April 18 is annually observed as the World Heritage Day, also recognized as the International Day for Monuments and Sites (IDMS). The initiative by the International Council on Monuments and Sites was approved by UNESCO in 1983. The primary aim is to increase the awareness about the diversity of cultural heritage and conserve them for generations to come. It is to bring global attention towards the world’s built Monuments and Heritage sites and the efforts required to preserve them.
On this day, several organisations hold activities, workshops, and conferences to celebrate the diversity of heritage across the world. Thus, this day is a collective step of the communities towards the preservation and conservation of such sites. People around the world should pay a visit to the Monuments and Heritage sites nearby. You can also become a part of various activities held around the world. The theme of World Heritage Site 2021, however, has not been announced yet.
Karnataka is one such Indian State that hosts a number of Heritage sites. The State is home to timeless art and brilliant architecture, providing a glimpse of the glorious past.
The Group of Monuments at Hampi is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites located on the banks of the river Tungabhadra. Hampi is the most beautiful representation of the Vijayanagara Empire. The region has numerous Dravidian Temples, Palaces, and Religious Temples, all of them being part of the cultural heritage site. Another UNESCO heritage site in the state is the Group of monuments in Pattadakal. There are nine Hindu temples and a Jain Sanctuary. The town of Pattadakal is also regarded as a sacred region as there are eight temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Besides this, Karnataka also boasts of other cultural heritage sites from the Chalukyas, Cholas, and Hoysalas dynasties. You can discover numerous forts, palaces, mausoleums, ancient shrines, and caves. Gulbarga Fort in Gulbarga, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace in Bangalore, Doddabasappa Temple in Dambal, and Pandava Caves in Mangalore are some of the heritage sites in Karnataka. With a rich history and ancient architecture, Karnataka is a great State to celebrate World Heritage Day 2021.