The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), led by Deputy General Secretary and Chair of the Tourism Promotion Committee, Som Sapkota, has intensified its efforts to position the Buddha Circuit in Lumbini Province, Nepal, as a globally recognized spiritual and cultural tourism destination. The Buddha Circuit encompasses five municipalities Kapilvastu, Lumbini Cultural Municipality, Devdaha, Ramgram, and Tillottama each holding immense historical and cultural significance tied to the life and teachings of Lord Buddha.
MoU Signed to Foster Collaboration
To promote this region, the municipalities within the Buddha Circuit have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NRNA. This agreement represents a crucial step in fostering collaboration for tourism promotion and investment.

It focuses on sustainable tourism development, preservation of cultural heritage, and attracting investment from the Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) community. The MoU also lays the foundation for initiatives such as establishing sister-city relationships and launching international campaigns to highlight the spiritual and cultural significance of the Buddha Circuit.
NRNA’s Vision for Sustainable Tourism
NRNA’s efforts aim to preserve the region’s rich cultural heritage while fostering sustainable tourism development. The association is working to develop eco-friendly infrastructure, leverage NRN resources, and implement awareness campaigns to attract global tourists. Through these strategic efforts, NRNA envisions transforming the Buddha Circuit into a vibrant tourism hub that balances cultural preservation with economic growth.

Leadership and Efforts of Som Sapkota
Som Sapkota, who also serves as the International Coordinator for the Buddha Circuit, plays a pivotal role in connecting Nepal’s cultural legacy with international stakeholders. His leadership involves mobilizing NRN resources, forming partnerships, and ensuring the successful implementation of commitments outlined in the MoU.
During his recent visit to Nepal, Sapkota held high-level meetings with mayors and officials from the municipalities within the Buddha Circuit, focusing on aligning strategies for tourism promotion. He also visited key heritage sites, including the Ramgram Stupa, Tilaurakot, and the Maya Devi Temple, to assess their potential and identify areas for development.

Focused Development in Each Municipality
Tillottama Municipality: Known for its tourism potential, Tillottama is advancing the slogan “Visit Lumbini, Stay Tillottama” to enhance its global appeal. Mayor Ram Krishna Khand and Chief Executive Officer Narayan Aryal discussed ways to leverage NRN resources for development. Plans include hosting a convention for expatriates from Tillottama and calling for investments in tourism infrastructure.
Devdaha Municipality: Recognized as the maternal home of Maya Devi, this area is exploring opportunities in the hospitality sector through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models. Mayor Dhurba Kharel and Deputy Mayor emphasized the need to position Devdaha as a prime destination for cultural tourism.

Lumbini Cultural Municipality: The birthplace of Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lumbini is actively seeking international collaboration. Chief Executive Officer Tara Gyawali engaged with Sapkota to discuss investment opportunities and strategies to elevate the site’s global recognition.
Ramgram Municipality: Housing Buddha’s sacred relics, Ramgram is a key site for spiritual tourism. Mayor Dhanpat Yadav and Sapkota deliberated on promotional strategies to enhance Ramgram’s appeal to global pilgrims.

Kapilvastu Municipality: Home to Tilaurakot, the ancient capital where Buddha spent his early years, Kapilvastu is focusing on preservation and promotion. Mayor Sudeep Paudel and Sapkota strategized on showcasing Tilaurakot’s historical importance within the Buddha Circuit.
Collaborative Efforts for Global Promotion
The NRNA’s collaboration with local municipalities extends to organizing international campaigns, facilitating partnerships, and promoting the Buddha Circuit as a global spiritual hub. During a recent event in Lumbini, NRNA International Coordination Council President Dr. Badri KC emphasized the association’s commitment to resolving challenges in the tourism sector and investing in the region’s development. Highlighting the need for government support in infrastructure development, he assured that NRNA is ready to take on responsibilities for promoting and developing the Buddha Circuit.

A Unified Goal for Global Recognition
The event also witnessed discussions with various stakeholders, including representatives from hotels, municipalities, and local communities, to align efforts for the international promotion of the Buddha Circuit. The appointment of Som Sapkota as International Coordinator underscores the NRNA’s dedication to spreading Buddha’s message of peace globally. Plans include hosting promotional events, developing eco-friendly infrastructure, and creating opportunities for pilgrims and tourists.
Through these strategic collaborations and initiatives, the Buddha Circuit is poised to emerge as a leading global spiritual and cultural tourism destination, preserving Nepal’s heritage while fostering sustainable economic growth.