Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with Uttar Pradesh’s Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh, will visit Sarnath on Monday and Kushinagar on Tuesday. During their visit, they will review the ongoing development projects and explore further opportunities for growth in the region.

Union Minister Gejendra Singh Shekhawat will arrive at Babatpur Airport in Varanasi on Monday, February 17, where Minister Jaiveer Singh will receive him. From there, both the ministers will proceed to Sarnath, where they will attend the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies convocation ceremony. They will visit important Buddhist sites in Sarnath, including the Chaukhandi Stupa and the museum. Sarnath is the site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon.

The ministers travel by helicopter to Kushinagar to visit important sites, including the Mahaparinirvana Temple, Ramabhar Stupa, Buddhist Museum, and Wat Thai Temple. Kushinagar honours Lord Buddha as the place where he attained Mahaparinirvana. After their visit, the ministers will proceed to Gorakhpur, where Union Minister Shekhawat will depart for Delhi.

In the Union Budget 2025-26, the central government has outlined a plan to develop 50 premier tourist destinations across India in collaboration with state governments, focusing on Buddhist heritage sites. Uttar Pradesh holds a prominent place in Buddhist history, as it is home to several key locations associated with Lord Buddha’s life, including Kushinagar, Sankisa, Shravasti, Sarnath, Kapilvastu, and Kaushambi. These sites are of great spiritual significance for Buddhist followers worldwide. The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department is prioritizing the development of these sacred destinations to enhance their accessibility and appeal.

For more news visit our site: Click here