Did you know that there is a day of the year set aside for celebrating and promoting cultural heritage? Every year, April 18 is observed as World Heritage Day . The official name for the day is International Day for Monuments and Sites .
Background
The day was established by the International Council on Monuments and Sites in 1982. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about cultural heritage, its diversity, how vulnerable it is, and what can be done to conserve it. The day is also aimed at creating awareness about the importance of preserving the various World Heritage Sites around the world.
Theme
The theme for 2019 is ‘rural landscapes’. Rural landscapes are areas which are used for the production of food and other resources. This means areas where agriculture, fishing, salt production, hunting, and so on are done. The conservation of rural landscapes can benefit all of us.
Get involved
Spread the word about the International Day for Monuments and Sites, along with the message for this year. Discover more about the rural landscapes in our country and the practices associated with them.
An important way of celebrating the day is by paying a visit to World Heritage Sites near you. Before you go, you could do a bit of research on why the site is important, and what steps are needed to be taken to protect it.
What are World Heritage Sites?
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) selects landmarks or areas around the world which are of cultural, historic or scientific significance. In short, these are landmarks or locations that have ‘outstanding universal value’.
There are currently 1,092 sites on this list, of which 37 are in India. Tracking down and visiting all these sites could be an experience of a lifetime!
Around the world
1. Angkor Wat, Cambodia: The largest religious monument in the world. The region contains the magnificent remains of the Khmer Empire.
2. Stonehenge, the U.K.: A mysterious circle of upright stones. The astronomical significance of the pattern of arrangement is still being explored.
3. Easter Island, Chile: One of the most remote sites on the list. The enormous stone figures, known as moai , are a source of fascination to people around the world.
4. Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, Japan: One of the most photographed shrines in the world and a holy place of Shintoism. The torii (gate) appears to float in the water.
5. Kremlin and Red Square, Russia: A site that is linked to the most significant historical events in Russia. Located in Moscow, the St. Basil’s Basilica is one of the most beautiful Russian monuments.
Indian portfolio
1. Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh: The seat of the Mughal empire in India. The impressive fort complex overlooks another World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal.
2. Hampi, Karnataka: The capital of the Vijayanagar empire, built by its fabulously rich royals. Today, the city lies in ruins, leaving you spellbound.
3. Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha: A gigantic representation of the Sun God’s chariot. The temple is known for its architectural grandeur and intricate sculpture work.
4. Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu: A group of monuments carved out of rock. Once a thriving sea port, it is, today, a bustling tourist attraction.
5. Churches and convents of Goa: An example of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India. The Basilica of Bom Jesus contains the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier
