Lucknow – The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department is set to present the state’s Buddhist sites to a global audience at the 47th Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart. The three-day event will be held from August 26th to 28th at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand. During the mart, the tourism department will showcase the Buddhist Circuit and the cultural diversity of Uttar Pradesh, inviting Buddhist pilgrims to visit the state.
This information was shared by Uttar Pradesh’s Minister for Tourism and Culture, Jaiveer Singh. He stated that the state tourism department will feature a special exhibition titled ‘Embark on Your Bodhi Yatra in Uttar Pradesh’. This initiative aims to highlight the potential and capabilities of Uttar Pradesh in the field of Buddhist tourism and connect the spiritual heritage of Lord Buddha with modern and global partnerships.
Minister Jaiveer Singh further elaborated that the Uttar Pradesh Pavilion at the event will focus on the six sacred sites of the Buddhist Circuit: Sarnath, Kapilvastu, Sankisa, Kaushambi, Shravasti, and Kushinagar. The pavilion will feature relics associated with Lord Buddha, digital screens displaying the Bodhi Yatra, stories related to the Tathagata Buddha, and interactive sessions. Visitors will be able to experience the life journey of Mahatma Gautam Buddha through various mediums and also learn about local traditions, crafts, and cuisine.
Jaiveer Singh also mentioned that the UP Pavilion will specifically highlight the world-class facilities being provided at the Kushinagar International Airport, better connectivity options in Varanasi, and amenities related to the Buddhist sites. The objective is to make the experience of foreign tourists more convenient and attractive.
Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture, Mukesh Kumar Meshram, stated in connection with the event that the state has taken special initiatives to strengthen the Buddhist Circuit with world-class facilities, digital promotion, and sustainable tourism. He added that global partnerships will be emphasized by engaging with airlines, destination managers, and investors during the conference to attract more tourists to Uttar Pradesh. The government’s aim is to make the ‘Bodhi Yatra’ a seamless, safe, and enriching experience.
Along with the Buddhist exhibition, the state will also introduce the international audience to its broader tourism heritage. Glimpses of the vibrant traditions of Ayodhya and Mathura-Vrindavan, the fragrance heritage of Kannauj, and major cultural events like Deepotsav, Dev Deepawali, Mahakumbh, Rangotsav, and Taj Mahotsav will also be presented.
During the three-day event in Bangkok, representatives from Uttar Pradesh Tourism will meet with global stakeholders. The focus will be on forging new partnerships, promoting tourism travel, and strengthening the state’s identity as a global tourism hub. Buddhist pilgrims and experts from various countries will also be informed about the safe environment and excellent law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh. Furthermore, they will be apprised of the high-level connectivity that enables Buddhist tourists to travel between different sites in a shorter time.
