A comprehensive study and research initiative to conceptualize and implement a ‘Buddhist Circuit’ has been launched in Rupandehi, with the aim of enhancing sustainable tourism and cross-border connectivity. The project is a strategic partnership between Lumbini Buddhist University, Chhay-Ya Nepal, and the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISDC). Lumbini Buddhist University is a university located in Lumbini that provides education in Buddhist studies and research. Chhay-Ya Nepal is an organization coordinating with provincial and local levels and contributing financially to the project. ISDC is an organization coordinating overall aspects of the project.
The process for preparing a detailed report was set in motion following a tripartite strategic partnership agreement signed on Wednesday at Lumbini Buddhist University. This agreement outlines the framework for research, analysis, and the eventual implementation of the ‘Buddhist Circuit’ concept, which connects Buddha’s birthplace in Lumbini with sites where he attained enlightenment.
Project Goals and Scope
The study report is designed to focus on developing policy-level suggestions and a framework for sustainable tourism development and cross-border connectivity. According to Lumbini Buddhist University, the report will be prepared through joint on-site studies, data collection and analysis, stakeholder consultations, and research conducted by the three partner organizations. Lumbini Buddhist University will lead the academic aspects, including study and research, while Chhay-Ya Nepal will coordinate with provincial and local levels. ISDC will manage overall coordination for the project.
Chhay-Ya Nepal will contribute Rs 1.5 million towards the project, with the university providing professors and experts. An inter-organizational operation committee, comprising representatives from all three entities, will be formed to provide strategic direction, review progress, and monitor the project’s advancement. The final report is expected to be completed by July 2027.
Background and Broader Initiatives
The concept of a ‘Buddhist Circuit’ aims to position Nepal as a global center for Buddhist, spiritual, and peace tourism. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to develop and promote Buddhist heritage sites, involving coordination among municipalities such as Lumbini Cultural Municipality, Kapilvastu Municipality, Ramgram Municipality, Devdaha Municipality, and Tilottama Municipality. Furthermore, a separate agreement was signed on Wednesday between the Lumbini Hotel Association Nepal and the Northeast India Tourism Federation to connect Lumbini with the northeastern states of India, forming a larger Buddhist and cultural circuit.
What Remains Unclear
While the initiative is underway, certain aspects of the study remain unspecified. The detailed scope of the study, beyond a general mention of cross-border connectivity with India, is not yet clear. The specific structure and members of the proposed ‘inter-organizational operation committee’ have not been detailed. Additionally, the exact policy suggestions and frameworks that the report will propose are yet to be defined. The source article also does not explicitly list which specific locations, besides Lumbini, are included in the study’s scope as places where Buddha attained enlightenment.
