the

native workers. Except the Managing Director of Hotel MGM the rest of the

employees of the above said concerns are natives of Vailankanni and near by

villages.

249

Grocery, Garments, Fancy and Petty Shops

a) Number of shops owned by the natives : 65

b) Number of shops owned by the settlers : 159

The total number of permanent shops in Vailankanni : 224

(Annai shopping complex north: 23+, Annai shopping complex south:

32+, shops along the beech road: 75+, shops at the northern side of the Shrine:

14+, shops along the Vailankanni main road: 30+, shops in and around the bus

stand: 24+, shops at the entrance of Vailankanni: 8+, shops at the old

Vailankanni area: 18 = 224)

Chart No.20

Shop Owners

29.02

70.98

01020304050607080

Shops ownedby Natives

Shops ownedby Settlers

Permanent Shops

However, a vast number of non-resident business people put up

various temporary shops and mini portable amusement machineries to provide

recreational and shopping facilities for the increasing number of tourists during

the Annual festival. Well, a reciprocal gain becomes possible for both the

tourists and the entrepreneurs by the increasingly dynamic tourism of

Vailankanni. Nevertheless, the booming cottage industries like garland making,

status making, candle making and the flourishing fishing industry are utilized

successfully by the natives of Vailankanni without any threat and competition

250

from outsiders. Besides, the total numbers of available tourist guides in

Vailankanni are eight. Among them, five of them can speak Hindi, Malayalam,

Tamil, Kongani and English. About one hundred and twenty families have

come and settled down in Vailankanni and have engaged themselves in doing

scavenger work. They have migrated from Eraiyur-North Arcot district, Tamil

Nadu, India in 1978. Though the exploitation of women and children are not

seen about eight boys below the age of fourteen are seen here selling small

fancy and religious articles in the street.

Cultural Degradation

Due to continuous flow of pilgrimage tourists in Vailankanni round the

year, changes are also observed in some other aspects of socio cultural life. The

young boys and girls in general have a tendency to imitate the fashion, dress,

style of conversation etc of the pilgrims. The life style among the young

generation of natives are often marked which obviously an influence of

Vailankanni pilgrimage. During the festival, it is interestingly noted that the

local people in general are so interested in business and become business

minded. During the festival, some fast food centers are opened which are liked

by the locals especially of younger generation.

Again, some of the local elders argued that the pilgrimage tourism of

Vailankanni has some negative influence on Vailankanni and its people. It is

told that the pilgrimage tourism has brought pollution in their both physical and

social life. They say that young generation imitates the behavior patterns of city

life, which sometimes even hurts the sentiment of the rural, traditional minded

people. In this place along with gentle men, thieves, pickpockets and other anti-

social elements spoil the social atmosphere of the place to a certain extent.

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