Gaya: A Rs 127 crore international food village is set to be developed in Bodh Gaya, in a move aimed at strengthening the town’s position as a global spiritual and tourism hub. The project, to be built across 4.2 acres, will replace the existing ‘Node One’ structure and is expected to significantly upgrade facilities for both domestic and international visitors.
Officials say the initiative is designed to transform Bodh Gaya into a “cultural and culinary gateway”, reflecting its status as one of the most important centres of Buddhist pilgrimage. The town, home to the UNESCO-listed Mahabodhi Temple, attracts lakhs of pilgrims and tourists each year from across Asia and beyond.
According to project details, the food village will host authentic cuisines from countries including Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Thailand, alongside offerings from Indian states. The complex will also showcase traditional crafts and GI-tagged products from Bihar and neighbouring regions, combining food, retail and cultural programming in a single integrated space.
Authorities believe the development could help ease congestion around the Mahabodhi Temple complex by distributing tourist footfall more evenly across designated zones. For years, visitors particularly foreign pilgrims have reported difficulties in finding food aligned with their cultural and dietary preferences. The proposed facility aims to address that gap with structured, hygienic and internationally curated food courts.
Beyond its cultural ambitions, the project is expected to deliver economic benefits. With Bodh Gaya already drawing substantial annual footfall, the food village could emerge as a standalone attraction, encouraging longer stays and higher local spending. Officials say the scheme is likely to create employment opportunities for local youth in hospitality, food services, retail and cultural enterprises, providing a further boost to the regional economy.
