The delegation comprises Buddhist monks, tour operators, media representatives, and bloggers-influencers.
Uttar Pradesh is globally renowned for its Buddhist sites and cultural heritage. Every year, a large number of Buddhist pilgrims visit the state to explore the religious landmarks associated with Lord Buddha. For followers of Buddhism, Uttar Pradesh is a spiritual heaven. A 15-member delegation from Cambodia has arrived in the state to tour the Buddhist Circuit from October 14 to 19, 2024.
The delegation comprises Buddhist monks, tour operators, media representatives, and bloggers-influencers. Their visit aims to explore the Buddhist heritage in India and promote these sacred sites back in Cambodia.
The Cambodian delegation reached Delhi on October 13 and then proceeded to Agra for sightseeing. Starting from Monday, October 14, the group will visit key sites including Shravasti, Kapilvastu, Kushinagar, and Sarnath in Varanasi.
Uttar Pradesh holds immense historical and spiritual significance. In recent years, the state has ranked first in domestic tourism. It has developed 12 tourism circuits, with the Buddhist Circuit being of special importance. This circuit connects the major sites linked to the life of Lord Buddha, who spent a significant portion of his life in this region.
The key locations in the Uttar Pradesh Buddhist Circuit include Kapilvastu (where Buddha spent his childhood), Sarnath (where he gave his first sermon), Shravasti (where he spent 25 rainy seasons), Sankisa (where he descended after teaching in heaven), Kaushambi (a regular retreat), and Kushinagar (where he attained Mahaparinirvana). In addition to these, Devdah and Ramgram in Maharajganj, as well as Atranjikhera in Etah, are important spiritual heritage sites in the state.
The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department is focusing heavily on inbound tourism. The influx of foreign visitors not only promotes cultural exchange but also boosts the economy. With approximately 93% of Cambodia’s population adhering to Buddhism, Uttar Pradesh is a significant pilgrimage destination for them. Every year, a large number of Buddhist followers visit India, particularly Uttar Pradesh. Notably, the Cambodian Buddha Vihara in Kaushambi, constructed by the Cambodian government, reflects the deep religious ties between the two nations.
Jaiveer Singh, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Uttar Pradesh, said, “Uttar Pradesh is a state rich in religious, cultural, and historical significance. We warmly welcome the Cambodian delegation, who will experience the uniqueness and depth of our Buddhist sites through this fam trip. Our goal is to attract tourists from around the world to the unparalleled tourism destinations in Uttar Pradesh. This is an important opportunity for us to showcase our cultural heritage on a global platform. The cultural ties between Uttar Pradesh and Cambodia are strong, and this visit will further strengthen the bonds.”
