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States » EastPosted at: Apr 21 2025 10:54PM


Arunachal Dy CM calls for Buddhist tourism circuit to boost spiritual travel in Northeast

Itanagar, Apr 21 (UNI) Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Monday emphasised the need to develop a Buddhist tourism circuit in the region to promote spiritual tourism and cultural exchange.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day International Conclave on Buddha Dhamma and the Culture of Northeast India at the Multipurpose Hall in Namsai, Mein, in his keynote address, highlighted the rich cultural and spiritual legacy of Namsai, where Tai Khamti and Singpho communities practice Theravada Buddhism.
He pointed out the significance of ancient monasteries, cultural festivals like Sangken, and ongoing religious projects, including the near completion of the 280-ft Lord Buddha statue at Noi Dhamma and the recent foundation laying of a 160-ft statue at Nongtaw Mahabodhi Skill Development Centre. He envisioned the latter as a future hub for both Dhamma learning and youth empowerment.
He also noted the presence of Mahayana Buddhism in western Arunachal, home to the historic Tawang Monastery, and stressed that a well-connected Buddhist tourism circuit could unlock immense potential for cultural preservation and economic growth through tourism.
The Deputy CM expressed heartfelt thanks to the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) for organising the conclave and advocated for similar initiatives across the Northeastern states to promote the region's Buddhist heritage.
The conclave, organised by the IBC in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Govt of India, and Mahabodhi Maitri Mandala, brought together delegates and monastic communities from across India and abroad to explore the spiritual, cultural, and historical ties of Buddhism in Northeast India.
It will feature sessions on the historical significance of Buddha Dhamma in Northeast India, its cultural and artistic expressions, and its impact on the global Buddhist diaspora. The program will also include Vipassana meditation sessions, prayers for recent earthquake victims in Myanmar and Thailand, and site visits to Noi Dhamma and Chongkham Raj Vihara.
The inaugural session was also attended by Namsai MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom, IBC Secretary General Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, Chief Abbot of the Pariyatti Sasana Buddha Vihara, Namsai, Ven. Aggadhamma Bhaddanta, Consul General of Bhutan Jigme Thinley Namgyal, and Director General of IBC Abhijit Halder.
The gathering also included Namsai Deputy Commissioner C R Khampa and district Superintendent of Police Sangey Thinley, along with monks from Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and local monastic communities.
UNI TD ARN
Tags: #Arunachal Dy CM calls for Buddhist tourism circuit to boost spiritual travel in Northeast
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