Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday welcomed the inscription of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh on the UNESCO World Heritage List, describing it as “a proud moment for every Indian” and saying the recognition celebrates India’s rich civilisational and spiritual heritage while bringing global attention to the teachings of Lord Buddha.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday welcomed the inscription of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh on the UNESCO World Heritage List, describing it as “a proud moment for every Indian” and saying the recognition celebrates India’s rich civilisational and spiritual heritage while bringing global attention to the teachings of Lord Buddha.
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A proud moment for every Indian!
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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… https://t.co/KkdMOg6g0d
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 25, 2026
In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister expressed delight over the development and said the honour would encourage more people from across the world to visit the historic site and draw inspiration from the Buddha’s message.
“A proud moment for every Indian! Delighted that Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List,” Modi wrote.
Highlighting the historical and spiritual significance of Sarnath, the Prime Minister noted that the site shares a deep association with Lord Buddha, who delivered his first sermon there after attaining enlightenment.
“Sarnath has a close association with Lord Buddha, whose timeless message of wisdom, compassion and harmony inspires the world,” he said.
Modi said the UNESCO recognition was a tribute to India’s enduring cultural legacy and expressed hope that it would promote greater global engagement with the country’s Buddhist heritage.
“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,” he added.
Located near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Sarnath is one of Buddhism’s holiest pilgrimage sites. It is revered as the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, to his first five disciples after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.
The archaeological site is home to several ancient monuments, including the Dhamek Stupa, the Ashokan Pillar, monastery ruins and museums that reflect India’s rich Buddhist legacy. Its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List is expected to boost international recognition, tourism and conservation efforts while reaffirming India’s commitment to preserving its cultural and spiritual heritage.
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