PATNA, June 10 -- After extending policy support to stakeholders for infrastructure development, the state tourism department is now toying with the idea of developing selected tourist destinations of historical and cultural significance as wedding venues. "We are working out plans to draw tourists from across the country and abroad to visit the famous tourist spots in Bihar and tie the nuptial knot amid tradition and timeless grandeur," said tourism department secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh. Recently, tourism minister Raju Kumar Singh visited Goa and met its chief minister, Pramod Sawant, to discuss strategies that have catapulted Goa into a prime wedding destination for couples from India and abroad. Goa, Rajasthan, and Kerala are among the top states in India that attract families for destination weddings. Bihar's tourism secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh said the department has already begun promoting the state's historical, cultural, and natural abundance as backdrops for weddings. "Recently, we floated the idea of developing selected sites for destination weddings, and it received widespread appreciation on social media," added the secretary. A social media post by the tourism department on platform 'X' reads: "Looking for a wedding that blends tradition, beauty, and soul? Come tie the knot in Bihar! From the sacred ghats of Ganga to royal forts and timeless rituals, Bihar offers a wedding experience soaked in tradition, love, and unforgettable beauty." According to the department's website, the state government is planning to promote locations such as Nalanda, Bodh Gaya, Madhubani, and Aurangabad as venues for destination weddings. It has also tied up with hotels in these towns to facilitate the initiative. "Nalanda: Not just a place of knowledge, but a land where love can bloom forever. Choose a wedding destination that's peaceful, poetic, and unforgettable," read one post. "Tie the knot where peace meets grandeur - discover love, heritage, and timeless beauty in Bodh Gaya," said another. Encouraging couples to consider Madhubani, another post stated: "Tie the knot where art meets heart - Madhubani isn't just a place, it's a celebration of love, culture, and timeless beauty. Begin your forever in the soulfully artistic land of Madhubani." Arun Kumar Ojha, general manager of Hotel Gautam Vihar, a prominent hotel in Nalanda, said the tourism department's concept of destination weddings is very workable. "This year, we have had more than 25-30 bookings for destination weddings out of the total 65-70 bookings for marriages," said Ojha, adding that extended bookings for destination weddings also allow guests to explore tourist spots nearby. The department has tied up with Mithila Haat, a theme-based park and hotel in Madhubani, to celebrate the region's rich heritage and culinary marvels. Their message is to "enhance your visit with vibrant craftsmanship of Madhubani painting and culture, along with a serene pondside boating experience." Officials said they would work out plans to facilitate visits by wedding guests to nearby attractions, including famous temples, archaeological sites, forts, and natural landscapes. "Bodh Gaya's Mahabodhi Temple, the famous Gurpa Hill in Gaya, and the Dungeshwari cave temples-where Gautam Buddha is believed to have meditated before reaching Bodh Gaya for enlightenment-are among the locations to be developed for this purpose," said an officer on condition of anonymity. He added that Sitamarhi's Sita temple, considered the birthplace of Sita, is also worth visiting....