Uttar Pradesh rich cultural tapestry includes not just the revered sites associated with Lord Ram but also key locations integral to the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. To cash in on these Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the State,  the UP Government recently launched the "Bodhi Yatra 2024" program to attract pilgrims and tourists from across India and the world, drawn by their historical and spiritual importance.

At an event held here in the national capital, the UP Tourism Department announced a slew of initiatives to attract domestic and international pilgrims and tourists to the renowned Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the state. It is home to many places once visited by the Buddha and sacred Buddhist stupas, monasteries, shrines and stupas, some of which date back to the days of the Buddha himself. He spent much of his life in the region with the spots of his first and last sermons located in the state.

The State boasts of six major Buddhist sites: Sankisa, Sarnath, Shravasti, Kapilvastu, Kaushambi, and Kushinagar.

Uttar Pradesh's Tourism Minister, Jaiveer Singh, explained that the objective of this journey is to showcase the memories of Lord Buddha's ordinary life journey through the heritage sites of Buddhism in the state.

"Throughout the year, this journey aims to familiarize people across India with the significant messages of Buddha," said the Minister as he announced that through various artistic presentations, the Tourism Department will highlight Uttar Pradesh's contributions to Buddhist art, culture, and the importance and connection of Lord Buddha.

Furthermore, an interactive cultural session was also organized during the Bodhi Yatra program, inviting guests from various countries. The program will now be organized periodically in various cities across the country, which will enhance the reach of the pilgrimage, said the Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture  Mukesh Kumar Meshram.  The conclave featured Ambassadors and other diplomats from Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan, Japan, Indonesia, Argentina, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.

Union Minister of Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat echoed similar sentiments, appreciating Uttar Pradesh for spearheading the Buddha Circuit, a visionary project to connect pilgrims with the spiritual journey of Lord Buddha, from birth to enlightenment.