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Key Points

Uttar Pradesh has launched an innovative international tourism initiative called 'Bodhi Yatra' to highlight its rich Buddhist heritage. A 50-member delegation from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam toured significant Buddhist sites across the state. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally welcomed the international guests, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual significance of these locations. The initiative aims to position Uttar Pradesh as a premier destination for Buddhist pilgrimage and cultural exchange.

Key Points: Yogi Hosts 50 ASEAN Delegates on Buddhist Heritage Tour

  • Bodhi Yatra brings 50 delegates from 5 ASEAN nations to explore Buddhist sites
  • CM Yogi showcases state's spiritual tourism potential
  • International delegation visits key Buddhist monuments and historical locations
  • Tourism initiative strengthens cultural ties with Southeast Asian countries
2 min read

Uttar Pradesh: 50 delegates from 5 countries take part in 'Bodhi Yatra', meet CM Yogi

Uttar Pradesh unveils Buddhist pilgrimage sites to international delegates, promoting cultural tourism under CM Yogi's leadership

"Uttar Pradesh is committed to promoting its rich Buddhist heritage on a global platform - Jaiveer Singh, Tourism Minister"

Lucknow, June 8

In a bid to place Uttar Pradesh’s Buddhist heritage on the world map, Uttar Pradesh government is promoting the state’s Buddhist pilgrimage sites through international collaboration and strategic tourism initiatives. As part of this mission, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, in association with the Union Ministry of External Affairs organized a special week-long “Bodhi Yatra”, under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) framework.

The familiarisation trip, held from June 2 to June 7, aimed to showcase key destinations within the state’s Buddhist circuit. A 50-member delegation from five ASEAN nations -- Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam -- participated in the tour. The group included Buddhist monks, travel agents, and social media influencers.

Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh, speaking to the press, said that Uttar Pradesh is committed to promoting its rich Buddhist heritage on a global platform, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership.

The recently held 'Bodhi Yatra' aimed to showcase major Buddhist sites like Shravasti, Kapilvastu, Kushinagar and Sarnath, as well as Varanasi, Lucknow, and Agra to the world tourism map.

He said that during the trip, the visiting delegation explored important sites such as the Ananda Bodhi Tree, Jetavana Monastery, Piprahwa Stupa, Mahaparinirvana Stupa, Dhamek Stupa, Ashokan Pillar, and several Buddhist museums.

He added that the Yogi government has focused on improving infrastructure, enhancing tourist facilities, and preserving the cultural significance of these sacred places.

Earlier, the international delegation also met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and learned about Uttar Pradesh's rich and deeply rooted Buddhist heritage. The Tourism Department extended a warm welcome with traditional hospitality and special presentations, showcasing the spiritual and cultural significance of each site on the ‘Bodhi Yatra’ itinerary.

Meetings were also held during the 'Bodhi Yatra', helping strengthen tourism and cultural ties between India and Southeast Asian countries.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is a brilliant initiative! UP has such rich Buddhist heritage that often gets overshadowed by other tourist spots. Glad to see CM Yogi focusing on spiritual tourism. More international visitors will help our economy too. 🙏
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Priya M.
While I appreciate the effort, I hope the government ensures that commercialization doesn't spoil the sanctity of these sacred sites. Saw what happened to some Himalayan towns - we must learn from that.
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Amit S.
Great move to strengthen ties with ASEAN countries through shared Buddhist heritage. India's soft power is unmatched! Maybe next they can include Bodh Gaya in Bihar to complete the Buddhist circuit experience.
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Sunita R.
As someone from Kushinagar, I've seen firsthand how tourism development has helped local artisans and small businesses. More such initiatives please! But government should also train locals in hospitality skills.
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Vikram J.
Smart diplomacy through tourism! This is how we counter China's influence in Buddhist countries. Our heritage is authentic while theirs is mostly reconstructed. Hope they served our guests some delicious UP ke chaat along with spirituality!
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Neha P.
The Buddhist circuit has so much potential. But is the infrastructure really ready for large-scale international tourism? Last time I visited Sarnath, basic facilities were lacking. Hope this initiative leads to real improvements on ground.

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