Bhubaneswar: In a historic move steeped in deep devotion and civilisational pride, Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi has formally requested the Government of India to support the inclusion of Puri’s world-renowned Ratha Yatra on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Writing to Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Chief Minister Shri Majhi, who is an ardent devotee of Lord Jagannatha has highlighted that the annual chariot festival is far more than a religious celebration. It stands as a timeless civilisational tradition that embodies India’s rich cultural diversity, inclusivity, music, dance, exquisite craftsmanship, and overwhelming community participation.
The proposal, initially submitted by the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration, seeks global recognition for a living legacy that has united millions of devotees across generations.
The sacred chant of Jai Jagannatha reflects the very heartbeat of Odisha and the soul of Bharat. The grand journey of faith sees Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha step out from the grand confines of the Shree Mandir into the open streets to bless all devotees, completely dissolving social barriers and reaffirming the profound spiritual truth that humanity is one.
Achieving UNESCO recognition would honour the traditional artisan families who meticulously construct the massive wooden Rathas, the Sevayats who meticulously safeguard age-old rituals, and the millions of pilgrims whose collective energy turns the pulling of the ropes into an eternal bond with the Divine.
Above all, it serves to share Lord Jagannatha’s timeless message with the world, demonstrating that faith knows no boundaries, compassion knows no limits, and the ancient philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam remains a living way of life.