Uttar Pradesh Hosts Six-Day 'Bodhi Yatra' with Delegates from ASEAN Countries

To promote Uttar Pradesh's abundant Buddhist heritage on the international stage, the Yogi Adityanath government organised a special six-day event called the 'Bodhi Yatra', which attracted 50 delegates from five ASEAN nations.

Organised by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department in collaboration with the Union Ministry of External Affairs, this initiative took place within the framework of the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC), according to an official statement issued on Sunday.

The yatra, held from June 2 to 7, aimed to highlight key attractions within the state’s Buddhist circuit. The delegation comprised 50 individuals from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, including Buddhist monks, travel industry professionals, and social media influencers.

Speaking about the event, Uttar Pradesh’s Tourism and Culture Minister, Jaiveer Singh, emphasised that under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, the state is dedicated to elevating its historic Buddhist sites on the global tourism map.

He added that the 'Bodhi Yatra' showcased significant locations such as Shravasti, Kapilvastu, Kushinagar, Sarnath, as well as the cities of Varanasi, Lucknow, and Agra.

During the trip, the delegation visited several important sites, including the Ananda Bodhi Tree, Jetavana Monastery, Piprahwa Stupa, Mahaparinirvana Stupa, Dhamek Stupa, the Ashoka Pillar, and numerous Buddhist museums.

Singh also noted that the state government is focused on upgrading infrastructure, improving tourist facilities, and safeguarding the cultural and spiritual significance of these sacred places.

Earlier, the international visitors met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow and learned about Uttar Pradesh’s deep-rooted Buddhist heritage. The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department extended a warm welcome with traditional hospitality and special presentations, highlighting the spiritual and cultural importance of each site along the 'Bodhi Yatra' route.

Additionally, B2B meetings were organised to enhance tourism links and strengthen cultural ties between India and Southeast Asian nations. The Tourism Minister expressed hope that this initiative will not only bring global recognition to UP’s Buddhist legacy but also stimulate tourism and contribute positively to the state’s economic development.