Odisha CM urges Centre to back Puri Rath Yatra’s UNESCO intangible heritage nomination

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 3, 2026

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has written to Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, urging him to facilitate the nomination of the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri for inscription on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

In a letter dated August 1, the Chief Minister drew the Union Minister’s attention to the proposal submitted by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) for the prestigious international recognition.

Describing the annual Rath Yatra as much more than a religious festival, Majhi said it represents a timeless civilisational tradition that reflects 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. Its inscription on UNESCO’s List would further strengthen global recognition of India’s rich intangible cultural traditions while contributing significantly to their preservation and promotion for future generations,” the letter stated.

The Chief Minister informed Shekhawat that all supporting documents and materials in the prescribed formats have already been submitted by the SJTA to facilitate the nomination process.

Seeking the Union Minister’s personal intervention, Majhi requested him to expedite the examination of the proposal and extend the Ministry of Culture’s support in taking the nomination forward with UNESCO at the earliest.

The Chief Minister also assured that the Odisha government and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration would provide any additional information or assistance required by the Ministry during the course of the nomination process.

The move is aimed at securing global recognition for the centuries-old Rath Yatra, one of India's largest and most revered religious and cultural festivals, which draws millions of devotees and visitors from across the world every year.