Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday (September 28, 2025) that the government is trying to include Chhath Mahaparva in the UNESCO cultural heritage list and if this happens, people in every corner of the world will be able to experience the grandeur and divinity of this festival. In his monthly radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Prime Minister Modi also told that some time ago, Durga Puja of Kolkata also became part of the UNESCO list due to similar efforts of the government.
He said, ‘Our festivals, festivals keep India’s culture alive. Chhath Puja is such a sacred festival, which comes after Diwali. This Mahaparva dedicated to the Sun God is very special. In this, we also offer arghya to the sinking (Asthachalagami) Sun, worshiping them.
PM Modi will provide global identity to Chhath Puja
The Prime Minister said, ‘Chhath is not only celebrated in different parts of the country, but it is seen in the world. Now it is becoming a global festival. I am very happy to tell you that the Government of India is also engaged in a big effort regarding Chhath Puja. The Government of India is trying to include Chhath Mahaparva in UNESCO’s abstract cultural heritage list.
He said that when Chhath Puja is included in the UNESCO list, people will be able to experience its grandeur and divinity in every corner of the world. The Prime Minister said, ‘Some time ago, Durga Puja of Kolkata also became a part of this list of UNESCO with similar efforts of the Government of India. If we give our cultural events such a global identity, then the world will also know about them, understand, will come forward to join them.
The process of inclusion of Chhath Puja in UNESCO list begins
Chhath Mahaparva is celebrated six days after Diwali, during which the fasts offer arghya to the emergency and asthachalagami sun. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Bihar unit president Dilip Jaiswal said that Modi has touched the hearts of Biharis in ‘Mann Ki Baat’. He expressed confidence that just as Durga Puja was recognized by UNESCO, similarly Chhath Mahaparva will soon be included in this list.
The Bihar government has started the process of inclusion of Chhath Puja in the list of UNESCO. Bihar chief Bhairav ​​Lal Das of ‘Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage’ (INTAC) told ‘PTI’ that the responsibility of preparing documents related to Chhath has been entrusted to Intac.
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