India Moves to Nominate Chhath Mahaparva for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Status
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New Delhi, Sep 17 (TheTrendingPeople.com): The Ministry of Culture has launched a formal process to nominate Chhath Mahaparva, one of India’s oldest and most deeply rooted festivals, for inscription on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The move marks a significant cultural milestone as India seeks global recognition for a tradition celebrated by millions, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of West Bengal.
High-Level Meeting Sets Nomination in Motion
The nomination process was set in motion on Tuesday during a meeting chaired by Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal. Senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Sangeet Natak Akademi, and Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) engaged with diplomatic representatives from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Suriname, and the Netherlands to explore support for a multinational nomination to be submitted in UNESCO’s 2026–27 cycle.
An official present at the meeting confirmed that the discussions were “constructive” and emphasized the importance of collaboration with countries where large Indian diaspora communities actively celebrate Chhath.
Diaspora Support to Strengthen Nomination
Aggarwal also held a virtual consultation with Indian envoys in Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, the UAE, and the Netherlands on the same day. According to officials, the ambassadors and high commissioners agreed to identify diaspora communities, gather documentation, and provide case studies to reinforce India’s nomination.
“The role of the diaspora is crucial. These communities have preserved and transmitted Chhath Mahaparva far beyond India’s borders, and their involvement adds authenticity to the nomination,” said a senior ministry official.
Role of the Sangeet Natak Akademi
The Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s nodal body for coordinating UNESCO nominations, has been directed to compile and formalize the proposal. The Akademi will gather practitioner consent, prepare safeguarding measures, and integrate field documentation.
In July this year, the Chhathi Maiya Foundation submitted a formal request to the Akademi, urging recognition of Chhath Mahaparva as intangible cultural heritage. That request helped accelerate the current nomination process.
Understanding Chhath Mahaparva
Chhath Mahaparva is a four-day-long festival devoted to the worship of the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya, considered the goddess of fertility and childbearing. It is widely observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of West Bengal, and has also spread to diaspora communities in countries such as Nepal, Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
The rituals include fasting, bathing in rivers or ponds, preparing traditional offerings, and making ‘arghya’ (offering) to the setting and rising sun on the banks of water bodies. Unlike many other festivals, Chhath is unique in its emphasis on simplicity, community participation, and ecological balance.
A local practitioner from Patna, Renu Devi, explained the significance:
“Chhath is not just a festival, it is our way of thanking the Sun for life and energy. Every ritual connects us to nature, whether it is standing in the river or offering fruits and sweets in biodegradable baskets. Recognition from UNESCO will give global respect to our tradition.”
Why UNESCO Recognition Matters
UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage provides for nominations to the Representative List. To qualify, an element must be recognized as an intangible cultural heritage that is practiced by communities, transmitted across generations, and listed in the country’s national heritage inventory. States Parties are also required to outline safeguarding measures to ensure the tradition’s continuity.
If approved, the nomination would elevate Chhath Mahaparva onto a global platform, showcasing India’s living traditions and reaffirming their relevance in contemporary society.
For Bihar and other states where the festival is central to cultural identity, UNESCO recognition could boost cultural tourism and strengthen the social value of traditional practices.
India’s Track Record with UNESCO Heritage Elements
India currently has 15 elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. These include:
- Kutiyattam (Sanskrit theatre)
- Tradition of Vedic Chanting
- Ramlila (traditional performance of the Ramayana)
- Ramman (festival and ritual theatre of Garhwal)
- Chhau dance
- Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan
- Mudiyettu (ritual theatre of Kerala)
- Buddhist chanting of Ladakh
- Traditional brass and copper craft of the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab
- Yoga
- Kumbh Mela
- Durga Puja in Kolkata
- Garba of Gujarat
- Navroz or Nowruz (shared with several countries)
- Male vocal polyphonic singing (a multinational nomination)
Adding Chhath Mahaparva to this list would underscore India’s diversity and reinforce its position as a custodian of global cultural heritage.
Local and National Impact
For practitioners, particularly women who play a central role in the rituals, the nomination represents validation of their cultural labor and devotion. At a ghat in Gaya, one devotee said, “This is our festival of purity and discipline. UNESCO recognition will make our children more proud of their roots.”
At the national level, the recognition could highlight India’s commitment to safeguarding intangible heritage, while also deepening cultural diplomacy with countries where Chhath is widely practiced by the Indian diaspora.
The Road Ahead
The formal nomination process involves multiple stages, including documentation, community consultations, practitioner consent, and multinational cooperation. If the proposal is submitted for the 2026–27 cycle, Chhath Mahaparva could be formally considered by UNESCO in the following years.
Officials from the Ministry of Culture emphasized that while recognition is the goal, safeguarding practices and community involvement remain the top priority.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The nomination of Chhath Mahaparva to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list represents a historic moment for India’s cultural diplomacy and heritage preservation. Rooted in devotion to the Sun God and celebrated by millions across India and the diaspora, the festival embodies simplicity, ecological awareness, and intergenerational continuity.
Should the nomination succeed, it will not only honor the faith and traditions of millions of devotees but also place Chhath alongside India’s most treasured cultural practices on the world stage.