Bodh Gaya, a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site, has witnessed a remarkable influx of tourists at the onset of its 2023-24 season. Over 76,000 visitors, including 34,609 women, have graced this sacred town, known as the place where Buddha attained enlightenment. This surge in tourism was highlighted by Deepak Chandra Dev, the district’s public relations officer.
The international appeal of Bodh Gaya is evident, with over 2,500 visitors from 30 countries, including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam, expected to attend an event organized by the International Sangha Forum at the Mahabodhi Cultural Centre from December 20 to 23, as reported by The Economic Times.
A significant highlight of the season is the robe offering ceremony, a traditional Buddhist practice, held by the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) on Sunday. This ceremony marks the end of the three-month “varshawaas” (rainy retreat), where monks receive robes and essentials from devotees.
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Adding to the spiritual fervor, His Holiness the Dalai Lama is anticipated to visit Bodh Gaya by December 15 for a month-long tour, as stated by BTMC member Arvind Singh. His presence is expected to draw significant attention, especially during the concluding session of the International Sangha Forum’s event on December 23, which may also see Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as the chief guest.
The BTMC has outlined a series of events to enrich the spiritual experience of visitors. These include seven events in December, six in January, four in February, and one in March. The Light of Dhamma Foundation, USA, will kickstart these events with the International Tipitaka Chanting from December 2 to 12, attracting devotees from at least ten countries.
This influx of tourists not only underscores Bodh Gaya‘s spiritual significance but also highlights its role in promoting cultural and religious tourism on a global scale. The town is gearing up to offer a blend of spiritual enlightenment and cultural immersion to its visitors from across the world.
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