TV
In a significant recognition of Odisha's rich cultural heritage, the Puri Rath Jatra and Cuttack Bali Jatra have been included in the National Heritage List by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s apex cultural institution under the Union Ministry of Culture. This announcement was made by Dr. Arabinda Padhee, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), through a social media post on platform X on Monday.
Padhee elaborated that the inclusion of these two grand festivals in the prestigious list marks a major milestone in acknowledging their historical and cultural significance. The recognition by the Sangeet Natak Akademi underscores the deep-rooted traditions and spiritual fervour associated with these festivals, which have been celebrated for centuries in Odisha.
Furthermore, he revealed that the SJTA has recently submitted a proposal to the Union Ministry of Culture to enlist the Puri Rath Jatra in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. This move aims to secure global recognition for the centuries-old chariot festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath. The national recognition now serves as the first step towards achieving this prestigious international acknowledgment.
“Very excited to learn that the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's apex cultural body under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India has listed Ratha Jatra and Bali Jatra from Odisha in its “National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage,” Padhee wrote in his official X handle.
According to Padhee, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) had recently submitted the Nomination Dossier to the Union Ministry of Culture for UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity recognition for Ratha Jatra of Shree Jagannath Puri.
Expressing optimism, Padhee stated that with this initial success, efforts will continue to ensure the Puri Rath Yatra is inscribed in UNESCO’s list, granting it worldwide recognition as a unique and invaluable cultural heritage event.
“With this first milestone achieved, we eagerly anticipate the grand spectacle's inscription onto UNESCO’s final list,” he added in his post.
The news has been met with enthusiasm from devotees, historians, and cultural enthusiasts, who see this as a step towards enhancing the global profile of Odisha’s rich traditions.
Historian and Researcher Anil Dhir said, “There was national significance earlier as well. Rath Jatra has its own significance and its world significance will not drop if it doesn’t get included in any list. Bali Jatra is no longer a traditional fair and it has now taken the shape of a commercial trade fair.”
