Tourists from across the globe throng fourth International Buddhist Conclave

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.

Most of the visitors were enthralled to witness the rituals performed by priests on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi.

The chanting of hymns, the flickering lights of earthen lamps and the essence of incense sticks presented a rare spiritual experience for the participants.

Secretary of Indian Tourism Amrit Abhijat said that the conclave was initiated with the view to attract more Buddhist tourists from various countries.

"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.

The conclave included presentations, panel discussion and business to business meetings between the international and domestic tour operators.

Sangel Haden, who is a tourist from Bhutan said that her visit to Varanasi assumes importance as Lord Buddha had preached on this soil.

"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.

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.

A tour operator from Japan, Ayan Nonisikata, said that it was an opportunity for people of her country to understand and know about the faith they follow.

"I think a lot of people are interested in Buddhism, so I think it was a great opportunity to see and know about what Buddhism is. In Japan because we do have Buddhism, I think it was a very good opportunity to see a lot of things," said Nonisikata.

Buddhist scriptures describe Bodh Gaya as the "Navel of the Earth", where pilgrims and tourists from Sri Lanka, China, Japan and the entire southeastern Asia throng to the holiest of Buddhist shrines every year.

Delegates from 33 different nations along with 146 delegates from within India participated in the International Buddhist Conclave.