Centre initiates nomination of Chhath festival for UNESCO cultural heritage list

During the festival, devotees offer prayers to Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya.

The central government has initiated the process to include Chhath Mahaparva in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) list.

The Ministry of Culture wrote a letter to the secretary of Sangeet Natak Akademi, requesting him to nominate Chhath festival on August 8.

In the letter, the ministry wrote, "Please find enclosed herewith a communication dated 24.07.2025 from Shri Sandeep Kumar Dubey (Chairman, Chhathi Maiya Foundation) submitting the proposal for the inclusion of “Chhath Mahaparva” under UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity.”

The Central Government has initiated the process to include Chhath Mahaparv in @UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list pic.twitter.com/JuW7ouxaKr

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) August 12, 2025

Chhath festival, which has profound roots in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, is commemorated with deep reverence by communities from these areas globally. The puja occurs biannually and is celebrated throughout Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and the Mithila region of Nepal.

During the festival, devotees offer prayers to Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya and is observed over a four-day period filled with intricate rituals that embody purification, gratitude, and steadfast devotion.