Lucknow Upgrades Buddhist Pilgrim Facilities as Visitor Numbers Surge

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Tathagata Buddha Vihar Nears Completion, Set to Strengthen UP’s Buddhist Circuit

Dormitory, Prayer Hall and Visitor Amenities to Cater to Growing Buddhist Footfall

Project Will Further Strengthen Buddhist Heritage Tourism: Jaiveer Singh

With Buddhist pilgrim arrivals in Uttar Pradesh witnessing a sharp rise over the past three years, the state government is expanding visitor infrastructure in the capital by developing the Tathagata Buddha Vihar at Sarojini Nagar. The ₹75-lakh project, now around 70 per cent complete, is expected to strengthen Lucknow’s role as an important stop on the state’s growing Buddhist tourism circuit.

Officials said Buddhist arrivals in Uttar Pradesh have risen steadily from over 47 lakh in 2023 to 61 lakh in 2024, crossing 81 lakh in 2025. The upgraded Buddha Vihar is being developed to cater to the growing number of domestic and international pilgrims visiting the state.

The project includes a modern prayer and community hall, a dormitory for pilgrims, sanitation facilities, an approach road and a grand entrance gateway. The dormitory is expected to particularly benefit pilgrims travelling from other states and overseas, while the hall will host religious, cultural and community events.

Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said the project reflects the state’s continued focus on strengthening Buddhist tourism infrastructure under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. 

“Uttar Pradesh is witnessing unprecedented growth in Buddhist tourism, with pilgrims from India and abroad visiting the state’s sacred sites in increasing numbers. The development of Tathagata Buddha Vihar is an important step towards providing better facilities for devotees while further strengthening Lucknow’s place on the Buddhist tourism map,” he said. 

Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, Amrit Abhijat said the project is progressing as per schedule and will provide a safe, comfortable and modern environment for pilgrims. 

Officials said the project will not only improve facilities for Buddhist visitors but also reinforce Uttar Pradesh’s efforts to develop world-class infrastructure across its Buddhist Circuit, which includes globally revered destinations such as Sarnath, Kushinagar, Shravasti, Kaushambi and Sankisa. Once completed, the Buddha Vihar is also expected to generate new economic opportunities linked to pilgrimage tourism in and around Lucknow.