New Delhi, Sep 28 (NationPress) In his recent 126th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed that India is making efforts to secure a spot for Chhath Puja on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This initiative aims to acknowledge the rich cultural and spiritual essence of the festival.

The Prime Minister pointed out that Chhath Puja transcends mere rituals, encapsulating a vibrant celebration of ecological balance, devotion, and community involvement.

Primarily observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Nepal, Chhath Puja honors the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.

Participants engage in prayers alongside riverbanks and ponds, undertaking strict fasts and rituals lasting four days.

This festival is celebrated with a strong focus on cleanliness, environmental consciousness, and community togetherness, often involving entire neighborhoods and families.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that Chhath Puja showcases India’s ancient traditions of nature worship and sustainable living.

He remarked that the festival's rituals, like offering 'arghya' to the setting and rising sun, symbolize gratitude and respect for natural elements.

Chhath Puja is a festival that binds us to rivers, sunlight, and purity, celebrating both faith and nature. This announcement follows the successful inclusion of Durga Puja into UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2021, which garnered global recognition for Bengal’s iconic celebration.

The Prime Minister expressed optimism that Chhath Puja will similarly gain international recognition, showcasing India’s diverse culture and spiritual richness. The Ministry of Culture and other stakeholders are currently preparing the nomination dossier for UNESCO, documenting the festival's history, practices, and community involvement.

Cultural experts and historians have praised this initiative, asserting that Chhath Puja merits global acknowledgment for its unique fusion of devotion, ecology, and social unity.

Modi's mention of Chhath Puja in 'Mann Ki Baat' is expected to ignite enthusiasm among devotees and cultural advocates, particularly in regions where this festival is integral to community identity.

If accepted, Chhath Puja would join other globally recognized traditions, solidifying India’s role as a guardian of living heritage. This initiative reflects a broader effort to preserve and celebrate India’s intangible cultural wealth on a global platform, ensuring that festivals rooted in local customs receive the recognition and respect they deserve.