Centre moves to nominate Chhath Mahaparva for the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

New Delhi/Patna, August 12, 2025: The Government of India has initiated the process to nominate Chhath Mahaparva for inclusion in UNESCO’s representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of humanity.

In a letter to the Secretary of the Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA), the nodal agency for such matters, Ankur Verma, Under Secretary to the Government of India, requested the examination of a proposal submitted by Sandeep Kumar Dubey, Chairman of the Chhathi Maiya Foundation, on July 7, 2025.

Chhath Mahaparva is deeply rooted in cultural tradition and devotion:

The proposal seeks to secure global recognition for the festival, which is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Nepal’s Mithila region.

Chhath Mahaparva, which is celebrated twice a year, honours Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya.

Celebrated over four days, the festival is known for its strict and disciplined rituals, symbolizing purification, gratitude, and devotion.

The first day, Nahai-Khai involves ritual bathing, wearing new clothes, and eating a satvik meal of pumpkin, gram pulse, and rice cooked on a traditional wood stove using mango wood.

The 36-hour fast is the main attraction of Chhath Mahaparva:

Devotees, called Chhathvratis, then vow to fast for the next three days, culminating in a 36-hour period without food or water.

The observances are marked by traditional songs, family participation, and the symbolic use of yellow and red attire.

The nomination aims to preserve and promote the festival’s centuries-old traditions on the global stage, recognizing it as a unique expression of folk devotion and communal harmony.

Also Read: The first Arghya of the Chhath Puja will be offered at 5:34 PM in Bhagalpur and 5:42 PM in Patna.

EOM.