The International Day for Monuments and Sites, also referred to as World Heritage Day, is commemorated on April 18th. This significant day was initially recognized by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 1983. The primary objective of this observance is to raise awareness regarding the cultural heritage and diversity present on our planet.
The concept of celebrating World Heritage Day on April 18 annually was put forth by The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in 1982. It was subsequently endorsed at UNESCO’s General Conference the following year.
The theme for this year’s World Heritage Day is – Discover and experience diversity. The world’s heritage encompasses a wide range of natural landscapes, historical monuments, cultural practices, traditions, rituals, and ancient ruins. Preserving these treasures is of utmost importance as they hold significant cultural value and have been acknowledged by UNESCO for their universal importance. Moreover, these heritage sites also serve as tourist destinations, contributing to the growth of local economies. By visiting these sites, we gain insight into our rich history and uncover aspects of the past that were previously unknown to us. It is crucial that we prioritize the protection and preservation of these sites for the benefit of future generations.
India boasts a grand total of more than 3696 monuments and sites, with 42 of them holding the prestigious title of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here is a map of India representing all the UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
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