6th global Buddhist meet in Maharashtra

Aurangabad (Maharashtra): The “6th International Buddhist Conclave 2018” will be held here on Friday with the participation of over 200 delegates, Buddhist monks, diplomats, researchers and scholars from around 15 nations, an official said here on Thursday. The meet will showcase the traditional and historical facets of Buddhism around the world and encourage tourism, State Tourism Minister Jaykumar Rawal said.

“Buddhist tourism is a growing sector and the international conference here will help us understand the potential and opportunities to tap it among Buddhist travellers around the world,” he added. The conclave will include business meetings among tour operators, presentations, cultural programmes and other events aimed at highlighting Buddhist attractions in Maharashtra, Rawal said. The day-long meet will see participation from major Buddhist nations including China, Japan, Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Bhutan among others.

Organised by the Tourism Ministry and the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), the conclave will advance the experience of travellers and tourists desiring to experience the spirit of Buddhist inheritance in India, said V.K. Gautam, Principal Secretary, Maharashtra Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department. The government also plans to recognize Buddhist ‘stupas’ and ‘viharas’ across the country to develop them as Buddhist tourism circuits, and give travellers an opportunity to discover Lord Buddha’s voyage and attainment of ‘nirvana’, said MTDC Managing Director Suhas Diwase.(IANS)