Deputy CM Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, who also holds the tourism portfolio, on Thursday promoted the state’s Buddhist circuit at Japan Tourism Expo. Tejashwi talked about important tourist sites in Bihar, especially focusing on Buddhist circuit which could attract Japanese visitors.
“Bihar is the land where Prince Siddhartha attained knowledge and became Gautam Buddha. It is the land where great pilgrims of the world found a treasure trove of history, and where civilization and culture had had deep roots for centuries. We welcome tourists from all over the world who wish to connect with this culture,” Tejashwi said at a press conference in Osaka.
He also inaugurated the Bihar pavilion at the travel show which will be used to carry out international branding of the state’s tourist destinations over the next four days. The pavilion was visited by former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who was presented with a Madhubani stole and Mahabodhi leaf.
The meeting discussed the restoration of several iconic tourism sites, including Dhanidhar Fort, the historic Chingus Fort, Qila Darhal fort, and the sacred Panj Nara Temple and others in Rajouri district. The restoration of heritage sites holds the promise of attracting tourists and bolstering the local economy and will also serve as a tribute to the craftsmanship, history, and stories that these sites enclose.
At the event, Tejashwi said Bihar has immense potential for tourism as the birthplace of several religion heads and a land of spiritual awakening. He mentioned the unique offering of the Buddhist circuit in the state, which can be divided into two major geographic regions.He said Mahabodhi temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is of great importance to all Buddhists. The deputy CM said the ruins of Nalanda University, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, can also be explored. Rajgir, situated on the Griddhakuta Hill, is another significant place where Lord Buddha spent several years and delivered some of his most important teachings.
