Myanmar monks have joined an important international Buddhist gathering in India.
Organized by the Indian Ministry of Tourism, the International Buddhist Conclave held in three cities in India is running from October 2 to 6.
The conclave takes in the three cities of New Delhi, Varanasi and Bodhgaya, the latter two considered the “Land of the Buddha” – where Buddha taught and became enlightened 2,500 years ago. 
The Indian government under the Ministry of Tourism invited delegates from 38 countries including monks, nuns, media and religious experts to attend the events of the conclave. The delegation from Myanmar includes six monks from the Sitagu International Buddhist Academy. 
“We are so grateful that we were invited for the International Buddhist conclave held in India, they have really organized everything for us, and they show us presentation what they have done about tourism development. We are really happy to be here to see all those thing in the International conclave,” Venerable Candimabhivamsa, Executive Member of the Myanmar State Sangha Mahanayaka Council told Mizzima.
India is seeking to attract more pilgrims and tourists to the holy sites in recognition of the importance of Buddhism as a world religion, now with over 500 million followers, to further cement its place as a preserver of the culture, and to bring in more tourism dollars. 
The Buddhist sites in India are growing more popular with Myanmar Buddhist pilgrims and others from the primarily Buddhist countries of Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. 
Venerable Candimabhivamsa explained the benefits of tourism to the religious sites in India – and at home in Myanmar.
“Easily we will think deeply that religion and tourism are not really connected, but, we have left the historical buildings, pagoda, in our country,” said Venerable Candimabhivamsa. “That is why if we think about tourists, there are many people who want to come and study about historical buildings. When the tourists come the government can make business, because of this business we can repair the old buildings, maintain them, then show more to the people about our religion, and this is a good thing for us.”
The delegates spend one day in New Delhi, two days in Varanasi, and have now flown to Bodh Gaya, the “Mecca” for Buddhists where Buddha is said to have become enlightened under what is known as the Bodhi Tree.