UNESCO has officially accepted the Serial Nomination of Buddhist Triangle Sites of Odisha—including Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, Lalitgiri, and associated heritage sites—into India’s Tentative List for World Heritage inscription.
In a letter to H.E. Mr Vishal V. Sharma, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of India to UNESCO, Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre, confirmed that India submitted the documentation on December 22, 2025. Since the proposal met the Operational Guidelines, UNESCO updated the Tentative List of India to include these culturally significant sites.
This decision was welcomed by Sj. Maheswar Bal, Convenor-Secretary of the Udayagiri Buddha Mahotsav Samity, and Badachana MLA Amar Nayak.
The Buddhist Triangle of Odisha represents one of India’s most important archaeological and spiritual landscapes. Moreover, the sites showcase the rich legacy of Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions. They feature monasteries, stupas, sculptures, and inscriptions that emphasise Odisha’s pivotal role in spreading Buddhism across Asia.
This recognition marks a significant step toward securing full World Heritage status for the Buddhist Triangle. Furthermore, it underscores India’s commitment to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage while strengthening global awareness of Odisha’s historical importance.
The inclusion of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri in the Tentative List will also boost heritage tourism, research, and conservation efforts in the region. In addition, it aligns with India’s broader strategy to highlight diverse cultural landscapes under the World Heritage Convention.
