Varanasi nominated as first-ever SCO tourism and cultural capital

At the 22nd Meeting of SCO Council of Heads of State yesterday in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Varanasi was chosen as the first-ever Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2022-2023. SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital Varanasi will promote tourism, cultural and humanitarian exchanges between India and SCO member countries, according to the Indian External Affairs Ministry.

Varanasi nominated as first-ever SCO tourism and cultural capitalFurthermore, the selection emphasizes the ancient civilizational connections between India and the countries of the SCO, especially those in Central Asia. A number of cultural events will be held in Varanasi during the period 2022-23 as part of this major cultural outreach program. SCO members will be invited to participate. Indologists, scholars, authors, musicians, artists, photographers, and travel bloggers are expected to attend these events.