Odisha seeks UNESCO heritage tag for Puri Rath Yatra
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has formally requested that the Puri Rath Yatra be nominated for UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. The proposal aims to gain global recognition for the festival's cultural and spiritual significance, though political opposition has criticized the move as a distraction from local administrative issues.
Why it matters
UNESCO recognition can significantly boost tourism and cultural preservation efforts for historic traditions on a global scale.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has sought the nomination of the Rath Yatra of Shree Jagannath, Puri , for inscription on UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
“The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is not merely a religious festival but a timeless civilisational tradition that embodies India’s rich cultural diversity, inclusivity, spirituality, craftsmanship, music, dance and community participation. Celebrated for centuries, it attracts millions of devotees and visitors from across the globe and stands as one of the most enduring symbols of India’s living heritage,” Mr. Majhi said in a letter addressed to Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Saturday (August 1, 2026).
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