Bihar plans religious tourist circuits

Patna, March 22: In a bid to turn Bihar into a tourist destination, the government is planning to develop six exclusive tourist circuits that will connect shrines of different religions besides heritage sites. Tourism Minister Nand Kishore Yadav said the government has planned to promote a Jain circuit, a Sikh circuit, a Gandhi circuit, a Sufi circuit, a Ramayan circuit and an ecological circuit.Encouraged by response of tourist agents at the World Tourism Festival in Berlin this month, where Bihar showcased Buddhist and Jain circuits, Yadav said the state had the potential to attract tourists interested in Islam, Sikh and Hindu religions as well.The Buddhist circuit of Bihar comprises shrines in Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, Rajgir, Vaishali and Kesaria. Jains see Pawapuri as a holy place, Hindus revere Gaya and Sitamarhi, while Patna is considered by Sikhs.