In Uttar Pradesh, an International Buddhist Conclave begins today at Varanasi. It is being organised jointly by the Governments of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and the Union Ministry of Tourism with a view to showcasing and projecting the Buddhist Heritage of the country. Most of the invited delegates from abroad have already reached the venue and witnessed the famous Ganga Aarti.

AIR correspondent covering the conclave reports that panel discussions, interactions with tour operators, photo exhibitions and stalls promoting Buddhist sites are the main attraction of the Conclave. About 134 international delegates, including Buddhist scholars, tour operators and media men from 31 countries, are participating.

The other states with Buddhist sites like Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Maharashtra and Orissa are also associated in the event.