Sarnath in Varanasi has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, making it India's 45th World Heritage Site. The recognition honours the ancient Buddhist site's exceptional cultural, historical and religious significance. Sumedh Thero, former Secretary of the Mahabodhi Society, Sarnath, welcomed the decision and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government and UNESCO. The site, which has been on India's tentative World Heritage list since 1998, represents more than 2,500 years of Buddhist pilgrimage.

Photos show worshipers at Sarnath, an ancient Buddhist site in the northern Indian city of Varanasi where the Buddha delivered his first sermon. The location was added to UNESCO's…

The Buddhist site becomes India’s 45th and UP’s 4th World Heritage Site; PM Modi says a proud moment for every Indian