Archive · 12 Aug 2025
India Moves to Nominate Chhath Puja for UNESCO Listing
Chhath Puja is a big celebration happening in parts of India.
The government is trying to get this festival recognized by UNESCO.
People honor the Sun God over four days with special rituals like fasting and prayers.
They give thanks and show their devotion through these traditions.
The government is hoping this recognition will share the importance of the festival with the world.
The Central government initiated the process to nominate Chhath Puja for UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
The Ministry of Culture requested Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) to handle the nomination.
The nomination follows a proposal from Chhathi Maiya Foundation chairman Sandeep Kumar Dubey.
Chhath Puja is a Hindu festival observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh.
The festival is dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and involves fasting and prayer.
- Who
- The Central Government, Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA), and Chhathi Maiya Foundation.
- What
- The nomination of Chhath Puja for UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
- When
- The Ministry of Culture initiated the process on August 8, 2025.
- Where
- Observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh.
- Why
- To include Chhath Puja on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
- Festival Name
- Chhath Puja
- Nomination Initiated By
- Central Government
- Nodal Agency
- Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA)
- Regions of Observance
- Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh
- Key Deity
- Surya (Sun God)
