The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department is showcasing the state’s rich heritage of Buddhist sites at the ongoing Buddha Bhoomi programme, which is being held from February 23 to March 3, in Thailand.

This unique initiative allows Thai citizens to virtually experience the Mahaparinirvana site of Kushinagar, the place where Lord Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana.

A magnificent pavilion has been constructed at the event, reflecting the theme of Lord Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana site. Thai citizens are being introduced to the six major Buddhist pilgrimage sites of Uttar Pradesh: Kushinagar, Sarnath, Shravasti, Kapilvastu, Sankisa, and Kaushambi.

Addressing the inauguration programme virtually, UP Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said, “We belong to the land where Lord Buddha grew up and showed the world the path of peace and non-violence. “Walking on this path, peace can be established in the world. I represent a land where Lord Ram and Lord Krishna were born, and it’s the same sacred land that Lord Buddha chose for penance, teaching, and nirvana.”

He also highlighted the rapid development in the tourism sector under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh. The government is providing ample and good opportunities for investors. The objective of the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Policy 2022 is to develop the tourism industry in the state as a preferred investment destination. The state government is working on several essential projects to provide modern facilities to Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

Additionally, he said that the tourism department has been actively working to further enhance tourism facilities in Kapilvastu, Sarnath, Shravasti, Kaushambi, Kushinagar, Sankisa, and Devdah. Private investment is being sought through Public Private Partnerships (PPP) for the development of various tourism facilities and guest houses catering to pilgrims, along with the establishment of heliports at these sacred sites.

He emphasised, “We aim to draw Buddhist devotees from across the globe to Uttar Pradesh and encourage them to explore the sacred sites linked with Lord Buddha, alongside destinations like Ayodhya, Kashi, and other tourist attractions.”

Mukesh Meshram, Principal Secretary of the Tourism and Culture Department of Uttar Pradesh, extended a warm invitation to citizens of Thailand to visit Uttar Pradesh and explore its six major Buddhist sites. He shared details about the ongoing tourism development projects initiated by the state government at these sites. Additionally, he briefed investors on investment opportunities and business prospects associated with various locations linked to the Buddhist religion in Uttar Pradesh.

The Uttar Pradesh government is keen to attract more and more Buddhist pilgrims to its state by making them aware about these sites. This will not only boost tourism but also create employment opportunities for locals.