Odisha government urges the Centre to support UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage nomination for the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra
OdishaPlus Bureau
The Odisha government has urged the Centre to support the nomination of Puri’s Jagannath Rath Yatra for inscription on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, describing the centuries-old festival as a timeless civilisational tradition and one of India’s most enduring symbols of living heritage.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has forwarded a proposal submitted by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) to the Union government, seeking the intervention of the Ministry of Culture to expedite the nomination process.
In a letter addressed to Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on August 1, the Chief Minister said the annual Rath Yatra transcends its religious significance and reflects India’s diverse cultural and spiritual traditions.
“The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is not merely a religious festival but a timeless civilisational tradition that embodies India’s rich cultural diversity, inclusivity, spirituality, craftsmanship, music, dance and community participation,” Majhi said in the letter.
He noted that the festival, celebrated for centuries in Puri, draws millions of devotees and visitors from across the world every year and remains one of the most enduring expressions of India’s living cultural heritage.
According to the Chief Minister, inscription on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List would further enhance global recognition of India’s rich cultural traditions while contributing to their preservation and promotion for future generations.
Majhi informed the Union minister that the SJTA has already submitted all supporting documents in the prescribed format to facilitate the nomination process.
“Considering the outstanding cultural significance of the festival and its universal message of harmony and human values, I request your personal intervention to kindly facilitate the examination of the proposal and extend necessary support of the Ministry of Culture for taking the nomination forward with UNESCO at the earliest,” the letter stated.
He also assured the Centre that the Odisha government and the SJTA would extend all necessary assistance and furnish any additional information required during the evaluation process.
This year’s Jagannath Rath Yatra, held between July 16 and 27, witnessed participation by more than 50 lakh devotees, underscoring the festival’s global appeal and continuing cultural significance.