India has inaugurated a permanent exhibition on its UNESCO World Heritage Sites at its embassy in Baku, highlighting the country’s rich cultural and natural legacy….reports Asian Lite News Desk
India has inaugurated a Permanent Exhibition on UNESCO World Heritage Sites of India at its embassy in Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, in a move aimed at showcasing the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage while strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties between the two nations.
The exhibition was opened on Saturday in the presence of ambassadors and diplomats from several countries, members of the Azerbaijani Parliament, representatives of the business community, tour and travel operators, media organisations, social media influencers and members of the Indian diaspora.
The exhibition was jointly inaugurated by India’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Abhay Kumar, and Anna Soave, Head of Country Programme of UN-Habitat Azerbaijan. The display features 17 exhibition panels highlighting some of India’s most significant UNESCO-recognised cultural and natural landmarks.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Kumar said India is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilisations, with a cultural heritage spanning thousands of years. He noted that the country is home to 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, comprising 36 Cultural Sites, seven Natural Sites and one Mixed Site, representing not only India’s heritage but also humanity’s shared legacy.
Referring to globally recognised landmarks including the ancient Nalanda University, the Taj Mahal, the Buddhist monuments at Sanchi, and the temple complexes of Hampi and Khajuraho, Kumar said these sites reflect India’s long civilisational journey, artistic achievements and architectural excellence.
Expressing hope that the exhibition would inspire visitors, he said it would encourage greater appreciation of India’s cultural and natural wealth while fostering closer cultural engagement between India and Azerbaijan.
Anna Soave praised the Embassy of India for establishing the permanent exhibition, describing it as an innovative initiative that promotes cultural awareness, dialogue and appreciation of shared global heritage.
She also commended India’s efforts to preserve its historical and natural treasures for future generations, saying the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites demonstrate an exceptional civilisational legacy and rich cultural diversity.
Following the inauguration, guests attended a Heritage-cum-Fashion Walk featuring Azerbaijani participants dressed in traditional Indian attire representing different states and regions across the country.
Visitors also took part in an Indian Street Food Festival, where they sampled a range of authentic Indian dishes and beverages showcasing the diversity of Indian cuisine. The celebrations concluded with cultural performances by Azerbaijani artists inspired by Indian artistic traditions, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The exhibition will remain open to the public at the Embassy of India in Baku, offering visitors an opportunity to explore some of India’s best-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites and learn more about the country’s enduring civilisational heritage.
Ahead of the inauguration, the Embassy of India had invited the public to attend both the exhibition opening and the accompanying Indian Street Food Festival.
In his invitation, Ambassador Kumar had said: “This exhibition showcases India’s great monuments and World Heritage Sites. At the same time, we will also be offering you the great Indian street food like chai, samosa and various other chats made from various ingredients from North India, from South India.”
The exhibition forms part of India’s broader cultural diplomacy efforts to promote its heritage internationally while encouraging tourism and strengthening bilateral cultural exchanges with partner countries. Later, the Embassy said the initiative is expected to serve as a lasting platform for introducing visitors in Azerbaijan to India’s diverse historical, architectural and natural treasures
