The fourth International Buddhist Conclave attracted tourists from across the world who were eager to visit the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment and to learn more about the religion he propagated. <\/p>\n
The Conclave began on Friday in Bodh Gaya in Bihar and concluded on Monday on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi. <\/p>\n
Most of the visitors were enthralled to witness the rituals performed by priests on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi. <\/p>\n
The chanting of hymns, the flickering lights of earthen lamps and the essence of incense sticks presented a rare spiritual experience for the participants. <\/p>\n
Secretary of Indian Tourism Amrit Abhijat said that the conclave was initiated with the view to attract more Buddhist tourists from various countries. <\/p>\n
\"They have come here directly from Bodh Gaya. Our government has made elaborate arrangements to welcome them. This is a combined effort and initiative of the central government, government of Bihar and government of Uttar Pradesh (UP). And through this religious tour we are making this effort so that countries across the globe come to know about the Buddhist circuit and it becomes easier for us to make tie-ups with them,\" said Abhijat. <\/p>\n
The conclave included presentations, panel discussion and business to business meetings between the international and domestic tour operators. <\/p>\n
Sangel Haden, who is a tourist from Bhutan said that her visit to Varanasi assumes importance as Lord Buddha had preached on this soil. <\/p>\n
\"Lord Buddha has lived most of his life here and he did a teaching on four noble truths here. So that is why it is very important for all the Bhutanese here, not only Bhutanese but all Buddhists in the world,\" said Haden. <\/p>\n
Bodh Gaya witnessed a huge gathering of business leaders and tour operators. The event gave the participants an opportunity to interact, promote, package and sell pilgrimage itineraries of the Buddhist sites in the country. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Go here to read the rest:<\/p>\n
Tourists from across the globe throng fourth International Buddhist Conclave<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The fourth International Buddhist Conclave attracted tourists from across the world who were eager to visit the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment and to learn more about the religion he propagated. The Conclave began on Friday in Bodh Gaya in Bihar and concluded on Monday on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi Continue reading