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DHAULI, INDIA, December 10, 2002: Nearly 100 Buddhist monks and pilgrims from Myanmar, Japan, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Cambodia were in Dhauli to plant a peepal tree symbolizing peace. Dhauli is the site of the 3rd century BCE Kalinga War, one of the bloodiest wars in ancient Indian history, and following which Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism. “We have come here to grow a plant called a Bodhi Tree. This plant symbolizes the peace between your people and our people and between your country and our country,” said a Burmese visitor. The Buddhist group, which started its journey from the Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar, are here to participate in the three-day Puspagiri Festival jointly organized by the state tourism department and Nirvan Pilgrim Society. Orissa has had a long association with Buddhism dating back to the 6th century BCE when Buddha was preaching his new religion. Buddhism flourished in the state for several centuries until its decline in the 12th century AD. “The Buddhists are most welcome to our state and…with the Buddhist monks coming to the state, we hope the Buddhist tourism should get a kick start,” said A. U. Singhdeo, Orissa’s Minister of Tourism. The Myanmar Buddhists intend to erect a stupa at a cost of US$425,000 at the base of Dhauli hills. It will be similar to the Shanti Stupa erected by the Japanese on the hilltop 30 years ago. It is hoped the Puspagiri Mela will now be an annual affair and will draw thousands of Buddhist tourists from around the world.

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