Lucknow, May 4 -- Positioning itself as a global hub of Buddhist tourism, Uttar Pradesh showcased its spiritual legacy and expanding pilgrimage infrastructure at an international conference in Leh on Sunday. The International Himalayan Buddhist Conference, held at the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, brought together monks, scholars and spiritual leaders, turning Leh into a centre of contemporary Buddhist dialogue. Officials from the state's tourism and culture department highlighted Uttar Pradesh's central role in the life of Gautama Buddha, inviting the global community to begin their Bodhi Yatra from the state. A key highlight was the public display of sacred Buddha relics unearthed at Piprahwa in 1898, open for darshan till May 14. Tourism minister Jaiveer Singh, representing CM Yogi Adityanath, was honoured at the event. The state reported a rise in Buddhist tourist footfall from 22.4 lakh in 2022 to nearly 82 lakh in 2025, backed by Rs.226 crore in infrastructure investment....