Durga Puja in Kolkata enters the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists

In an important development, Durga Puja in Kolkata has joined the UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The Intergovernmental Committee of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention on Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage took this landmark decision on December 15 during its 16th session which has been happening in Paris, France from 13th to 18th December 2021. It is a global recognition for diverse cultural practices and expressions of humanity.

'The Committee commended Durga Puja for its initiatives to involve marginalized groups, and individuals as well as women in their participation in safeguarding the element,' a press release issued by the Ministry of Culture said.

UNESCO’s New Delhi Cluster Office for Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and SriLanka, tweeted, #DurgaPuja is now inscribed on the #UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity! 14 ICH elements from #India have been inscribed on this list by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.'

G Kishan Reddy, the Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), welcomed this decision and said in a tweet, 'Durga Puja in Kolkata joins the @UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This is a recognition of the confluence of our rich heritage, culture, rituals & practices and a celebration of the feminine divinity & the spirit of womanhood. Jai Maa Durga!'

The inscription of Durga Puja in Kolkata is the 14th intangible cultural heritage element on the prestigious UNESCO Representative List of ICH of Humanity.