CM Nitish Kumar Attends 55th Anniversary of Vishwa Shanti Stupa in Rajgir, Enhances Tourism Infrastructure
October 25, 2024 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar attended the 55th annual celebration of the establishment of the Vishwa Shanti Stupa in Rajgir, located in Nalanda district. The occasion also marked a significant milestone in the state’s growing commitment to developing its tourism infrastructure, especially around religious and cultural sites.
The Vishwa Shanti Stupa, also known as the World Peace Pagoda, was originally built in 1969 by Fuji Guruji from Japan and was inaugurated by then-President Shri VV Giri on the same date, October 25, 1969. Since then, the event has been celebrated annually, and it has become an iconic site for peace and spirituality in India, attracting people from all over the world.
During the ceremony, CM Nitish Kumar not only offered prayers to Lord Buddha but also prayed for the peace, happiness, and prosperity of the people of Bihar. The CM’s visit highlights the state’s growing focus on promoting religious tourism and boosting the profile of Bihar as a hub for spiritual tourism.
New Building Inaugurated to Enhance Rajgir’s Tourism Facilities
As part of the celebrations, the Chief Minister also inaugurated a newly constructed integrated building near the ropeway in Rajgir. This building aims to provide better facilities and services to the increasing number of tourists visiting the area, making their experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
The ropeway is one of the major tourist attractions in Rajgir, offering visitors panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills. With the new integrated building, tourists will now have access to better amenities such as waiting areas, information centers, and retail spaces, further enhancing Rajgir’s tourism appeal. This development is part of a broader initiative by the Bihar government to improve tourist infrastructure across the state.
Rajgir: A Hub of Religious and Cultural Diversity
Rajgir holds a special place in Indian history and spirituality, as it is associated with several religions including Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. For centuries, Rajgir has been a significant site for religious pilgrimage, particularly for Buddhists due to its connection with Lord Buddha, who meditated here for a long time.
CM Nitish Kumar noted during his address that the Bihar government has made consistent efforts to develop and preserve all religious sites in the state, including those associated with Buddha and other faiths. The region’s cultural and religious diversity is one of its key attractions, and the government is committed to ensuring that tourists of all backgrounds have access to well-maintained and accessible places of worship.
Boosting Tourism in Bihar: A Growing Focus
The Chief Minister also emphasized the importance of promoting tourism in Rajgir and across Bihar. With the development of facilities like the integrated building, ropeway, and other amenities, the state has witnessed a substantial increase in the number of tourists visiting Rajgir. According to official sources, the improved tourism infrastructure has already led to a surge in both domestic and international visitors to the region.
Bihar’s government is actively working on upgrading the tourist infrastructure at other historical and religious sites across the state, including in areas like Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, and Vaishali. The state aims to position itself as a leading destination for both religious tourism and cultural heritage tourism, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Preserving Bihar’s Heritage While Enhancing Modern Infrastructure
CM Nitish Kumar also highlighted the government’s commitment to preserving Bihar’s cultural heritage while improving modern infrastructure. The development of sites like the Vishwa Shanti Stupa is an example of how the government is working to balance historical preservation with modern tourism needs. By developing new facilities that respect the historical and religious significance of these sites, the government is making them more accessible to tourists and pilgrims alike.
This blend of tradition and modernity will not only boost the state’s economy through increased tourism revenues but also promote Bihar’s cultural and spiritual heritage on the global stage.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Sustainable Religious Tourism
The 55th anniversary celebration of the Vishwa Shanti Stupa was a momentous occasion that not only marked a key religious event but also underscored the Bihar government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the state’s tourism sector. With the inauguration of new facilities, including the integrated building near the ropeway, Bihar is positioning itself as a leading destination for religious and cultural tourism.
By improving infrastructure and promoting tourist-friendly facilities, the state is ensuring that more people can experience the spiritual richness of Rajgir and other religious sites across Bihar. With these developments, Bihar is poised to witness continued growth in its tourism sector, benefiting both local communities and visitors from around the world.