Wire flash
OtherSarnath inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage site, India's tally reaches 45
Editorial responsibility
- No named human review is recorded for this page.
- Source reporting is collected, normalized, translated or condensed automatically when needed.
- Automatically published source-backed update
The ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea. The serial property includes the Chaukhandi Stupa and the Archaeological Remains of Sarnath. Sarnath is traditionally believed to be where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment in the 6th century BCE. With this addition, India now has 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the recognition, calling it a celebration of India's civilisational and spiritual heritage. UNESCO noted that Sarnath is one of the four principal destinations of Buddhist pilgrimage, established by the Buddha himself, with numerous religious buildings and monuments built and rebuilt over centuries.
Source report
Updated - July 26, 2026 07:05 pm IST — HYDERABAD
By Serish Nanisetti
The ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath in Varanasi has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, held in Busan, South Korea. The announcement was made by the committee’s chairperson, Lee Byong Hyun, at the annual conclave on Sunday.
With the inscription of Sarnath, India now has 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Site Details
The Uttar Pradesh site has been recognised as a serial property comprising:
- The Chaukhandi Stupa
- The Archaeological Remains of Sarnath, which include the preserved archaeological and architectural remains of the ancient Buddhist site
Historical Significance
Sarnath is believed to be the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment in the 6th century BCE. Also known as Rishipatana, Ishipatana, Mrigadava, or the Deer Park, it is regarded as the sacred site where the Buddha met his first disciples, who later spread his teachings on peace and the nature of suffering.
Official Reactions
A proud moment for every Indian! Delighted that Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Sarnath has a close association with Lord Buddha, whose timeless message of wisdom, compassion and harmony inspires the world. This recognition… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 25, 2026
Reacting to the development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X: “...This recognition celebrates India’s profound civilisational and spiritual heritage. It will also inspire more people across the world to come to Sarnath and connect with the ideals of Lord Buddha.”
UNESCO Statement
Explaining the inscription, UNESCO said: “Sarnath, Varanasi bears witness to the enduring spiritual significance of Sarnath, one of the four principal destinations of Buddhist pilgrimage, established by the Buddha himself, as demonstrated by the large number of religious buildings and other monuments that were built and rebuilt on-site during the many centuries of its existence.”
Published - July 26, 2026 07:02 pm IST
Source
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Regional
Part of this Story
Sarnath inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage site, India's tally reaches 45