World Heritage Week 2023, from November 19 to 25 (UNESCO & ASI Details)

World Heritage Week 2023, celebrated from November 19 to 25, is a global festival aimed at preserving cultural and historical treasures. Recognized by United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), it serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect these sites for present and future generations. The week-long event spreads awareness about the traditions and cultures of different parts of the world, and is celebrated by UNESCO and other international organizations. In India, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) celebrates the festival. "Rock Cut Temples in South Tamil Nadu" is the theme of the exhibition (8th century CE – 13th century CE).

World Heritage Week: An Overview of History

World Heritage Week was started in 1945 with the goal of promoting moral and intellectual unity in the wake of two catastrophic world wars. It was intended to be a tool for promoting enduring world peace. The week has developed into a celebration that goes beyond fun activities over the years, actively encouraging individuals, groups, governments, and communities to take part in the preservation of priceless historical sites.

Events: of this Week

i. On November 19, 2023, ASI waived the cost of entry for one day only to all protected monuments in Delhi, including the Red Fort and Delhi Darwaza, Qutub Minar, and others, and Agra, Uttar Pradesh, including the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. This was done in honor of World Heritage Day.

ii. On November 20, 2023, the Thiyagarajar College in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, and ASI Trichy Circle (Tamil Nadu) jointly organized the WHW Photo Exhibition, which was officially opened by Union Minister Nirmala Sitaraman of the Ministry of Finance.

The World Heritage Sites of UNESCO

The World Heritage Sites designated by UNESCO are the focal point of World Heritage Week. These locations include landmarks and locations of notable historical, cultural, scientific, and other significance. The week provides an opportunity to highlight how important it is to preserve and safeguard these gems. By doing this, we make sure that future generations can continue to enjoy the rich tapestry of our shared history.

i. India has forty-two (42) UNESCO World Heritage Sites as of 2023. These follows:-

• 34 places of Cultural Sites
• 7 places of natural Sites
• One site of mixed heritage

ii. In 1983, the Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh, the Agra Fort, and the Ellora and Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra were the first places to be listed.

iii. In 2023, the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas in Karnataka and Santiniketan in West Bengal were the sites that were most recently added to the list.

World Heritage Week: ASI Celebration in India

World Heritage Week is observed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the lead role in India. For one day only, on November 19, 2023, ASI will waive entrance fees to all protected monuments, including well-known sites like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri Minar. The goal of this project is to increase public accessibility to these historical treasures.

About: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Prof. Kishore K. Basa is the director general.

Headquarter: New Delhi, Delhi

Established in the year 1861

i. To safeguard historical and archaeological monuments as well as archaeological sites and remnants, the "Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act", 1958 (AMASR Act) was created.

ii. As of right now, the State Governments are in charge of protecting about 3500 monuments and sites, while the ASI is only in charge of 3667.