Perspectives on Holy Springs as a Religious Tourism Resource: a Comparative Study of the Baltic States and India

Holy springs played an immense role in religious tourism globally over centuries. It is widely believed that visiting holy springs as part of religious practice symbolises the washing away of sins and enhances ones’ health condition and well-being. Both in India and the Baltic States, a significant number of holy springs have various religious significances. However, over a period of time, due to changes in socio-cultural and political conditions, the use of springs for religious purposes and health reasons has also changed. The aim of this article is to analyse the change in the use of holy springs as religious tourism resources in India and the Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia). Both semi-structured interviews and content analysis are used as qualitative research approaches in the study. Semi-structured interviews in India and the Baltic States were undertaken with both tourists and spring management authorities on the motivations, changing aspects of the use of water springs, and possible solutions for the sustainable use of springs. The content analysis included written records, blogs, and social media sites, to establish historical perspectives on the use of water springs. In the conclusion, the authors provide suggestions for alternative ways of promoting spring tourism at religious sites.