Patna, 20 September (H.S.): A 28-member delegation from Thailand, visiting Bihar under the ‘Fam Tour of Lotus Triangle – Travel to Land of Enlightenment’ organised by the Bihar Tourism Department, on Sunday visited the world-famous Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya. The delegation, which arrived in Bihar as part of a tour of the sacred Buddhist circuit, offered prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple and experienced the spiritual significance of the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.

The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations and spiritual centres for followers of Buddhism. The Thai delegation paid their respects at the sacred site where, according to Buddhist tradition, Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The tranquillity, compassion and spiritual ambience of the temple complex left a deep impression on the Thai visitors.

Udayan Mishra, Special Secretary-cum-Director of Tourism, said that the Bihar government is placing special emphasis on the development and promotion of sites associated with the state’s Buddhist circuit, as well as on providing improved facilities for international tourists. He said the visit by the Thai delegation would help promote Bihar’s Buddhist heritage at the global level while further strengthening tourism and cultural ties between India and Thailand.

Members of the delegation described their visit to Bodh Gaya as an unforgettable experience. They said that arriving at the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment was a spiritually and emotionally significant moment for them. During their visit, the delegation also toured Dungreshwari Hills, the Sujata Temple and the Sujata Stupa in Bodh Gaya. They also visited the Thai Temple, the Archaeological Survey of India Museum and the 80-foot-tall Buddha statue.

During the tour, the Thai visitors are also being introduced to Bihar’s rich historical heritage, local culture and hospitality. The itinerary prepared by the Tourism Department aims to familiarise international tourists with the state’s Buddhist, historical and cultural attractions.

The delegation’s journey, which began in Bodh Gaya, will continue through Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali and Patna. On September 21, the delegation is scheduled to visit the Dashrath Manjhi Memorial in Gehlaur, Rajgir Nature Safari and the Glass Bridge. The itinerary also includes visits to the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nalanda, as well as the World Peace Pagoda, Venu Van and other major attractions in Rajgir.

In the next phase of the tour, the delegation will visit the Relic Stupa and World Peace Pagoda in Vaishali, along with the Ashokan Pillar at Kolhua. During the final leg of the visit, a meeting with local tourism stakeholders will be organised in Patna. According to the Tourism Department, the tour is an important initiative aimed at further strengthening the shared Buddhist heritage and centuries-old spiritual and cultural ties between India and Thailand.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar