The ruins of ancient Nalanda University where the light, sound and laser show could be set up. Telegraph picture

Patna, Sept. 18: History lessons could soon become a source of entertainment in the state. The state tourism department is set to start light, sound and laser shows at historic and archaeological sites at Bodhgaya, Nalanda and Vaishali.

The state tourism department recently initiated the process of inviting applications from companies interested to set up the facilities at these places.

“Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) has recently initiated the process of inviting applications from companies interested to start light, sound and laser shows at different sites at Bodhgaya, Nalanda and Vaishali,” said Sunil Kumar “Pintu”, the minister of tourism.

The minister added that the final selection of the sites would be done according to the proposals submitted by the interested firms. “The selection of the exact locations for the proposed entertainment shows has not been made yet. It will be done after the firms have submitted their proposals. But we are considering several initial options, including the ancient Nalanda University site, the historical stupas in Vaishali and others,” said Pintu.

He added: “One company that is a specialist in this field has recently made demonstrations of equipment to us. We are waiting for more companies to come forward. After going through the presentation made by different companies, we would invite tenders for the work and start the installation work by the end of this year.”

The minister also said: “We hope to attract a large number of tourists, both domestic and international, especially from the Buddhist and Jain circuits.”

Sources in the tourism department said the agency selected for the job would have to mount laser panels and make arrangements for video projection. It would also have to arrange for light and sound shows at the sites. A gallery for visitors and a control room, approved by an architect, would also have to be set up.

Earlier, the BSTDC had invited applications from interested firms to start similar facilities at Pandu Pokhar in Rajgir and Golghar in the state capital.

“The proposed shows at Bodhgaya, Nalanda and Vaishali would come up in the second phase. In the first phase, we are set to start such shows at Golghar in Patna and Pandu Pokhar in Rajgir,” said Pintu.