Buddhist Sites Of Uttar Pradesh Take Center Stage at ‘Bodhi Yatra’ Conclave

New Delhi, 29 June 2024 : The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department organized the ‘Bodhi Yatra’ conclave in New Delhi, celebrating the profound journey of Lord Buddha and highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s significance as a Buddhist pilgrimage. The event, held to commemorate the state’s rich spiritual heritage, featured distinguished dignitaries including Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tourism, Government of India, and Jaiveer Singh, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh.

The conclave, graced by ambassadors from Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar, and several other countries, underscored India’s strong international relations. Attendees included members of the International Buddhist Council, academicians, and representatives from national and international organizations.

The event commenced with a presentation by the Special Secretary, Department of Tourism Uttar Pradesh, showcasing the state’s six major Buddhist sites: Sankisa, Sarnath, Shravasti, Kapilvastu, Kaushambi, and Kushinagar. Emphasizing Uttar Pradesh’s diverse religious landscape, the presentation highlighted investment opportunities and the state’s investor-friendly tourism policies aimed at boosting tourism sector growth.

Principal Secretary, Department Of Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh, expressed optimism about the state’s rising popularity as a tourist destination, both domestically and internationally. He outlined the event’s objective to strengthen cultural ties with South and Southeast Asia, promote foreign direct investment, and enhance cultural diplomacy.

A round table discussion explored strategies to promote Uttar Pradesh’s historical and spiritual sites to foreign tourists. The Union Minister of Tourism and Culture praised Uttar Pradesh’s efforts in realizing Prime Minister Modi’s vision for creating tourist circuits, particularly the Buddha Circuit, aimed at showcasing India’s heritage of truth and non-violence to the world.

Secretary, Ministry Of Tourism, reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and amenities at Buddhist sites, enhancing the visitor experience, and creating employment opportunities for local communities. Minister of Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the state’s pivotal role in Buddhism’s historical journey and its efforts to develop the Buddhist circuit as a premier global tourist destination.

Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh underscored the state’s commitment to promoting its Buddhist sites on the global map through infrastructure development and investor-friendly policies. The conclave concluded with a cultural show depicting the life of Lord Buddha, celebrating Uttar Pradesh’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

The event culminated with the felicitation of attendees, recognizing their contributions to promoting Uttar Pradesh as a hub of spiritual tourism and cultural exchange.