July 15 (UDN): Odisha has taken a significant step towards protecting and celebrating its centuries-old Buddhist heritage with a new partnership aimed at promoting spiritual tourism, cultural learning, and heritage conservation.
The Department of Tourism and the Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Government of Odisha, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guru Padmasambhava Baudh Mahavihara, Jirang, at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.
The collaboration seeks to transform Odisha into a globally recognised destination for Buddhist pilgrimage, spirituality, research, and cultural tourism by highlighting the state’s rich Buddhist history and traditions.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, and His Eminence Gyetrul Jigme Rinpoche, President of Guru Padmasambhava Baudh Mahavihara, along with senior officials, members of the monastic community, and distinguished guests.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said Odisha’s Buddhist heritage represents a priceless cultural asset and carries immense potential to attract visitors seeking spiritual and historical experiences. She said the partnership would help preserve this legacy while connecting Odisha’s Buddhist traditions with audiences across the world.
Minister Suryabanshi Suraj highlighted that Odisha’s Buddhist heritage reflects a unique blend of history, philosophy, and living culture. He said the initiative would encourage research, cultural exchange, and greater public engagement with the state’s Buddhist identity.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the collaboration demonstrates the government’s integrated approach towards heritage preservation and sustainable tourism development. She expressed confidence that the initiative would strengthen Odisha’s position on the global Buddhist tourism map.
As part of the agreement, the partners will work towards developing meditation programmes, spiritual retreats, pilgrimage experiences, and monastic learning opportunities. The initiative will also encourage international conferences, academic research, and knowledge exchange related to Buddhism and Odisha’s heritage.
A major focus of the partnership will be the development of the Ratnagiri–Udayagiri–Lalitgiri–Jirang Buddhist Circuit as a world-class heritage and spiritual destination. Efforts will be made to improve visitor experiences while ensuring the protection and preservation of ancient Buddhist sites.
With this initiative, Odisha is opening a new chapter in showcasing its Buddhist legacy, connecting its historic roots with global spiritual tourism and creating opportunities for cultural discovery for generations to come.
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