Tawang, May 6:
Tawang witnessed the inauguration of the Regional Workshop on Development of the Buddhist Circuit in Northeast India on Wednesday, bringing together delegates and representatives from Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka to strengthen regional cooperation and promote Buddhist heritage tourism across South Asia.
Addressing the inaugural session, leaders and participants emphasized the importance of building a vibrant Buddhist tourism circuit rooted in shared spiritual traditions, cultural heritage, and historical connections among neighbouring countries.
Special appreciation was extended to Veena Sikri, Founding Trustee and Convener of the South Asia Women’s Network, along with her associates, for organizing the workshop and continuously fostering regional dialogue and collaboration.
The event highlighted the unique position of Arunachal Pradesh in the Buddhist world. The state is home to several significant Buddhist centres, including the ancient monasteries of Tawang, birthplace of the Sixth Dalai Lama, as well as the spiritually important regions of Bomdila, Dirang, Mechuka and Tuting in western Arunachal. In eastern Arunachal, Namsai continues to preserve and promote the thriving Theravada Buddhist tradition.
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| Delegates from Nepal in the Regional Workshop on Development Of the Buddhist Circuit in Northeast India in Tawang. |
During the workshop, the state reiterated its commitment to developing a comprehensive Buddhist tourism circuit connecting these spiritual destinations with major Buddhist sites across Northeast India, mainland India, and neighbouring countries.
The initiative aims to boost tourism, strengthen cultural exchanges, generate economic opportunities, and preserve the region’s rich spiritual and cultural legacy.
Participants also called for stronger regional partnerships, improved connectivity, sustainable tourism infrastructure, and coordinated promotional efforts to transform the proposed Buddhist circuit into a world-class cultural and spiritual tourism destination.
