Chhath Puja Could Join UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, Says PM Modi

In the 126th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India is actively working to include Chhath Puja in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

He emphasised that the festival represents not just religious rituals but also community participation, environmental awareness, and ecological harmony.

“Chhath Puja is a vibrant expression of devotion, ecological balance, and collective celebration,” PM Modi said, highlighting the festival’s significance beyond rituals.

Chhath Puja, celebrated predominantly in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, honours the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.

Devotees observe rigorous four-day rituals and fasts while offering prayers at riverbanks and ponds.

The Prime Minister drew attention to the festival’s emphasis on cleanliness, environmental consciousness, and social unity, noting how it often involves entire neighbourhoods and families.

“The rituals, including offering ‘arghya’ to the setting and rising sun, reflect gratitude and reverence for natural forces,” he said.

Continuing India’s Global Cultural Recognition

PM Modi highlighted India’s earlier success in securing UNESCO recognition for Durga Puja in 2021, which earned the celebration in Bengal international acclaim.

He expressed hope that Chhath Puja would similarly gain global acknowledgement, showcasing India’s rich spiritual traditions and cultural diversity.

The nomination process, overseen by the Ministry of Culture and other stakeholders, involves meticulously documenting the festival’s history, rituals, and community participation.

Cultural experts and historians have lauded the move, asserting that Chhath Puja merits recognition for its unique blend of devotion, ecology, and social unity.

The Prime Minister’s mention of Chhath Puja in ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is expected to inspire enthusiasm among devotees and cultural advocates, particularly in regions where the festival forms a cornerstone of local identity.

“If accepted, Chhath Puja will join globally celebrated traditions, reinforcing India’s role as a custodian of living heritage,” PM Modi said.

He emphasised that preserving and promoting India’s intangible cultural assets ensures that festivals rooted in local traditions receive the respect and visibility they deserve.

India’s UNESCO nomination for Chhath Puja aligns with the broader government vision to preserve cultural heritage while promoting ecological consciousness.

Recognition at the global level would celebrate India’s age-old traditions and inspire future generations to value spiritual devotion, environmental responsibility, and social harmony.

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