Centre Moves To Nominate Chhath Festival For UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List

Last Updated:August 12, 2025, 18:40 IST

The Central govt has initiated the process to include Chhath festival in UNESCO's Cultural Heritage list.The Ministry of Culture has requested Sangeet Natak Akademi to nominate it.

File photo of women celebrating the Chhath festival. (Image: PTI)

The Ministry of Culture has written a letter to the secretary of Sangeet Natak Akademi, asking him to nominate Chhath festival for inclusion in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

In a letter dated August 8, 2025, the Cultural ministry wrote, “Please find enclosed herewith a communication dated 24.07.2025 from Shri Sandeep Kumar Dubey (Chairman, Chhathi Maiya Foundation) submitting the proposal for the inclusion of “Chhath Mahaparva" under UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity."

“In this regard, SNA being the nodal agency in the matter, is requested to examine the above mentioned reference and take appropriate action," the letter further read.

Significance Of Chhath Puja

Chhath puja is celebrated among the Hindu community in the country, particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. Chhath puja is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya). This four-day-long festival includes several traditions like fasting, bathing in holy rivers, and praying to the sun at both sunset and sunrise.

Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...Read More

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...

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August 12, 2025, 18:38 IST

News india Centre Moves To Nominate Chhath Festival For UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List

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