Odisha’s Rath Yatra, Bali Yatra recognized nationally

Bhubaneswar

Two major festivals from Odisha, the Rath Yatra and Bali Yatra, have been officially included in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. This recognition highlights the festivals' significance in preserving Odisha's cultural traditions.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his delight, stating that the inclusion of these festivals in the national inventory is a proud moment for every Odia. He also shared that this marks the first step toward gaining international recognition from UNESCO. The Rath Yatra, held annually in Puri, involves the grand procession of Lord Jagannath and his siblings from the 12th-century temple to the Shree Gundicha Temple. It attracts millions of devotees from around the world every year.

Bali Yatra, celebrated in Cuttack, honors Odisha's maritime history and its ancient trade connections with Bali and Southeast Asia. The festival, which begins on Kartika Purnima, draws large crowds to the banks of the Mahanadi River.

Arabinda Kumar Padhee, chief administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, also expressed excitement over the inclusion of these festivals in the inventory. The next step involves submitting the nomination for UNESCO's recognition of these cultural events as a part of humanity's intangible cultural heritage.