VOI World / Desk
The Indian government has initiated formal steps to nominate Chhath Mahaparva (Chhath Puja) for UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Ministry of Culture has written to the Secretary of the Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA), requesting it to examine and process the proposal. (turn0search9)
The proposal was submitted by the Chhathi Maiya Foundation, led by Sandeep Kumar Dubey, on July 24, 2025. The Chhathi Maiya Foundation’s request has now been officially taken up, with the SNA serving as the nodal agency responsible for preparing and submitting the dossier. (turn0search2)
Chhath is a four-day festival devoted to worshipping the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya, deeply rooted in regions like Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and also observed by diaspora communities and in Nepal’s Mithila region. The rituals include purificatory baths, fasting, offerings during sunrise and sunset, and other ceremonies emphasizing spiritual discipline, gratitude, and ecological harmony. (turn0search6)
If accepted, Chhath Mahaparva will join a distinguished list of Indian cultural practices recognized globally, helping ensure protection, preservation, and international awareness of its heritage value. The nomination underlines India’s focus on safeguarding its intangible cultural traditions and strengthening global cultural diplomacy.
