UP Govt pens MoU with IBC to provide a new lease of life to Buddhist Tourism

In an effort to boost Buddhist tourism in Uttar Pradesh, the state government has virtually signed an MoU with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC). The collaboration, a 10-year contract, will aim at promoting the rich Buddhist heritage in UP on a global level, through various seminars, fairs, functions, and large-scale celebration of Buddhist festivals like Buddha Purnima, Ashadh Purnima, among others.

"India is known as the ‘Land of the Buddha’ as Gautam Buddha founded Buddhism about 2,500 years ago in this region," said a 2022 government press release.

"A number of factors like inadequate public infrastructure and tourist facilities at Buddhist tourist sites, limited multi-lingual guides, limited visitor interaction with, limited online marketing of Buddhist heritage sites and lack of information about authentic local arts, crafts shops, have led to a decline in Buddhist tourist footfall over the years," NITI Aayog had deduced further.

In order to resolve the same and give a new lease of life to spiritual Buddhist tourism, the government numerous plans in store. IBC will be provided land to develop and renovate Buddhist sites across UP. Since IBC is connected to some 40 countries, the collaboration will also help spread awareness about the buddhist culture and heritage here.

Some popular tourist attractions in the UP Buddhist Circuit are Dhamek Stupa, Mahaparinirvan Temple, Jetavana Vihara, Sahet Mahet, Rambhar Stupa, Pakki Kuti, among others.