Development of the Buddhist Thematic Circuit in India
By IBH Forum Introduction The Government of India has undertaken a focused and structured approach to strengthen Buddhist tourism and heritage across the country. Through centrally supported schemes, efforts are being made to preserve ancient Buddhist sites, enhance pilgrimage infrastructure, and promote cultural and spiritual tourism connected with the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. Government Initiatives for Buddhist Tourism The Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance to State Governments and Union Territory Administrations through the Swadesh Darshan (SD) Scheme and the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme. These initiatives aim to improve infrastructure, accessibility, and visitor facilities at important Buddhist destinations. The Buddhist Circuit has been identified as a key thematic circuit under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, focusing on historically and spiritually significant Buddhist locations across multiple states. Conservation and Public Amenities at Buddhist Sites The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, is responsible for the conservation and preservation of protected Buddhist monuments. As part of its Annual Conservation Programme, ASI regularly undertakes the development and upgradation of public amenities such as toilets, drinking water facilities, parking areas, pathways, signage, benches, ramps, and wheelchair access to ensure a better experience for visitors and pilgrims. Asian Buddhist Summit The 1st Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS) was organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), New Delhi. The summit focused on Asian spiritual traditions and strengthening cultural and religious cooperation among Asian nations. The summit witnessed wide international participation, including monks, scholars, diplomats, and delegates from across Asia. It has been decided that the Asian Buddhist Summit will be organized in alternate years to sustain dialogue and cooperation among Buddhist communities. Table 1: Key Details of the Asian Buddhist Summit Particulars Details Event Name Asian Buddhist Summit (1st Edition) Organised By Ministry of Culture Collaborating Organization International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), New Delhi Focus Area Asian spiritual traditions and cultural & religious cooperation Total Delegates More than 650 Foreign Delegates 130 Countries Represented 26 Asian countries Diplomatic Participation Diplomats from 12 countries Monks Participated 40 Mahayana and 40 Theravada monks Event Frequency Once every two years Event Date Not specified in the official release Event Time Not specified in the official release Event Place Not specified in the official release Projects Sanctioned under the Buddhist Thematic Circuit Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, several projects have been sanctioned for the development of the Buddhist Circuit across different states to improve tourism infrastructure and heritage interpretation. Table 2: Details of Projects Sanctioned under the Buddhist Thematic Circuit S. No. State/UT Sanction Year Project Name Amount Sanctioned (₹ Cr.) Amount Released / Authorized (₹ Cr.) 1 Andhra Pradesh 2017–18 Development of Buddhist Circuit: Shalihundam, Bavikonda, Bojjanakonda, Amravati, Anupu 35.24 30.02 2 Bihar 2016–17 Construction of Convention Centre at Bodhgaya 95.18 95.18 3 Gujarat 2017–18 Development of Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bharuch, Kutch, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Mehsana 26.68 22.28 4 Madhya Pradesh 2016–17 Development of Sanchi, Satna, Rewa, Mandsaur, Dhar 74.02 72.75 5 Uttar Pradesh 2016–17 Development of Sravasti, Kushinagar, Kapilvastu 87.89 72.56 The released/authorized amount includes authorization to CNA through the TSA Model I for Central Sector Schemes. Additional Buddhist Tourism Initiatives Under the PRASHAD Scheme, the project titled Development of Pilgrimage Facilitation at Four Patron Saints at Yuksom, Sikkim was sanctioned with an allocation of ₹33.32 crore in the year 2020–21. Further, under the Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) Scheme, the Government of India approved the project Integrated Buddhist Tourism Development in Shrawasti, Uttar Pradesh on 26 November 2024, with a total project cost of ₹80.24 crore. The initiative aims to develop Shrawasti as a globally recognized Buddhist tourism destination. Conclusion The coordinated efforts of the Government of India through tourism, culture, and infrastructure development schemes highlight a strong commitment to preserving Buddhist heritage and promoting Buddhist tourism. These initiatives strengthen pilgrimage facilities, cultural exchange, and India’s historical role as the land of Buddha. IBH and Community Participation IBH is dedicated to working on the principles and teachings of Buddhism by promoting awareness, dialogue, research, and cultural engagement. Through its forums and activities, IBH encourages individuals, scholars, monks, and youth to actively participate in preserving Buddhist heritage and spreading values of peace, compassion, and harmony. Anyone interested can become a part of this collective effort by engaging with IBH’s initiatives and contributing towards the shared vision of strengthening Buddhism in contemporary society.
