Patna (PTI): NRIs of Bihari origin settled abroad for several generations, will now be able to trace their roots which might also encourage some of them to invest in the state.

Targetted at NRIs, particularly those from Fiji, Surinam and Mauritius whose forefathers migrated there as indentured labourers, the 'Trace Your Roots', package has been formulated by the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) in association with the Bihar Foundation, headed by Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, chairperson and Managing Director of BSTDC, Rashmi Verma, told PTI.

The Foundation would arrange 'research facilities' for NRIs interested in knowing about the place of origin of their ancestors, Verma, who is also the Principal Secretary of the Tourism department, said.

NRIS coming to the state in search of their roots, would be given a complete package including food, lodging and travel, she said.

Hoping that the scheme would also give a fillip to tourism in the state, she said "the idea is to give an incentive to NRIs to come to Bihar and at the same time give a fresh impetus to the sector."

And, this may have a positive impact on the investment front too as the NRIS could also think of investing in the state, Verma said.

She said last December the State Tourism department and the Corporation had set up a special counter at a NRI meet in Chennai where people of Bihari origin, particularly those from Fiji, Surinam and Mauritius had shown enthusiasm in inquiring about their roots.

The Corporation has also prepared schemes like a 'pind daan' package for Gaya where Hindus from across the world throng to pray for the peace of souls of their ancestors to free them from the cycle of birth and death.

Besides this, a special yoga package and one for boosting religious tourism have also been designed to attract NRIS, Verma said.

"Under the 'pind daan' package we will arrange priests and material required for the rituals, she said.

Similarly, a two and three week 'yoga package' has been formulated keeping in mind its popularity among NRIs for which the Corporation has tied up with Bihar School of Yoga, Munger.

The NRIs at the Chennai meet had shown interest in visiting Jain, Buddhist and Sikh circuits. Special three and five days packages have been worked out for NRI tourists under which they would be given accomodation in BSTDC's hotels, she said.

A similar package to attract Bihari NRIs to trace their roots was devised earlier also, but could not take-off.