• By Niharika Sanjeeiv
  • Sun, 18 Apr 2021 07:51 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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New Delhi | Jagran Lifestyle Desk: Every year on April 18 we observe World Heritage Day, to spread awareness about the dying cultures, rich cultural diversity and teach them how to preserve the ancient cultures. India, Europe and other countries are known for their traditional and cultural heritage, such as monuments, buildings, places, communities, etc. This heritage defines their rich history and helps people to connect with that heritage. However, nowadays, people are forgetting about their culture, traditions, etc. So, to aware people of the dying cultures, UNESCO declared this day as World Heritage Day.

World Heritage Day 2021 History

In the year 1982, ICOMOS (International Council and Monuments and Sites) suggested a day to spread awareness regarding the preservation of ancient culture and its historic sites. However, this idea was adopted later in the year 1983 by UNESCO during the 22nd General Conference. As per ICOMOS, this day is observed internationally to restore and conserve historical cites, dying ancient tribes, etc. Also, this day will help people remind of their history.

World Heritage Day 2021 Significance

This day helps reminds people of their origin and keeps them connected with their past. World Heritage Day aware people to preserve their cultural sites by not destroying rather, giving a helping hand in maintaining these historical buildings. Also, it teaches people to appreciate and respect others' heritage.

World Heritage Day 2021 Theme

This year the theme of this special day is 'Complex Pasts: Diverse Future'. This theme is calling people of all the religion to come together keeping aside their differences and give out the message of solidarity.

38 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

India is the sixth country to have the maximum number of world heritage sites. There are 30 cultural sites, 7 natural sites and 1 mixed as recognised by UNESCO.

State/UT

Cultural

Natural

Mixed

Uttar Pradesh
  • Agra Fort (1983)
  • Fatehpur Sikri (1986)
  • Taj Mahal (1983)
    

Maharashtra
  • Ajanta Caves (1983)
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004)
  • Elephanta Caves (1987)
  • Ellora Caves (1983)
  • Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018)
  • Western Ghats (2012)

 

  

Bihar
  • Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar (2016)
  • Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya (2002)
    

Madhya Pradesh
  • Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)
  • Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986)
  • Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)
    

Gujarat
  • Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (2004)
  • Historic City of Ahmadabad (2017)
  • Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat (2014)
  • Western Ghats (2012)
  

Goa
  • Churches and Convents of Goa (1986)
  • Western Ghats (2012)
  

Tamil Nadu
  • Great Living Chola Temples (1987,2004)
  • Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)
  • Mountain Railways of India (1999,2005,2008)
  • Western Ghats (2012)
  

Karnataka
  • Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)
  • Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)
  • Western Ghats (2012)
  

Rajasthan
  • Hill Forts of Rajasthan (2013)
  • Jaipur City, Rajasthan (2019)
  • The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010)
  • Keoladeo National Park (1985)

 

  

Delhi
  • Humayun's Tomb, Delhi (1993)
  • Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)
  • Red Fort Complex (2007)
    

Chandigarh
  • The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement (2016)
    

West Bengal
  • Mountain Railways of India (1999,2005,2008)
  • Sundarbans National Park (1987)
  

Himachal Pradesh
  • Mountain Railways of India (1999,2005,2008)
  • Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (2014)
  

Orissa
  • Sun Temple, Konârak (1984)
    

Assam

  
  • Kaziranga National Park (1985)
  • Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)
  

Uttarakhand

  
  • Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988,2005)
  

Kerala

  
  • Western Ghats (2012)
  

Sikkim

    
  • Khangchendzonga National Park (2016)