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Key Points

The Indian government has initiated steps to nominate Chhath Puja for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The festival, celebrated in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, involves rigorous fasting and rituals honouring the Sun God. Its nomination follows a proposal by the Chhathi Maiya Foundation. If approved, it will join other Indian traditions like Yoga and Kumbh Mela on the prestigious list.

Key Points: Centre Pushes Chhath Puja for UNESCO Heritage List

  • Centre asks Sangeet Natak Akademi to process Chhath Puja nomination
  • Festival rooted in Bihar, UP, and Nepal honours Sun God
  • Features 36-hour fast, satvik meals, and folk rituals
  • UNESCO recognition could boost global cultural visibility
2 min read

Centre initiates nomination of Chhath festival for UNESCO heritage list

India nominates Chhath Puja, Bihar’s ancient Sun God festival, for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

"Chhath Puja is a celebration of discipline, community, and deep cultural continuity. – Chhathi Maiya Foundation"

Patna, Aug 12

The Union Government has asked the Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) to examine and process the nomination of Chhath Mahaparva for inclusion in UNESCO's representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of humanity.

A letter from Ankur Verma, Under Secretary to the Government of India, was sent to the SNA after Chhathi Maiya Foundation chairman Sandeep Kumar Dubey submitted a proposal for the festival's inclusion on July 7.

Chhath Mahaparva, deeply rooted in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, is celebrated with devotion by communities from these regions across the world.

The SNA, as the nodal agency, has been asked to take appropriate action on the proposal.

The deeply spiritual Chhath Puja, rooted in ancient folk traditions, comes twice a year and is celebrated across Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal's Mithila region.

The festival honours Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, observed over four days through elaborate rituals symbolising purification, gratitude, and unwavering devotion.

The opening day, Nahai-Khai, begins with 'chhath vratis' (devotees), bathing in rivers or ponds for ritual purification.

They then don fresh clothes and prepare a simple, satvik meal of pumpkin, gram pulse, and rice, seasoned only with rock salt.

This offering, shared as prasad, represents purity, discipline, and a spiritual reset.

Following this, 'chhath vratis' take a solemn vow to fast for the next three days, adhering to strict cleanliness, avoiding prohibited foods, and dedicating themselves entirely to the worship of the Sun God.

The festival is known for its intense 36-hour waterless fast, which devotees undertake with remarkable endurance, attributing their strength to faith.

The rituals are steeped in tradition - from cooking on a mango wood-fired stove to avoiding non-satvik ingredients such as onions, garlic, and animal products.

The colours yellow and red dominate the attire, symbolising purity and devotion.

Soulful Chhath songs in honour of Chhathi Maiya echo through homes and ghats, preserving the festival's rich folk heritage.

More than just a religious observance, Chhath puja is a celebration of discipline, community, and deep cultural continuity - a testament to the enduring bond between faith and tradition.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As someone from UP, I've seen how Chhath brings communities together regardless of caste or economic status. The sight of thousands standing in water at sunrise is truly magical. Well deserved nomination!
A
Aditya G
While I support this nomination, I hope the government also focuses on cleaning our rivers. Every year after Chhath, the ghats are left polluted. True devotion includes respecting nature too.
S
Sarah B
As an expat in Delhi, I've witnessed Chhath celebrations and was amazed by the devotion. The community spirit is incredible. India's cultural heritage is truly unique and deserves global recognition.
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Karthik V
The 36-hour fast is unbelievable! My Bihari colleagues explain how even children participate with such discipline. This festival teaches values modern society needs - patience, gratitude and community bonding.
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Nisha Z
Chhath songs are so soulful! 🎶 They carry centuries of tradition. My grandmother knows all the lyrics by heart. Hope this nomination helps preserve our folk music traditions for future generations.

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