The Ministry of Culture has formally initiated the process for the nomination of “Chhath Mahaparv” for inclusion in UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity.
In a communication addressed to the Secretary of Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA), the Ministry has enclosed a proposal submitted by Shri Sandeep Kumar Dubey, Chairman of Chhathi Maiya Foundation, seeking the global recognition of Chhath Mahaparv.
The proposal, dated July 24, 2025, requests UNESCO to acknowledge Chhath Mahaparv, an ancient Vedic festival dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, as part of humanity’s shared cultural heritage.
SNA, being the nodal agency for UNESCO ICH matters in India, has been tasked with examining the proposal and taking appropriate action for its consideration at the international level.
If approved, Chhath Mahaparv will join other Indian cultural practices already inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, further boosting its recognition and preservation efforts worldwide.
