New Delhi [India], September 28 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 126th edition of his monthly radio programme 'Mann ki Baat', said that the Government of India is working to get the Chhath Mahaparva added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
He added that this will help people all over the world learn about the festival's importance and beauty.
PM Modi said, "I am very happy to inform you that the Government of India is also engaged in a major endeavour connected with Chhath Puja. The Government of India is striving to include the Chhath Mahaparva in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List. When Chhath Puja is included in the UNESCO list, people in every corner of the world will be able to experience its grandeur and divinity."
The Prime Minister said that festivals like Chhath Puja keep India's culture alive.
He described Chhath Puja as a special festival dedicated to the Sun God, celebrated not just in India but around the world, and said it is becoming a global festival.
"Our festivals keep India's culture alive. Chhath Puja is a sacred festival that comes after Diwali. This grand festival, dedicated to the Sun God, is very special. In it, we offer prayers to the setting sun and worship it. Chhath is not only celebrated in different parts of the country, but its splendour is also seen across the world. Today, it is becoming a global festival," PM Modi said.
PM said that Kolkata's Durga Puja was recently included in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list because of the government's efforts.
He added that giving such global recognition to India's festivals helps the world learn about and join in these celebrations.
"Some time ago, on account of similar efforts by the Government of India, Kolkata's Durga Puja also became a part of this UNESCO list. If we accord our cultural events such global recognition, the world will also know about them, understand them, and come forward to participate in them," PM Modi said.
Durga Puja was included in UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021.