Bhubaneswar, August 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has urged the Union Ministry of Culture to support the nomination of the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannatha at Puri for inclusion in UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
In a letter to Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Majhi highlighted the cultural and spiritual significance of the centuries-old festival, describing it as a representation of India’s diversity, inclusiveness and living traditions.
The Chief Minister said the Rath Yatra is not only a religious celebration but also reflects the country’s heritage of craftsmanship, music, dance, community participation and spiritual values.
He pointed out that the annual festival attracts millions of devotees and visitors from across the world and remains one of India’s most prominent examples of living cultural traditions.
Majhi informed that the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA), Puri, has already submitted the required proposal and supporting documents in the prescribed format for UNESCO consideration.
He requested the Ministry of Culture to facilitate the examination of the proposal and provide necessary support to advance 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 facilitate the examination of the proposal and extend necessary support for taking the nomination forward with UNESCO,” Majhi said in his letter.
The Chief Minister assured that the Odisha Government and SJTA would provide any additional information or assistance required during the process.
If recognised by UNESCO, the inscription would further enhance global recognition of India’s intangible cultural traditions and contribute to their preservation for future generations.
Odisha currently has one entry on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list — Chhau Dance, which was jointly inscribed with Jharkhand and West Bengal. The inclusion of the Puri Rath Yatra would make it the state’s second representation on the prestigious list.
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