The Buddha Bhoomi event was successfully concluded in Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand on Sunday.

The event, organised in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Tourism, showcased the rich cultural and spiritual significance of the Buddhist sites in Uttar Pradesh.

Officials said here on Sunday that over the course of ten days, approximately 1.5 million visitors visited the pavilion set up by Uttar Pradesh Tourism to witness the magnificence of the Mahaparinirvana Stupa and other Buddhist sites, including those associated with Lord Buddha’s life. Devotees patiently queued up to pay homage and offer prayers at these sacred locations.

The event witnessed the participation of pilgrims not only from Thailand but also from various other countries, who expressed their desire to explore the Buddhist sites in Uttar Pradesh after learning about them. Cultural programmes were organised on the final day, featuring performances depicting the glory of Lord Ram and his Ayodhya, enhancing the spiritual ambiance of the event.

The Buddha Bhoomi event that commenced on February 23 and concluded on March 3 aims to promote tourism between India and Thailand, emphasising Uttar Pradesh’s significance as the land where Lord Buddha spent a significant portion of his life. Recognising the close proximity, connectivity, shared cultural heritage, and similar climatic conditions between India and Thailand, the event sought to increase investment and growth in tourism infrastructure development.

Thailand holds great importance as a tourism destination for Indians, with approximately 1.6 million Indian tourists visiting the country in 2023. Most Thai tourists, especially from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, undertake pilgrimages to the sacred Buddhist sites in these states. However, there are numerous other Buddhist tourism destinations in India that remain to be explored by Thai visitors.

The event also provided insights into investment opportunities offered by the Uttar Pradesh government for rapid development. The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Policy aims to position the state as a preferred investment destination in the tourism sector. The government is actively working on various projects to provide modern facilities at Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

Short films showcasing Uttar Pradesh’s Buddhist sites are being screened in metros and shopping malls across Thailand to promote awareness and attract tourists. Minister of Tourism and Culture, Jaiveer Singh, highlighted the extensive tourism development projects underway in Kapilvastu, Sarnath, Shravasti, Kaushambi, Kushinagar, Sankisa, and Devdah. Public-private partnerships are being encouraged for the development of essential tourism infrastructure and guest houses.

The successful conclusion of the Buddha Bhoomi event in Thailand marks a significant milestone in strengthening cultural ties and promoting tourism between Uttar Pradesh and Thailand. Uttar Pradesh Tourism looks forward to welcoming visitors from Thailand and around the world to explore the spiritual and cultural treasures the state has to offer.