Odisha seeks UNESCO heritage tag for Puri Rath Yatra

Published 3 August 2026 · politics

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has sought the nomination of the Rath Yatra of Shree Jagannath, Puri, for inscription on UNESCO’s list of the

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has sought the nomination of the Rath Yatra of Shree Jagannath, Puri, for inscription on UNESCO’s list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. “The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is not merely a religious festival but a timeless civilisational tradition that embodies 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,” Mr. Majhi said in a letter addressed to Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Saturday (August 1, 2026).

The Chief Minister sought the intervention of Mr. Shekhawat to facilitate the examination of a proposal submitted by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Puri, seeking the nomination of the Rath Yatra of Shree Jagannatha, Puri, for inscription on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. “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,” said Mr. Majhi. He highlighted the outstanding cultural significance of the festival and its universal message of harmony and human values.

“The Odisha government and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration will provide any further information or assistance that may be required by the Ministry during the process,” Mr. Majhi assured. BJD criticises move The Biju Janata Dal, however, said the Chief Minister’s letter is “nothing more than a publicity-oriented exercise” aimed at diverting attention from the Bharatiya Janata Party government’s alleged failure to conduct the past three Rath Yatras flawlessly. “The State government has failed to organise the sacred Rath Yatra in a flawless manner. For the last three years, the festival has witnessed one disruption after another.

At times, devotees have lost their lives in stampedes, while on other occasions there have been serious lapses in rituals and traditions,” BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty said. Mohanty further said, “The unprecedented incident of Lord Balabhadra’s idol slipping during the Pahandi procession to the Adapa Mandap had prompted the government to order an inquiry. However, the inquiry report has not yet been made public. Every year before the Rath Yatra, the State government promises a flawless festival, but every year unfortunate incidents continue to occur.”