Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Sunday that the government is actively working to have the Chhath Mahaparva included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Speaking during his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio broadcast, PM Modi said that successful inclusion would enable people across the world to experience the festival’s grandeur and divinity.
The Prime Minister pointed out that similar government efforts had recently resulted in Kolkata’s Durga Puja being successfully added to the prestigious UNESCO list. “If we accord our cultural events such global recognition, the world will also know about them, understand them, and come forward to participate in them,” he said.
Describing Chhath as a “sacred festival that comes after Diwali” and is dedicated to the Sun God, Modi highlighted its unique practice of offering Arghya to both the setting and the rising sun. He noted that the festival, which is one of the most important in Bihar, is not only celebrated across the country but is now seeing its splendour all over the world, rapidly transforming into a “global festival”.
Chhath is traditionally observed a few days after Diwali, when worshippers pay obeisance to the sun and seek blessings and prosperity for their families and children.
PM Modi also paid tributes to legendary singer Bhupen Hazarika, emphasising how his songs connected different countries.
He also remembered singer Zubeen Garg, who recently died by drowning in Singapore, describing him as one of the brightest stars of Assam.
The PM also said Garg's music will inspire generations.
Modi mentioned the two musical stars from Assam during his monthly radio broadcast ‘Mann ki Baat’, and Tamil and Sinhala versions of a famous song of Hazarika were played during the programme.
“Friends, these sounds bear witness to how Bhupen Hazarika's songs connect different countries around the world,” Modi said after playing a part of the song in the two languages.
He said it was a very commendable effort made in Sri Lanka by translating Hazarika’s iconic song ‘Manuhe-Manuhar Babe’ into Sinhala and Tamil.
Also read: Modi to Bihar women: Block RJD, allies from regaining power
Follow us
