Chhath Mahaparvar
The Government of India has begun the process to nominate Chhath Mahaparva for inclusion in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This move aims to recognise the festival’s cultural importance and ensure its preservation globally. The nomination involves collaboration with several countries hosting Indian diaspora communities. The festival is celebrated mainly in eastern India and has deep social and environmental significance.
Recent Developments
Recently, the Ministry of Culture initiated formal steps for the UNESCO nomination. Officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) met diplomats from the UAE, Suriname, and the Netherlands. These countries have Indian diaspora communities that observe Chhath Mahaparva. Virtual meetings with Indian ambassadors in Mauritius, Fiji, and other nations ensured their support. The Sangeet Natak Akademi is tasked with preparing the nomination dossier.
About Chhath Mahaparva
- Chhath Mahaparva is a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God and Goddess Chhathi Maiya.
- It is mainly observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of West Bengal.
- The festival involves rituals like fasting, bathing in rivers or ponds, and offering prayers to the rising and setting sun.
- It emphasises ecological balance, community participation, and social equality.
- The festival transcends caste and religion and encourages a spirit of inclusiveness.
UNESCO Intangible Heritage Criteria
UNESCO’s 2003 Convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage sets out the nomination process. To qualify, a cultural element must be a living tradition practised by communities and transmitted across generations. It must be part of the national cultural heritage and have safeguarding measures to ensure its survival. The nominating country must secure the consent of practitioners and prepare documentation supporting the element’s cultural value.
India’s Existing UNESCO Heritage Elements
India already has 15 elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List. These include Kutiyattam theatre, Vedic chanting, Ramlila performances, Chhau dance, Yoga, Kumbh Mela, and Durga Puja in Kolkata, among others. The inclusion of Chhath Mahaparva would add to this diverse cultural portfolio. It also reflects India’s commitment to preserving intangible heritage and promoting cultural diplomacy.
International Cooperation and Diaspora Role
The nomination process is multinational, involving countries with Indian diaspora communities. These communities maintain Chhath traditions abroad, helping to strengthen the case for inscription. Cooperation from countries like the UAE, Suriname, and the Netherlands is crucial for gathering evidence and documentation. This collaboration also marks the global reach of India’s cultural heritage and encourages international cultural ties.
Significance of Chhath Mahaparva
Chhath Mahaparva is one of India’s oldest festivals. It honours the Sun God, symbolising life and energy. The festival promotes sustainability through its ecological ethos. It encourages equality by involving all community members regardless of social divisions. Its rituals connect people with nature and reinforce cultural identity. Recognition by UNESCO would help preserve these values for future generations.
| Related | |
|---|---|
