World Buddhist Peace Conference 2026

Why in News?

• Recently, the World Buddhist Peace Conference 2026 was hosted in Hyderabad, Telangana.

World Buddhist Peace Conference 2026:

• Inaugural International Buddhist Summit on World Peace.
• Organised by: Buddhavanam and Telangana Tourism Development Corporation, in association with Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.
• It brought together ministers, monks, scholars and delegates from over 20 countries to advance dialogue on peace, reconciliation and ethical leadership.
• Aim: To promote Buddhavanam as a global Buddhist heritage destination and strengthen international Buddhist ties.
• The conference is part of a larger global initiative to position Telangana as a centre for Buddhist heritage diplomacy and peace-building.

Telangana and Buddhist Heritage:

Acharya Nagarjuna, Dhiganaga, and Buddhaghosha propounded various schools of Buddhist thought in vast monastic settlements on the banks of the rivers Krishna and Godavari, and along the coastal belt of the Bay of Bengal between the 3rd century BC and the 12th century AD. Buddhism disappeared (weakened) in the region after the 14th century CE, as in other parts of India.

A tourism circuit is being developed to connect historically important sites in Telangana, such as:

• Buddhavanam: 
  • It is a Buddhist Heritage Theme Park designed to reflect the life, teachings, and legacy of Gautama Buddha. 
  • Situated along the northern bank of the Krishna River in Telangana. 
  • Supported by the Government of India as part of an integrated Buddhist Circuit project to boost both domestic and international tourism.
• Phanigiri (snake hood hill):
  • A major 2100-year-old Buddhist heritage site in Telangana.
  • Dating back to the 1st century BCE–4th century CE, the site features a massive Mahastupa, apsidal halls, viharas (monastic cells), unique Buddha footprints, and exquisite limestone carvings.
  • The site reflects a blend of Mahayana and Hinayana sects.
  • Recent finds: coins dating back to the Ikshvaku period (300 CE-400 CE).
• Nelakondapalli:
  • Significant 3rd-4th century CE Buddhist site.
  • One of the largest excavated stupa sites in the Deccan region.
• Dhulikatta: 
  • Buddhist site dating back to the 3rd century BC.
• Kotilingala:
  • An ancient submerged site (situated on the banks of the Godavari) in today’s Karimnagar, Telangana. 
  • Dating back to the 4th century BC, it is one of the earliest Buddhist sites in the region.
  • One of the capitals of the Satavahana dynasty.