Odisha's Cultural Pride Gains National Recognition
Bhubaneswar, April 1 – Two of Odisha's most iconic festivals, Rath Yatra of Puri and Bali Yatra of Cuttack, have been officially included in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's apex cultural institution under the Ministry of Culture.Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the development on Monday, calling it a moment of immense pride for the people of Odisha.
He emphasized that this recognition marks the first step toward global acknowledgment by UNESCO."Delighted that Ratha Jatra & Bali Jatra, symbols of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, have been listed in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage by @sangeetnatak. This is a proud moment for every Odia, and we look forward to their well-deserved recognition on @UNESCO’s global stage," the Chief Minister posted on X.
SJTA Submits UNESCO Nomination for Rath Yatra
Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), also expressed excitement over the announcement. He confirmed via social media that SJTA had recently submitted the nomination dossier to the Union Ministry of Culture for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanitylisting for the Rath Yatra of Shree Jagannath in Puri.According to the official listing on the Sangeet Natak Akademi website:
- Bali Yatra is listed at No. 45
- Rath Yatra, Puri is listed at No. 54
Global Festivals with Deep Cultural Roots
The Rath Yatra of Puri is one of the largest and most revered chariot festivals in the world. It involves the annual ceremonial procession of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, from the sacred 12th-century Jagannath Temple to the Shree Gundicha Temple. The event draws millions of devotees and tourists globally each year.On the other hand, Bali Yatra—celebrated in Cuttack—honors Odisha’s maritime legacy and ancient trade ties with Bali and other Southeast Asian regions. The week-long festival begins on Kartika Purnima (as per the Odia calendar) and sees millions flock to the Mahanadi River banks to partake in cultural festivities and historical remembrance.
Towards UNESCO Recognition
With this national-level recognition, Odisha takes a crucial step toward achieving UNESCO status for its intangible cultural heritage. The inclusion of these festivals highlights the state’s unique traditions, historical relevance, and continued efforts in preserving cultural identity on the world stage.
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