Bhubaneswar, 03 August (H.S.): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has written to Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, seeking the Centre's support for the nomination of the world-famous Ratha Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri for inscription on UNESCO's List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
In his letter the Chief Minister drew attention to the proposal submitted by the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA), Puri, requesting that the annual chariot festival be considered for inclusion in UNESCO's prestigious heritage list.
Describing the Ratha Yatra as far more than a religious festival, Majhi said it is a timeless civilisational tradition that reflects India's rich cultural diversity, inclusivity, spirituality, craftsmanship, music, dance and community participation. Celebrated for centuries, the festival attracts millions of devotees and visitors from across the world and remains one of the country's most enduring cultural symbols.
The Chief Minister emphasised that UNESCO recognition would significantly enhance the global visibility of India's intangible cultural heritage while contributing to the preservation and promotion of the centuries-old tradition for future generations.
He informed the Union Minister that all supporting documents and prescribed materials required for the nomination have already been submitted by the SJTA.
Seeking the Union Minister's personal intervention, Majhi requested the Ministry of Culture to facilitate the examination of the proposal and extend the necessary support to expedite the nomination process with UNESCO.
The Chief Minister also assured that the Government of Odisha and the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration would provide any additional information or assistance required by the Ministry during the course of the nomination process.
Expressing hope for early action, Majhi thanked the Union Minister in advance for his support in taking the proposal forward on priority.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
