Archive · 4 Aug 2025
India Submits Sarnath for UNESCO World Heritage Status
India has nominated the Ancient Buddhist Site, Sarnath to UNESCO to be considered as a World Heritage Site.
The nomination was submitted for the 2025-26 cycle.
The minister announced this in Parliament.
The process of being included on the list will take around a year and a half.
There is no specific fund for community heritage restoration, but the government uses its budget for preservation.
The Archaeological Survey of India works on site museums and is using new technology to improve visitor experience.
India nominated the Ancient Buddhist Site, Sarnath to UNESCO for the 2025-26 cycle.
The nomination dossier was submitted to the World Heritage Centre.
The nomination process takes approximately 1.5 years.
There is no specific grant scheme for community heritage site restoration.
ASI maintains site museums and uses digital technologies.
- Who
- Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
- What
- India nominated Ancient Buddhist Site, Sarnath for UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- When
- For the 2025-26 cycle.
- Where
- Submitted to the World Heritage Centre.
- Why
- To be considered for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Nomination
- Ancient Buddhist Site, Sarnath
- Nomination Cycle
- 2025-26
- Submitted to
- World Heritage Centre
- Process duration
- Approx. 1.5 years
- ASI responsibilities
- Maintains site museums, uses digital technologies