Hospitality industry hit as Dalai Lama not visiting Bodh Gaya
Gaya: With spiritual leader the Dalai Lama not visiting Bodh Gaya for the second year in a row has dealt a blow to the local economy that thrives on tourism. His presence usually attracts thousands of foreign devotees, especially from Europe and the US, for spiritual discourses at Kalchakra Maidan. With hotel occupancy plunging to 40%, stakeholders fear prolonged economic distress in the township, where tourism remains the lifeline.
According to records, the Dalai Lama last visited Bodh Gaya in January 2024. He had first visited on October 26, 1969, and stayed here for five days. Since then, the spiritual leader has visited Bodh Gaya quite frequently. In recent years, Hollywood star Richard Gere has joined the Buddhist leader on several occasions, adding glamour to the otherwise spiritual atmosphere.
“The occupancy rate in Bodh Gaya hotels as of now is only about 40%, which is not good for the economic health of the township, as tourism remains the main source of livelihood for the local population,” said Suresh Singh, a hotelier and convener of the Bodh Gaya Nagar Vikas Manch.
“Kalchakra Puja or mega prayers conducted by the Dalai Lama lasts for about 10–12 days and attract a large number of Buddha followers from across the world, and this boosts local economy. However, the Dalai Lama now finds it difficult to withstand the rigour of the ritual due to his old age,” said an insider of the Manch. In 2003, the Buddhist spiritual leader fell ill during the ceremony, and it had to be abandoned midway.
The Dalai Lama is already over 90 years old, and as such, it would be unfair to expect him to be as active as he used to be, said his followers. There is already a talk about his successor being chosen in accordance with the traditions of the faith.
According to Bodh Gaya locals, the Dalai Lama has played a catalytic role in the overall development of Bodh Gaya, and the awarding of the World Heritage Site tag for the Buddha shrine is also attributed, to a good extent, to his association with the place.
According to records, the Dalai Lama last visited Bodh Gaya in January 2024. He had first visited on October 26, 1969, and stayed here for five days. Since then, the spiritual leader has visited Bodh Gaya quite frequently. In recent years, Hollywood star Richard Gere has joined the Buddhist leader on several occasions, adding glamour to the otherwise spiritual atmosphere.
“The occupancy rate in Bodh Gaya hotels as of now is only about 40%, which is not good for the economic health of the township, as tourism remains the main source of livelihood for the local population,” said Suresh Singh, a hotelier and convener of the Bodh Gaya Nagar Vikas Manch.
“Kalchakra Puja or mega prayers conducted by the Dalai Lama lasts for about 10–12 days and attract a large number of Buddha followers from across the world, and this boosts local economy. However, the Dalai Lama now finds it difficult to withstand the rigour of the ritual due to his old age,” said an insider of the Manch. In 2003, the Buddhist spiritual leader fell ill during the ceremony, and it had to be abandoned midway.
The Dalai Lama is already over 90 years old, and as such, it would be unfair to expect him to be as active as he used to be, said his followers. There is already a talk about his successor being chosen in accordance with the traditions of the faith.
According to Bodh Gaya locals, the Dalai Lama has played a catalytic role in the overall development of Bodh Gaya, and the awarding of the World Heritage Site tag for the Buddha shrine is also attributed, to a good extent, to his association with the place.
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