Lumbini

The Prime Minister of India will launch the construction of the ‘India International Centre for Buddhist Culture & Heritage’ on Monday during a daylong visit to Lumbini in Nepal.
- International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) (formed in 2013 and Headquartered in New Delhi) is an international Buddhist umbrella body to serve as a common platform for Buddhists worldwide.

Siddhartha Gautama/Buddha, was born in 623 B.C. in Lumbini, in the Terai plains of southern Nepal,
It is evidenced by the inscription on the pillar erected by the Mauryan Emperor Asoka in 249 BC(the Ashoka Pillar is made of sandstone with its Pali inscription in Brahmi script.)
The remains of viharas, stupas and numerous layers of brick structures from the 3rd century BC to the present Maya Devi Temple at the site are proof of Lumbini having been a centre of pilgrimage from early times.

Growing presence of China in Lumbini, which is close to the Indian border.
The largest monastery has been built by the Chinese who sponsor and support international conferences on Buddhism in Nepal as well as the massive celebrations on Buddhist festivals such as Vesak.
The Chinese exploit the soft power potential of Buddhism, a fast-growing religious tradition that has half-a-billion adherents (largely in East and Southeast Asia).

Lumbini(Nepal) was a part of Shakya Janapada, which was a republic during the time of Buddha’s birth.
Bodhgaya– It is situated in Bihar on the banks of the river Neranjana, which was previously known as Uruwela. It is known as the site of Buddha’s enlightenment.
Sarnath(Uttar Pradesh)- the deer park where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon, the Dhammachakraparivartan Sutra. It was a part of Kashi Janapada at the time of Buddha.
Sravasti (Uttar Pradesh)- Buddha spent 24 Chaturmasas. Shravasti is also the birthplace of Jaina Tirthankar Sambhavanath
Kushinara or Kushinagara(Uttar Pradesh) is the site of Buddha’s death and mahaparinirvana.

Buddhist circuit and Spiritual circuit are among the 13 thematic circuits under which Buddhist sites are promoted in the Swadesh Darshan Scheme
Buddhist Conclave: Every other year, the Buddhist Conclave is held with the goal of marketing India as a Buddhist destination to key markets throughout the world.
PRASHAD Scheme: This scheme focuses on developing and identifying pilgrimage sites across India for enriching the religious tourism experience.

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