India is advancing efforts to secure UNESCO’s recognition for the ancient festival of Chhath Mahaparva by seeking a multinational nomination involving Suriname, the Netherlands, and other countries. The Ministry of Culture announced on Tuesday that a high-level meeting was held with senior diplomatic representatives from the UAE, Suriname, and the Netherlands to garner their cooperation for nominating Chhath Mahaparva to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for the 2026-27 cycle.
The meeting took place at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) on Monday, chaired by Union Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal, with participation from officials of the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of External Affairs, and Sangeet Natak Akademi.
Chhath Mahaparva, dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, is among India’s oldest festivals and enjoys widespread observance in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and within diaspora communities in Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, the UAE, and the Netherlands. The Ministry highlighted India’s leadership in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, with 15 elements already inscribed on UNESCO’s list, including Kolkata’s Durga Puja, Yoga, and the Kumbh Mela.
The proposed multinational nomination marks a significant milestone in India’s cultural diplomacy and commitment to preserving living traditions. Representatives welcomed the initiative, acknowledging the festival’s importance to Indian diaspora communities and pledged their support.
Following the meeting, the Culture Secretary also engaged virtually with India’s ambassadors and high commissioners to Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, the UAE, and the Netherlands, who expressed full cooperation in identifying communities and providing data for the nomination process.
Chhath Mahaparva is celebrated for promoting ecological awareness, egalitarian values, community spirit, inclusivity, and sustainability. Its rituals emphasize simplicity, devotion, and self-discipline, transcending caste, creed, and religion, the Ministry concluded.
