Vaishali/Patna : Bihar is set to host its first International Buddhist Conference in Vaishali from December 11 to 13, 2026, bringing Buddhist monks, spiritual leaders and scholars from India and several other countries to the historic Buddhist site.
The three-day International Buddhist Conference 2026 will be held at the Buddha Samyak Darshan Museum-cum-Memorial Stupa complex in Vaishali. Preparations for the event were reviewed at a high-level inter-departmental meeting chaired jointly by Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit and Development Commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh.
Buddhist Monks and Scholars From Several Countries to Attend
Representatives from Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Japan and South Korea are expected to participate in the conference.
According to the state government information cited in reports, 14 international scholars have already confirmed their participation. Buddhist monks, spiritual leaders and other delegates from India and abroad are also expected to attend the event.
The conference is expected to provide a platform for discussions on Buddhism, Buddhist heritage and the historical and spiritual significance of Vaishali.
Tent City Being Developed for Visitors
To accommodate pilgrims, delegates and other visitors, an advanced tent city is being developed in Vaishali.
The temporary accommodation is planned with modern facilities to ensure that visitors coming from different parts of India and abroad have suitable arrangements during the conference.
In addition, 24/7 help desks will be established at Patna Airport and Patna Junction to assist arriving delegates and visitors with travel and other requirements.
Roads, Power and Medical Facilities Under Focus
The state administration has directed departments to complete infrastructure and public-service arrangements before the conference begins.
Officials have been instructed to ensure the timely repair of roads around the venue and improve traffic movement in the surrounding areas.
Arrangements are also being made for uninterrupted power supply and medical facilities, including healthcare centres and medical teams at or near the event site.
The Vaishali administration has been asked to complete inter-departmental preparations within the prescribed timeline.
Tripitaka Recitation and Buddhist Heritage Discussions
The conference will feature a range of religious, academic and cultural activities.
The programme is expected to include Tripitaka recitations, discussions on Buddhist heritage, heritage walks and cultural performances by artists from Bihar and other parts of the country.
A large exhibition showcasing Bihar’s traditional handicrafts and crafts will also be organised, giving visitors an opportunity to explore the state’s cultural heritage alongside the Buddhist conference.
Vaishali to Get Global Buddhist Tourism Spotlight
The conference is expected to strengthen Vaishali’s position on the international Buddhist tourism circuit.
Vaishali holds an important place in Buddhist history and is part of Bihar’s wider Buddhist heritage landscape, which also includes major destinations such as Bodh Gaya and Nalanda.
The state government views the conference as an opportunity to showcase Bihar’s Buddhist heritage, culture and hospitality to international visitors.
Administration Steps Up Preparations
The high-level review meeting brought together officials from departments including Tourism, Art and Culture, and Information and Public Relations, along with the Vaishali district administration.
Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit directed officials to ensure that all arrangements are completed on schedule and that visitors from India and abroad receive adequate facilities during their stay.
With the conference scheduled for December 11–13, Vaishali is now preparing for a major international gathering centred on Buddhism, heritage, culture and spiritual tourism.
