The recent consecration ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir has sent ripples beyond the spiritual realm, impacting the Indian stock market in a unique and unexpected way. Amidst the backdrop of volatility in major IT and tech shares in recent weeks, the market witnessed a substantial spike in the prices of four specific stocks. This surge can be attributed primarily to their connection with the auspicious consecration ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, which took place on January 22.
The ceremony, marking the ‘pran prathishtha’ of the idol of Ram Lalla in the newly constructed temple, was a monumental event attended by over 7,000 invitees, including dignitaries such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Beyond its cultural and religious significance, the consecration ceremony has had a noteworthy impact on the financial landscape, particularly benefiting four companies with strong ties to the business and tourism sectors in Ayodhya.
In the spotlight over the past three months are Allied Digital, Thomas Cook, InterGlobe Aviation, and Easy Trip Planners. These companies have experienced a remarkable surge in their share prices, registering a minimum increase of 22 percent—a notable feat, especially when compared to the performance of other small and mid-cap firms in the market.
Allied Digital: A Technological Ascent
Allied Digital, with its roots in the technology sector, has witnessed a commendable rise in its share prices. The company’s connection to Ayodhya, though not immediately apparent, underscores the widespread impact of the Ram Mandir consecration on various sectors. This surge suggests a newfound investor interest, possibly driven by the company’s involvement in technology solutions that contribute to the city’s infrastructural development.
Allied Digital Services has experienced a notable surge in its shares, witnessing an increase of over 41 percent on the stock market from October 2023 to January 2024. The upward trajectory commenced following the company’s announcement of securing the contract for the Ayodhya Smart City Project, strategically timed just months ahead of the Ram Mandir ceremony.
Thomas Cook: Tourism Flourishes
The tourism industry in Ayodhya has seen a significant boost, translating into positive market performance for Thomas Cook. As Ayodhya continues to draw pilgrims and tourists eager to witness the cultural and religious renaissance associated with the Ram Mandir, companies with ties to the tourism sector are reaping the benefits of increased footfall.
Thomas Cook India experienced a significant upswing in its share prices following the announcement of budget travel packages to Ayodhya ahead of the consecration ceremony at the newly constructed Ram Mandir. Since October, the travel company’s share prices have surged by 35 percent, reaching its lifetime high in January.
Easy Trip Planners: Facilitating the Journey
Easy Trip Planners, a player in the online travel agency space, has seen a remarkable uptick in its share prices. Easy Trip Planners, another travel company, took an early lead by announcing travel packages for Ayodhya ahead of the inauguration of the Ram Mandir. Since October 2023, Easy Trip’s share prices have experienced a rally of over 20 percent.
InterGlobe Aviation: Flying High on Demand
InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, has experienced an upswing in share prices, reflecting the surge in travel demand to Ayodhya. The city’s prominence due to the Ram Mandir consecration has led to increased air travel, contributing to the overall positive performance of aviation-related stocks.
InterGlobe Aviation witnessed a surge in its stock prices following the increase in its holdings in IndiGo Airlines to 1.90 percent in December 2023. The spike was fueled by IndiGo’s announcement of commercial flight operations to Ayodhya from Delhi and Ahmedabad amid the heightened travel interest in the city. Since this strategic move, InterGlobe stocks have experienced a remarkable spike of over 27 percent.