From Restoration to Reaction: A Sentiment Study of an Indian Historic Temple Pre- and Post-renovation
摘要
This study investigates the shift in visitor sentiments following the recent renovation of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple by employing Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) and sentiment analysis on comments collected from various online platforms. A comprehensive methodology was utilized, involving data collection through targeted hashtags, data cleaning, and pre-processing to ensure the integrity of the dataset. Sentiment analysis was conducted using both manual and computational methods, allowing for a nuanced understanding of visitor emotions. Utilizing a lexicon-based approach, sentiments were classified into positive, negative, and neutral categories. The analysis revealed key insights into visitor perceptions, identifying aspects of the renovation that were particularly well-received and those that attracted criticism. The results indicated a significant increase in positive sentiments, particularly regarding the temple’s aesthetics and visitor facilities, while concerns about crowd management and accessibility were also noted. Further insights were visualized through word clouds, categorized by visitor groups, illustrating the most frequently mentioned themes and sentiments expressed. This research contributes to the understanding of the impact of renovations on visitor experiences and sentiments, offering valuable insights for future enhancements in cultural heritage sites. It aligns with the growing trend of sentiment analysis in tourism and contributes to the expanding body of literature on sentiment analysis in cultural heritage contexts, emphasizing the importance of public opinion in the management and promotion of historical sites. By leveraging social media as a data source, this study provides valuable insights for stakeholders involved in the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.