About World Heritage Day
World Heritage Day, officially the International Day for Monuments and Sites, is observed on 18 April. Proposed by ICOMOS and approved by UNESCO in 1983, it encourages people to value and protect cultural heritage.
World Heritage Day is the popular name for the International Day for Monuments and Sites. It was proposed by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in 1982, and UNESCO's General Conference approved it in 1983.
The day celebrates the buildings, towns, landscapes and traditions that connect us to the past. Heritage is also fragile. Weather, neglect, pollution and careless tourism can all damage places that took centuries to build.
How it is marked
Heritage bodies, universities and local groups organise heritage walks, talks, photo exhibitions and conservation workshops. Schools take students to nearby monuments or run projects on local history. Architects and conservationists share how old structures are studied and repaired.
India has many sites on UNESCO's World Heritage List, from ancient temples and forts to natural landscapes, and the day is widely marked with heritage walks in cities such as Delhi, Ahmedabad and Kolkata. It is also a good time to explore lesser-known local monuments.
What to write
Write about pride in shared history and a gentle reminder to care for it.
- Happy World Heritage Day. Heritage walk on Sunday morning? I'll bring the samosas, you bring the history.
- Thank you for the heritage walk this morning. I've lived here for years and never noticed that stepwell.
- To my favourite travel partner, which fort next? You carry the water, I'll carry the guidebook.
How to wish someone on World Heritage Day
pride in shared history, love for old monuments and the care needed to protect them for the future
Write a few lines in your own words, pick a design and share it as one link on WhatsApp, Instagram or anywhere else. They open an animated card made just for them, with no app and no sign-up.
Language tip: English, Hindi + recipient language.
Frequently asked questions
What is the official name of World Heritage Day?
Its official name is the International Day for Monuments and Sites. It was proposed by ICOMOS and approved by UNESCO in 1983.
How can students celebrate World Heritage Day?
Students can visit a nearby monument, join a heritage walk, research the history of a local building, or make a photo project on heritage in their own neighbourhood.
How can I help protect heritage sites?
Follow site rules, do not write on or touch fragile surfaces, do not litter, and support local conservation efforts. Sharing accurate history also helps people value these places.
When is World Heritage Day in 2026?
World Heritage Day 2026 falls on Saturday, 18 April 2026.
What is World Heritage Day?
World Heritage Day, officially the International Day for Monuments and Sites, is observed on 18 April. Proposed by ICOMOS and approved by UNESCO in 1983, it encourages people to value and protect cultural heritage.
Is World Heritage Day a public holiday?
Holiday status for World Heritage Day varies by state, employer and community in India, so check your local holiday list.
How do I wish someone on World Heritage Day?
Focus on pride in shared history, love for old monuments and the care needed to protect them for the future. On Kehdoo you can write a short message, pick a design and share a free animated World Heritage Day card as a single link, with no app or sign-up needed.
Sources
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .