The Odisha government has approached the Centre for assistance in getting the Puri Rath Yatra inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. The request aims to gain global recognition for the annual chariot festival, which draws thousands of devotees and tourists to the coastal temple town.
The move has drawn criticism from the Biju Janata Dal, which dismissed it as a publicity-oriented exercise. The party alleged that the demand is meant to divert attention from the state government’s claimed failure to conduct the past three Rath Yatras flawlessly. It did not specify what those failures were.
Odisha has sought the central government’s support in preparing and submitting the nomination dossier for the UNESCO tag. The designation would highlight the cultural and religious significance of the festival, which involves the ceremonial journey of three deities in massive wooden chariots.
The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list recognises traditions, practices, and rituals that carry deep cultural value. A successful bid would place the Rath Yatra alongside other celebrated Indian festivals already on the list.
The state’s request was reported by multiple news outlets, with The Hindu adding the opposition party’s criticism of the move. Neither report indicated when a final decision on the nomination might be made.