BHUBANESWAR:Even though Odisha has 200 Buddhist sites, 15 of which are completely excavated, none has been positioned in the world tourism map unlike those in Bihar, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh.
The only attraction is the Buddhist triangle, popularly known as the Diamond Triangle of Odisha comprising Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri and Udayagiri, which is about 100 km from the State Capital. The Diamond Triangle in Brahmani-Birupa-Kelua belt has around 50 Buddhist sites that are concentrated within 40 kms radius.
Buddhism in Odisha, which dates back to early 6th century BC, continued till 13th to 14th century AD - the longest surviving Buddhist civilisation compared to any other part of the country. In other States, Buddhism lasted for a period of 500 to 750 years.
However, the Tourism Department has not been able to market the State’s rich Buddhism tradition within the country or outside. This was observed by speakers at the inaugural session of the three-day 4th Kalinga International Buddhist conclave which began at Udaygiri here on Monday.
So far, Buddhist sites in Odisha have been in the shadow of the popular Puri-Konark Hindu pilgrimage tourism. Even as thousands of tourists from East Asia, Southeast Asia and Nepal visit Bodh Gaya in Bihar every year, a few of them come to Odisha.
‘’We came to know about our rich Buddhist heritage only in the last two decades when excavations started. In other States, Buddhist sites were excavated and marketed much before which is why they are drawing so many tourists,” said Sunil Patnaik, secretary, Odisha Institute of Maritime and South East Asian Studies (OIMSEAS).
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary of Tourism Department Arti Ahuja said the State Government has started taking up measures to promote the Buddhist circuit. As air connectivity with Kuala Lampur has been established, the focus is now on bringing more Buddhist tourists to the State from South Asian and Southeast Asian countries.
This apart, the department has proposed a `100 crore project for developing the Buddhist circuit under Swadesh Darshan scheme of the Centre.
As many as 200 international and national Buddhist scholars, tour operators, monks, travel bloggers and writers participated in the event.