The Government of India Initiates UNESCO Nomination for Chhath Puja – New India Abroad

 

The Government of India has formally begun the process of nominating Chhath Puja, the ancient festival of Bihar and Purvanchal, for inclusion in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Known for its deep-rooted traditions and rigorous rituals of offering prayers to the Sun God on riverbanks and water bodies, the festival holds immense cultural and spiritual significance. Today, Chhath Puja is celebrated not only across India but also by diaspora communities worldwide, strengthening cultural bonds beyond borders.

This landmark step follows a persistent five-year campaign led by Supreme Court advocate Sandeep Kumar Dubey, founder of the Chhathi Maiya Foundation. Originally from Gopalganj, Bihar, Dubey has personally observed the festival and championed its global recognition. In 2024, he formally petitioned the Ministry of Culture to initiate the UNESCO process, culminating in a meeting with Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. The minister endorsed the proposal and assured full government support.

Subsequently, the Ministry of Culture directed the Sangeet Natak Akademi to begin preparing the official nomination. A letter from the ministry confirmed that the foundation’s proposal, submitted on July 24, would move forward for consideration.

Advocates of the nomination believe that UNESCO recognition will make it easier for diaspora communities to observe Chhath Puja abroad, especially in nations requiring special permissions for rituals on natural water bodies.

Dubey emphasized that Chhath meets UNESCO’s essential criteria: preservation of living traditions, observance in multiple countries, and organized advocacy for recognition. The initiative reflects the success of Kolkata’s Durga Puja, which gained UNESCO heritage status in 2021.

With this move, India once again highlights its dedication to protecting and promoting its vibrant cultural heritage on the global stage.