Lakhisarai: In a bid to catapult Lakhisarai onto the global tourism map, a three-day international seminar titled ‘Tourism Seminar and Heritage Vihar’ was inaugurated in style on Friday, May 2, at the Sangam Hotel in Lakhisarai. Spearheaded by the District Administration, the Bihar Tourism Department, and the Bihar Foundation, the event marks a significant cultural moment for the region, which is rich in Buddhist heritage.
The opening session saw an inspiring confluence of Buddhist monks, academic researchers, and students from across India and abroad, underscoring the international character of the gathering. Dignitaries hailed from Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Bhutan, Tibet, and Bodhgaya, alongside students from Nalanda Navvihar University.
District Magistrate Mithilesh Mishra formally opened the seminar with a ceremonial lamp-lighting, calling for broader global recognition of Lakhisarai’s religious and historical treasures.
“This initiative can serve as a strong foundation for developing Lakhisarai’s place on the tourism map. With sustained efforts, new opportunities will emerge to showcase the district’s cultural richness,” Mishra told the gathering.
Speaking at the event, historian Ashok Kumar Singh highlighted the archaeological significance of local villages such as Uren, Dhanauri, Lali Pahari, and Sahamalpur, which he said hold key evidence of Vajrayana Buddhism.
“This region was once a vibrant centre of Buddhist learning and cultural exchange,” Singh noted in his keynote address.
Officials assured that the district administration would invest in infrastructure and tourism facilities to accommodate and attract visitors. Among those present were Deputy Development Commissioner Sumit Kumar, District Tourism Officer Shashi Kumar, Public Relations Officer Vinod Prasad, DRDA Director Neeraj Kumar, and Art and Culture Officer Mrinal Ranjan.
Programme coordinators Raviraj Patel, Abhinav Kumar, Kumar Abhishek, and Utkarsh received praise for their seamless orchestration of the event.
The seminar aims to create a sustainable roadmap for preserving Lakhisarai’s historical, religious, and cultural identity through tourism. Upcoming sessions will feature archaeological site visits and research presentations exploring the district’s untapped potential as a heritage destination.
