Sarnath poised for UNESCO World Heritage Recognition

The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has accelerated preparations to have Sarnath, the world-renowned Buddhist site in Varanasi, inscribed on UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage List.

A high-level meeting was held on Friday at the Directorate of Tourism in Lucknow between senior officials of the Tourism Department and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to finalise strategies ahead of the crucial UNESCO session in September. The meeting reviewed the nomination process, ongoing conservation work, and the roadmap for the months ahead.

Advertisement

India has officially nominated Sarnath under the 2025–26 UNESCO World Heritage nomination cycle.

Currently, Uttar Pradesh has three UNESCO-listed sites: the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri, all located in Agra. If inscribed, Sarnath will become the state’s first Buddhist site to gain this recognition, elevating its profile on the global cultural map.

Principal Secretary for Tourism and Culture Mukesh Kumar Meshram, along with ASI leadership, discussed the detailed progress made over the past 18 months. The deliberations covered ecological conservation, sustainable tourism development, and the role of the Eco-Tourism Development Board. Plans include stakeholder consultations in Varanasi involving local communities, religious institutions, and tourism operators.

The principal secretary also praised the efforts of the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in preserving and promoting Buddhist philosophy. He suggested new projects to strengthen the cultural experience at Sarnath, including a Vipassana Meditation Centre, a Knowledge Park, Ayurveda-based wellness facilities, and improved multilingual signage. He highlighted that Sarnath, along with other key Buddhist sites like Kapilvastu, Shravasti, Sankisa, Kushinagar, and Kaushambi, is now connected by improved infrastructure. International visitors also benefit from nearby airports in Varanasi and Kushinagar, and significant pilgrim flows arrive from Nepal and other Buddhist nations.

Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said, “Sarnath is a priceless jewel of our cultural and spiritual heritage. The inclusion of Sarnath as a UNESCO World Heritage Site will not only give it global recognition but also strengthen tourism, local livelihoods, and the preservation of our shared human history.”

Principal Secretary Meshram added, “Having Sarnath inscribed on the UNESCO list will be a legacy for future generations. This sacred land where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon will become a bridge connecting people worldwide to our history, traditions, and culture. It will also open new avenues for tourism, research, and cultural exchange.”

Officials from Varanasi also joined the meeting via video conference, presenting a framework for final preparations. Bhante Shri Sumedha of the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in Sarnath praised the Tourism Department’s efforts and offered suggestions to the ASI team. He reminded the gathering that Sarnath holds unparalleled significance for Buddhists worldwide, being the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon. The Uttar Pradesh government’s ambitious Buddhist Circuit includes several temples built with international collaboration, attracting visitors from across the globe. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for their support.

As one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations, Sarnath meets key UNESCO criteria, including being an outstanding example of human creative genius and representing significant stages in human history. The site will undergo UNESCO’s multi-stage evaluation process, from inclusion in the Tentative List to potential full inscription.

The meeting in Lucknow was attended by Principal Secretary for Tourism and Culture Mukesh Kumar Meshram; ASI Director General Yaduveer Singh Rawat; ASI Additional Director General Jahnwij Sharma; Special Secretary for Tourism Isha Priya; Director of Tourism (Eco) Prakhar Mishra; ASI Lucknow Head Aftab Hussain; and other senior tourism officials.