Context:
India recently began the process to nominate Chhath Mahaparva for inclusion in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity for the 2026–27 cycles. The move aims to honor and preserve this ancient, community-driven festival that holds deep cultural and spiritual significance across eastern India and among the global Indian diaspora.
About Chhath Mahaparva:
Chhath Mahaparva is a four-day Hindu festival widely celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and parts of West Bengal. It is also prominently observed by Indian diaspora communities across the world.
Key features of the festival include:
-
- Observing nirjal vrat (fasting without water)
- Taking ritual baths in rivers or ponds
- Offering arghya (prayers and offerings) to the setting and rising sun
- Worshipping Chhathi Maiya, considered a manifestation of the Sun God’s sister
- Observing nirjal vrat (fasting without water)
The festival is unique for its environmental consciousness, community participation, and absence of priesthood, with rituals being performed directly by the devotees themselves.
About Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH):
Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) refers to the practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills that communities, groups, and individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage.
· Unlike tangible heritage (monuments, buildings, objects), ICH includes living traditions transmitted through generations.
· It also encompasses the instruments, artefacts, and cultural spaces associated with these traditions, ensuring that cultural heritage is not confined to physical sites but includes dynamic forms of cultural expression.
Domains of ICH (as per UNESCO’s 2003 Convention):
1. Oral traditions and expressions, including languages
2. Performing arts
3. Social practices, rituals, and festive events
4. Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe
5. Traditional craftsmanship
Chhath Mahaparva falls under the domain of social practices, rituals, and festive events, making it a strong candidate for UNESCO recognition.
India’s Current ICH Elements on UNESCO List:
India currently has 15 intangible cultural heritage elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List. These include:
|
S.No. |
Intangible Cultural Heritage Element |
Year of Inscription |
|
1 |
Kutiyattam, Sanskrit Theater |
2008 |
|
2 |
Tradition of Vedic Chanting |
2008 |
|
3 |
Ramlila, Traditional Performance of the Ramayana |
2008 |
|
4 |
Ramman, Festival and Ritual Theatre of Garhwal Himalayas |
2009 |
|
5 |
Chhau Dance |
2010 |
|
6 |
Kalbelia Folk Songs and Dances of Rajasthan |
2010 |
|
7 |
Mudiyettu, Ritual Theatre and Dance Drama of Kerala |
2010 |
|
8 |
Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh |
2012 |
|
9 |
Sankirtana of Manipur |
2013 |
|
10 |
Traditional Brass and Copper Craft of the Thatheras of Punjab |
2014 |
|
11 |
Nowruz |
2016 |
|
12 |
Yoga |
2016 |
|
13 |
Kumbh Mela |
2017 |
|
14 |
Durga Puja in Kolkata |
2021 |
|
15 |
Garba of Gujarat |
2023 |
Conclusion:
The nomination of Chhath Mahaparva to UNESCO’s ICH list marks a significant step in recognizing a deeply spiritual and environmentally conscious festival rooted in India’s cultural ethos. Beyond India’s borders, it also honors the vibrant traditions upheld by diaspora communities. If inscribed, Chhath would not only gain international recognition but also ensure better preservation, intergenerational transmission, and global awareness of this unique cultural heritage.
