Nalanda village wins Tourism Award 2009

Nepura in Nalanda district of Bihar bagged the Tourism Award-2009. The award was given by a private channel for women empowerment by way of tourism.

The award ceremony, held at a posh hotel in Bengaluru (Bangalore) on Thursday, was attended by Joint Secretary, Bihar Tourism.

In a message, the chief guest at the function, Union Tourism Minister Kumari Shailaja conveyed, “This is indeed a commendable initiative and we all know the tremendous opportunity that Buddhist circuit presents for Indian tourism.”

Nalanda and Buddhist circuit offers immense potential for rural tourism in Bihar, she said emphasising “more such initiatives for women participation for sustainable livelihood from tourism.”

This for the first time a community initiative has brought Bihar on national tourism map. This prestigious project under the UNDP and Ministry of Tourism was implemented by a Patna-based NGO, Adithi.

Located between the famous places Nalanda and Rajgir Town of Bihar, this small village is famous for weaving. There are about 250 families in this village, out of which 50 practice weaving. It is said that out of the three Mango Grooves of the Nalanda University, one of the Grooves is situated here. And it is here where Lord Mahavira and Gautam Buddha stayed.

In fact, it is so believed that Nepura is the first place where the Lord Buddha gave his first preaching. It is also considered the first major social reform movement. Lord Buddha, Lord Mahavira and Sanjaya has many followers from this village.