Rajgir, historically known as Rajagriha (City of Kings), is an ancient city in Bihar, India, set within a serene valley encircled by five forested hills. It served as the capital of the Magadha kingdom (6th–4th century BCE) and stands among the world’s earliest centres of governance, public deliberation, and civilizational thought.
Closely associated with the Buddha and Mahavira, Rajgir was the site of the First Buddhist Council, where foundational ethical and philosophical principles were formally articulated. Nearby, the ancient Nalanda University, regarded as the world’s first residential knowledge centre, hosted over 10,000 students and served as a hub for intellectual exchange. Great philosophers such as Aryabhata, Nagarjuna, and Xuanzang contributed to its legacy of learning and scholarship.
A journey to Rajgir leaves a lasting impression of its natural landscapes and contemplative environment, offering a reflective, restorative, and self-realizing setting. It is an appropriate and meaningful venue for WCND 2026, in the spirit of Democracy on Earth – Democracy with Earth.
Bodh Gaya, situated in Bihar, India, is one of the most historically and philosophically significant sites in the world. It is celebrated as the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, a transformative moment that profoundly shaped human thought and established the foundations of Buddhism.
Anchored by the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marked by the Vajrasana (Diamond Throne), Bodh Gaya has been a centre of philosophical reflection, ethical teaching, and contemplative practice for over two millennia. It has inspired scholars, seekers, and practitioners from across the globe.
Set amidst serene groves and sacred landscapes, Bodh Gaya offers a reflective, restorative, and transformative environment. It embodies the principle of “Universal Nationality: Beyond Boundaries”, fostering ideas that transcend cultures and nations.
As a venue for WCND 2026, Bodh Gaya presents a profound and meaningful setting, fully aligned with the themes Democracy on Earth – Democracy with Earth and Universal Nationality: Beyond Boundaries.
