Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA) has been wanting to seek UNESCO recognition for Puri Rathyatra since a long time. On Monday, Odisha CM Mohan Majhi wrote a letter to the Center in this regard.
Odisha CM Mohan Majhi addressed the letter to the Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Sekhawat for UNESCO recognition for Puri Rathyatra.
In the letter he wrote, “I would like to draw your kind attention to the proposal submitted by the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA), Puri seeking the nomination of the Ratha Yatra of Shree Jagannatha, Puri for inscription on UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (copy enclosed).”
The CM further added, “The Ratha Yatra of Lord Jagannatha 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. 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.”
The CM further assured in the letter that, “All the supporting materials in prescribed formats have already been submitted by SJTA for consideration.”
He then stressed for the UNESCO recognition for Puri Rathyatra and wrote, “Considering the outstanding cultural significance of the festival and its universal message of harmony and human values, I request your personal intervention to kindly facilitate the examination of the proposal and to extend necessary support of the Ministry of Culture for taking the nomination forward with UNESCO at the earliest.”
“The Government of Odisha and the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration shall be pleased to provide any further information or assistance that may be required by the Ministry during the process. I shall be grateful for your kind intervention and support in taking this proposal forward on priority,” said CM Majhi in conclusion.
The Odisha CM took to his official X handle and shared the letter along with a long note signifying the importance of UNESCO recognition for Puri Rathyatra.
The sacred chant of “Jai Jagannath” echoes far beyond words. It is the heartbeat of Odisha, the eternal soul of Bharat, and a timeless reminder that in the eyes of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha, every human being is equal.
The Ratha Yatra is not merely a festival; it is the… pic.twitter.com/CXhlYo365z
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) August 3, 2026
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