VARANASI, July 25 -- Twenty-eight years after entering UNESCO's Tentative List, Sarnath, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. With this, Sarnath has become India's 45th World Heritage Site and Uttar Pradesh's fourth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, "A proud moment for every Indian! 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 celebrates India's profound civilisational and spiritual heritage. It will also inspire more people across the world to ...