New Delhi: UNESCO has added Durga Puja to the list of “intangible cultural heritage”.
The decision was taken during the sixteenth session between government committees to maintain intangible cultural heritage which is currently underway.
Prime Minister Modi, reacting to the development call it “a big problem of pride and joy for every Indian.” UNESCO established a list of intangible cultural heritage in 2008 with the aim of ensuring better protection of intangible cultural heritage that is important throughout the world and awareness of their significance.
The committee checks the request submitted by the state for intangible inheritance inscriptions on the list and proposals for programs and projects.
Kolkata’s Durga Puja is an Indian submission for this year’s list.
“Durga Puja is seen as the best example of religious and artistic public performance, and as a growing place for artists and collaborative designers,” said UNESCO on his site.
The committee praised Durga Puja on his initiative to involve marginalized groups, and individuals and women in their participation.
Durga Puja in Kolkata is marked by Goddess Dewi Durga’s idol installed in thousands of decorated pavilions established throughout the city.
“During the event, class division, religion and ethnicity collapsed when the audience crowd walked to admire the installation,” UNESCO added.
India now has 14 elements of intangible cultural heritage on the UNESCO list.
Other Indian entries were previously written including Nowrouz (2016), Ramlila (2008), Yoga (2016) and Kumbh Mela (2017).