Buddhist Tourism Circuit

India is one of the world’s major historical, cultural, philosophical, and religious treasure troves. The urge to visit and experience these riches has made India one of the most  sought-after tourist and pilgrim destinations on the planet. The Buddhist Circuit is a circuit that follows in the footsteps of the Buddha from Lumbini, Nepal, where he was born, to Sarnath and Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India, where he gave his first teachings and died. Only places where the Buddha really spent time are included on this iconic itinerary, and these sites, all of which are over 2500 years old, are among the most significant and cherished for all Buddhists.The Buddhist Circuit is a popular pilgrimage site for the world’s 450 million Buddhists, as well as tourists interested in history, culture, or religion.

Kushinagar’s Buddhist tourist history

In ancient sources, Kushinagar is listed as the capital of the Kosala Kingdom.The city of Kushavati is mentioned in Buddhist writings, and it is thought that the name comes from the abundance of kush grass in the area.During the Mahajanapada era, Kushinagar was the capital of the Mallas (around 500 BCE).The Mauryas, Shungas, Kushanas, Guptas, Harsha, and Pala empires all included ‘Kusinara’ into their empires.To commemorate Buddha’s mahaparinirvana in Kushinagar, Ashoka constructed a monument over his ashes during the Mauryan period.Kushinagar, also known as kushavati, is one of the eight holiest Buddhist pilgrimage places.

Buddha travelled to Kushinagar and died there, according to the Mahayana classic Mahaparinirvana Sutra. The Buddha also delivered his final sermon in Kushinagar before being cremated at Ramabhar in Mukut Bandhan.The Gupta emperors (3rd-6th century CE) expanded Kushinagar’s stupa and built a shrine dedicated to the reclining Buddha.

In the records of Chinese travellers Fa Hsien and Hieun Tsang, the location is mentioned.The city was ruled by the Kultury rulers in mediaeval times and thrived until the 12th century. Due to attacks by invading Turkish Islamic troops, the Buddhist monks abandoned the site in 1200 CE.Alexander Cunningham’s excavations in the 19th century gave rise to the contemporary Kushinagar. The main stupa and the reclining Buddha statue were unearthed by C.L Carlleyle in 1876.

Buddhist tourism circuit

The Buddhist circuit is a route that follows the Buddha’s footsteps from Lumbini, Nepal, where he was born, to Bihar, India, where he attained enlightenment, to Sarnath and Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India, where he gave his first teachings and is buried.The Buddhist circuit, which includes the pilgrimage sites of Lumbini, Sarnath, and Gaya, is centred at Kushinagar.

There are four international and two domestic airports on the Buddhist circuit, with two more on the way. Under the UDAN scheme, there are also plans to expand helicopter flights and improve international connectivity. A total of 88 pairs of trains have been connected from Gaya to New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Varanasi, in addition to the special Buddhist Circuit train.The international airport in Kushinagar will offer direct flights to Southeast Asian countries such as Sri Lanka, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore, where large Buddhist pilgrims would be arriving.

The airport will also help the export of horticultural items such as bananas, strawberries, and mushrooms.Kushinagar is especially significant to Jainists since it is associated with Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara. The Vaishnavites, Shaivites, and Shakti traditions all have strongholds in the district.

Swadesh Darshan Scheme

The Tourism Ministry recently approved five projects totaling Rs 325.53 crore under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme for the development of Buddhist circuits. As part of the Union government’s Dekho Apna Desh effort, it has also planned a Buddhist Circuit Train FAM Tour. The tour visits Gaya-Bodhgaya in Bihar, Rajgir-Nalanda in Uttar Pradesh, and Sarnath-Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.

Swadesh Darshan is a central-sector initiative that began in 2014-15 with the goal of integrating the development of theme-based tourist circuits around the country.

Under the initiative, the Ministry of Tourism grants State Governments/Union Territory Administrations Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for the construction of circuit infrastructure.

One of the scheme’s goals is to develop integrated theme-based tourist circuits based on the concepts of high tourist value, competitiveness, and long-term viability.

Conclusion

The strategy is being approved by public sector tourist authorities, relevant departments and ministries, the corporate sector, the religious community, and other interested and affected parties as the official strategic framework for tourism development on the circuit. The Indian government, the state governments of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, and other financing partners have all made adequate financial contributions. The approach will be implemented with sufficient institutional and human capabilities.Additional specialised research and detailed plans are being done in support of the strategy’s core projects. The strategy is viewed and treated as a fluid, guiding framework that should be altered and updated on a regular basis. To track success and impact, effective measuring and evaluation mechanisms are being created.