When Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in his 126th episode of Mann Ki Baat address that the Government of India is striving to secure UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage status for Chhath Mahaparva, it struck a powerful chord across the nation. He described Chhath as a “global festival in the making,” adding that once recognised, “people in every corner of the world will be able to witness its grandeur and divinity.”

This push places Chhath Puja alongside internationally celebrated Indian traditions like Yoga and Durga Puja, reaffirming the government’s commitment to showcasing India’s living heritage on the global stage. But beyond the prospect of recognition lies a deeper truth — Chhath is not only a ritual; it is a philosophy of coexistence, ecology, and spiritual discipline.

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