Bhubaneswar, Aug 3 (UDN): In a significant step towards promoting Odisha’s rich cultural heritage on the global stage, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has urged the Centre to support the nomination of the historic Puri Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath Temple for inclusion in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The initiative aims to bring international recognition to one of India’s most revered cultural traditions, known for its centuries-old rituals, spiritual significance, and massive public participation.
The annual Rath Yatra, held in Puri, is a unique celebration where millions of devotees come together to witness the ceremonial journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra on grand chariots. Beyond its religious importance, the festival represents Odisha’s traditions, craftsmanship, devotion, and the spirit of community participation.
Seeking the Centre’s support for the UNESCO nomination, the Odisha government has highlighted the festival’s cultural value and its role in preserving ancient customs passed down through generations.
A UNESCO heritage tag could provide global visibility to the Rath Yatra, strengthen efforts towards conservation of traditional practices, and promote Odisha’s cultural identity internationally.
The recognition is also expected to encourage cultural tourism, benefiting local artisans, craftsmen, traders, and communities associated with the festival while creating greater awareness about Odisha’s heritage worldwide.
The Puri Rath Yatra stands as a living symbol of India’s diverse cultural traditions, where faith, art, history, and community spirit come together in one of the country’s most celebrated festivals.
The proposed UNESCO recognition would mark another milestone in preserving and showcasing India’s intangible cultural heritage for future generations.
Leave a Reply