BJD MP Sasmit Patra seeks inclusion of Odisha’s Buddhist heritage sites in Buddhist Circuit

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra urged the Centre to formally include Odisha’s globally significant Buddhist heritage sites under the Centre’s Buddhist Circuit and allied tourism initiatives.

Dr Patra met Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Wednesday and submitted a detailed representation highlighting Odisha’s rich Buddhist legacy and its importance in India’s civilisational history.

Advertisement

During the meeting, the BJD MP stressed that Odisha’s renowned Buddhist “Diamond Triangle” — comprising the Ratnagiri Buddhist Site, the Udayagiri Buddhist Site and the Lalitgiri Buddhist Site — represents one of eastern India’s most important centres of Buddhist learning, monastic culture and spiritual heritage.

He said the sites reflect the evolution of Buddhism from early traditions to Mahayana and Vajrayana schools, while also showcasing the maritime and cultural connections of ancient Kalinga with Southeast Asian countries.

Dr Patra further pointed out that the “Buddhist Triangle Sites of Odisha” were recently included in India’s UNESCO Tentative List, which could pave the way for enhanced heritage conservation, infrastructure development, and the promotion of international Buddhist tourism.

The representation also highlighted the historical importance of Dhauli, associated with Emperor Ashoka’s transformation following the Kalinga War, and the Langudi Buddhist Site, which scholars identify with the ancient Pushpagiri Mahavihara traditions referred to by Chinese traveller Xuanzang.

Seeking greater recognition for Odisha’s Buddhist heritage, Dr Patra requested the Union Ministry to bring these sites under the national Buddhist tourism framework and support integrated tourism infrastructure, global promotion and UNESCO World Heritage nomination efforts.

He stated that inclusion of Odisha’s Buddhist sites in the Buddhist Circuit would not only boost heritage tourism in the state but also strengthen India’s cultural diplomacy and complement the Centre’s Act East Policy by reviving historical links with Buddhist nations.

The Union Minister is reported to have assured Dr Patra that the proposal and related issues would be examined sympathetically, sources said.