World Heritage Day is celebrated every year on 18 April to preserve human heritage and to recognize all the efforts of relevant organisations.
World Heritage Day is also known as International Day for Monuments and Sites (IDMS).
Theme of World Heritage Day 2023
- ‘Heritage Changes’ is the Theme of World Heritage Day 2023.
- The theme offers the opportunity to respond to questions regarding learning about traditional ways of knowing and knowledge systems in relation to climate action, and how to use a cultural heritage focus to support equitable protection of vulnerable communities through climate action, while responding to the UN Decade of Action.
In 1982, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) announced 18 April as World Heritage Day.
This was approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1983, to enhance awareness about the importance of cultural heritage, and monuments and conserving them.
World Heritage sites
- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has a total of 1,154 monuments designated as world heritage sites from all over the world.
- Apart from India only Italy, Spain, Germany, China and France have 40 or more World Heritage sites.
- Telangana's 13th-century Ramappa Temple and the Harappan city of Dholavira in the Bhachau taluka of Kutch district in Gujarat have recently been added to the list of World Heritage sites in India.
- Built in 1213 AD during the reign of the greatest Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva (ruled 1199–1262) by his general Recharla Rudra, the Ramappa Temple is located in a valley at the village of Palampet, approximately 77 km away from Warangal and 200km north-east of Hyderabad.
- Dholavira is the first Indus Valley Civilisation site in India to be bestowed the coveted title by UNESCO.
- With the addition of Dholavira, India now boasts 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Key Takeaways
- World Heritage Day is celebrated every year on 18 April
- World Heritage Day is also known as International Day for Monuments and Sites (IDMS).
- Heritage Changes’ is the Theme of World Heritage Day 2023.
- Telangana's 13th-century Ramappa Temple and the Harappan city of Dholavira in the Bhachau taluka of Kutch district in Gujarat have recently been added to the list of World Heritage sites in India.
- With the addition of Dholavira, India now boasts 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
