Bhubaneswar, Sept. 17: Maniabandha in Baramba block under Athgarh sub-division in Cuttack district will be the best place to be in, if you want to experience the Buddhist way of life.

Termed as one of the oldest “living Buddhist sites” in the country, where weaving is continuing for centuries, Maniabandha was mentioned in Chinese traveller and writer Hieun Tsang’s narration when he visited India in the 7th Century AD.

Odisha Tourism is gearing up to provide basic infrastructure and facilities to boost the local economy and tourism potential.

Every year thousands of travellers visit the state from across the world, especially places where Buddhism is still regarded as a major religion.

The tourism scenario in the state will also get a boost with the government of India’s initiative to fund for cluster development.

Collectively Rs 1.7 crore is being spent on developing tourism facilities and business initiatives as the traditional weavers, despite having a tremendous market command, did not have a common display centre nearby.

Maniabandha’s silk saris are famous for their unique designs though traditionally they originated from the “ikkat” class (tie and dye). According to legend, Hieun Tsang was offered a sari, which was packed inside a hollow bamboo pipe. He was so happy with the weaving artistry that he mentioned this in his travelogue back home in China. Presently, Maniabandha saris are among the many items which are exported to various countries. Other products include dupattas, stoles and accessories for women, all weaved by locals.

Senior engineer of Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) J.K. Das said: “As the region is a famous Buddhist site, many travellers from foreign countries come to Maniabandha. However, the place lacks infrastructure or arrangements for accommodation.

“In the first phase of the infrastructure development plan, a product display gallery-cum-business centre, accommodation and other utilities were developed. In the second phase, an interpretation centre will be planned to make travellers aware about Buddhism and its spread and current status in the region.”

Historians say though there are five living Buddhist sites in Cuttack district, Maniabandha is the most popular one because of the weaving activies that take place here.

There are five Buddhist temples that are in the Kalingan temple architecture. In many places Hindu deities are also worshipped along with the Buddha images.

“Maniabandha is a perfect example of the wonderful religious harmony between the Buddhists and Hindus. From a survey in 2009, out of 2,070 weavers, 977 were Buddhists. Out of the two weavers’ cooperative, one is named after Tibetan religious leader Dalai Lama.

“The Buddhists lead their lives according to their religion, but with their attires, social functioning and activities they are closer to Hindu traditions,” said a senior tourism officer.

“The place is surrounded by other important religious destinations which have Buddhist roots.

“While the Baneswarinasi temple, 30km from Maniabandha, is a twin-temple protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, many other sites such as Tigiria, Athgarh, Madhpur and Anantapur have many ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves and artefacts,” said Sunil Kumar Patnaik, secretary, Odishan Institute of Maritime and South-East Asian Studies.

Archaeological findings show the valley along the entire Lower Mahanadi Valley is full of Buddhist sites and many mounds near the twin temples of Baneswarinasi could be possible excavation sites for discovery of more images and artefacts related to Buddhism.

One can hire a vehicle from Bhubaneswar and reach Maniabandha after travelling little more than 100km out of the city.

While Tigiria, Athgarh, Baneswarinasi, Madhpur and Anantapur are within 25km of Maniabandha, many hills are seen with Buddhist caves, which were earlier used by monks for meditation. Caves near Maniabandha, Madhpur and Anantapur have images of Buddha.