Bringing together the spirituality and rich heritage of the state, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department organized the ‘Bodhi Yatra’ conclave in New Delhi last Friday to commemorate the extraordinary journey of Lord Buddha. The event underscored Uttar Pradesh’s significance as a Buddhist pilgrimage destination and highlighted the state’s tourism potential.
The conclave was graced by the presence of ambassadors from various countries, including Singapore’s Simon Wong, Thailand’s Pattarat Hongtong, Myanmar’s Moe Kyaw Aung, and representatives from Bhutan, Japan, Indonesia, Argentina, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, among others, showcasing India’s strong international ties.
Jaiveer Singh, UP Minister of Tourism and Culture, emphasized the state’s prominence, noting, “UP is the fourth largest state in terms of area and the largest by population, with 25 crores, comparable to the fifth largest country globally. Significantly, all key locations associated with Lord Buddha’s life—from his birth and education to his enlightenment, teachings, and Mahaparinirvana—are situated here. Guided by our Chief Minister, we are developing the Buddhist circuit to highlight the deep historical, cultural, and spiritual connections between Buddhism and Uttar Pradesh, attracting pilgrims from India and abroad.”
UP Chief Secretary Durga Shanker Mishra added, “Uttar Pradesh is the cradle of Buddhism, and the Bodhi Yatra initiative aims to let people experience the serenity and divinity of Lord Buddha. This event seeks to promote these Buddhist sites globally. Under our Prime Minister’s vision and the efforts of the State government and Tourism Department, we have developed infrastructure and world-class tourist facilities, making these sites top destinations in the country. Our investor-friendly tourism policy offers stakeholders the chance to be part of this transformative journey in Uttar Pradesh’s tourism sector.”
UP Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism and Culture, Mukesh Meshram, remarked, “UP has emerged as a leading tourist destination, attaining the number one spot in domestic tourism. We are hopeful of attracting more inbound foreign tourists soon. We aim to strengthen the spiritual and cultural connections with South Asian and Southeast Asian countries and enhance cultural diplomacy with the support of the Ministry of External Affairs, promoting Foreign Direct Investment in the state.”
He also noted, “We have allocated 2 acres of land in Varanasi to the Bhutan government for constructing temples and guest houses. We invite other countries to invest in the hospitality and tourism sectors at these six sites, assuring them of our full cooperation.”
