Odisha CM Overjoyed by Ratha Yatra and Bali Yatra's Heritage Recognition
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Synopsis
On April 1, Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his joy regarding the inclusion of the iconic Ratha Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri and Bali Yatra in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Sangeet Natak Academy, aiming for global recognition by UNESCO.
Key Takeaways
- Ratha Yatra and Bali Yatra recognized as intangible heritage.
- Significant achievement for Odisha's cultural pride.
- Looking forward to UNESCO recognition.
- Sangeet Natak Akademi designated as ICH Nodal agency.
- 15 elements of India's heritage on UNESCO's list.
Bhubaneswar, April 1 (NationPress) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday expressed his delight over the addition of the renowned Ratha Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri and Bali Yatra to the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Sangeet Natak Academy.
Describing this development as a significant milestone for the people of Odisha, CM Majhi stated that the state is eager for global acknowledgment of its enduring traditions by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
“I am thrilled that Ratha Jatra & Bali Jatra, which represent Odisha’s vibrant cultural heritage, have been included in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage by @sangeetnatak. This is a moment of pride for every Odia, and we anticipate their rightful recognition on the global platform of @UNESCO,” CM Majhi shared on his X handle.
It is important to note that as part of its commitments under the UNESCO convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), to which India is a signatory, the Ministry of Culture has designated the Sangeet Natak Akademi as the central body for managing India’s nominations and actions, including the development and maintenance of the National Inventory of ICH.
The endorsement of the Sangeet Natak Akademi as the ICH Nodal agency has been confirmed by its Executive Board and General Council, as stipulated in the Akademi's constitution.
Once approved, these intangible heritage elements are subsequently included in the UNESCO Representative List as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
In total, 15 elements of India's intangible cultural heritage have achieved a place on the esteemed UNESCO Representative List of ICH of Humanity. This list features various elements such as the Gujarati folk dance Garba, Kolkata’s Durga Puja, Chau Dance, and more. The UNESCO ICH encompasses practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills, and cultural spaces recognized as integral to the cultural heritage of communities, groups, or individuals.
