Sarnath Becomes India’s 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site

On 25 July 2026, the World Heritage Committee inscribed the Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath, Varanasi, on the UNESCO World Heritage List during its 48th session in Busan. The inscription, under criteria (iii) and (vi), recognised Sarnath’s archaeological remains and enduring spiritual significance as the place traditionally associated with the Buddha’s first sermon and first disciples. The decision made Sarnath India’s 45th World Heritage property and added one of Buddhism’s most important pilgrimage landscapes to the UNESCO list, linking a major ancient site to a contemporary international heritage milestone.