Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared exciting news during his 126th episode of “Mann Ki Baat” on Sunday: India is pushing hard to get Chhath Puja added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This step highlights the festival’s deep roots in culture and spirituality, bringing its unique traditions to a global audience.
Modi described Chhath Puja as more than just rituals—it’s a lively celebration of harmony with nature, deep devotion, and strong community bonds. People across Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal come together for this four-day festival, honoring the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees head to riverbanks and ponds for prayers, strict fasts, and special offerings, all while focusing on cleanliness, environmental care, and family gatherings that light up entire neighborhoods.
As Modi pointed out, Chhath Puja echoes India’s ancient love for nature worship and eco-friendly living. Key moments, like offering “arghya” to the rising and setting sun, show real gratitude for the sun, rivers, and pure living. It’s a beautiful blend of faith, sunlight, and natural purity that draws people closer to their roots.
This announcement comes after Durga Puja earned its spot on the UNESCO list in 2021, putting Bengal’s grand festivities on the world map. Modi hopes Chhath Puja follows suit, sharing India’s diverse cultural treasures and spiritual vibes far and wide.
The Ministry of Culture and other groups are already working on the nomination file for UNESCO. They’ll document everything from the festival’s history and rituals to how communities keep it alive. Cultural experts and historians cheer the effort, praising Chhath Puja’s mix of devotion, ecology, and unity that makes it stand out.
Modi’s shoutout in “Mann Ki Baat” is sure to excite devotees and culture lovers, especially in regions where Chhath Puja shapes daily life and identity. If UNESCO approves it, the festival will join other cherished global traditions, boosting India’s role in safeguarding living heritage. This move is part of a bigger drive to spotlight and protect India’s vibrant festivals, giving local customs the global spotlight they truly deserve.
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