Patna. A 28-member delegation from Thailand visited the world famous Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya on Sunday as part of the ‘Fam Tour of Lotus Triangle-Travel to Land of Enlightenment’ organized by Bihar Tourism Department. The members of the delegation, who were on a visit to the sacred Buddhist circuit, prayed at the Mahabodhi Temple and got the spiritual experience of the place of enlightenment of Lord Buddha.
The Mahabodhi Temple, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is a major pilgrimage site and spiritual center for Buddhists. The Thai delegation paid homage to the sacred site where Lord Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The peace, compassion and spiritual atmosphere of the temple complex particularly impressed the Thai guests.
Special Secretary cum Tourism Director Udayan Mishra said that the Bihar government is paying special attention to the development, promotion and promotion of the places related to the Buddhist circuit of the state and providing better facilities to international tourists. He said that this visit of the Thai delegation will be helpful in promoting the Buddhist heritage of Bihar at the global level as well as further strengthening the tourism and cultural relations between India and Thailand.
The members of the delegation described the visit to Bodhgaya as an unforgettable experience. He said that reaching the place of knowledge of Lord Buddha was a spiritually and emotionally important moment for him. During this, the delegation also visited Dungreshwari Hill, Sujata Temple and Sujata Stupa of Bodhgaya. Apart from this, visited Thai temple, Archaeological Survey of India Museum and 80 feet high Buddha statue.
During the visit, the Thai guests are also being introduced to the rich historical heritage, local culture and hospitality of Bihar. The objective of the program prepared by the Tourism Department is to introduce international tourists to the Buddhist, historical and cultural sites of the state.
The delegation’s journey, which started from Bodhgaya, will continue to Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali and Patna. On September 21, the delegation will visit Dashrath Manjhi Memorial, Rajgir Nature Safari and Glass Bridge in Gehlaur. After this, it is proposed to visit the ancient Nalanda Mahavihar, a world heritage site located in Nalanda, Vishwa Shanti Stupa, Venuvan of Rajgir and other major sites.
In the next phase of the journey, the delegation will visit the Relic Stupa in Vaishali, Vishwa Shanti Stupa and Ashoka Pillar in Kolhua. In the final phase of the Yatra, a meeting with local tourism stakeholders will be organized in Patna. According to the Tourism Department, this visit is an important initiative towards further strengthening the shared Buddhist heritage and age-old spiritual and cultural ties between India and Thailand.