Sarnath Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage:
India has officially nominated the ‘Ancient Buddhist Site, Sarnath for the UNESCO World Heritage List under the 2025–26 nomination cycle. Sarnath has been on UNESCO’s “tentative list” since 1998.Sarnath, located near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon (Dhammachakkappavattana) after enlightenment. It is also known by names such as Rishipatana, Mrigadava, and Mrigadaya. The modern name is believed to be derived from Saranganatha (“Lord of the Deer”). Sarnath is one of the 4 key pilgrimage sites in Buddhism, along with Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, and Kushinagar, associated with the birth, enlightenment, first sermon, and death of Buddha respectively. Ashes of the Buddha were enshrined in stupas at these locations to commemorate significant events in his life.
