On August 8, 2025, Bharat took another major step by forwarding a proposal to the Sangeet Natak Akademi for the inclusion of Chhath Puja, a four-day ritual primarily observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, on UNESCO’s heritage list. Dedicated to Surya Bhagwan, the festival is marked by a 36-hour nirjala fast, prayers offered in rivers and lakes, and rituals that emphasize harmony with nature by using only natural products such as sugarcane, fruits, and earthen lamps. The proposal highlights both the religious devotion and ecological values embedded in this ancient practice.

The recognition of these festivals by UNESCO not only preserves them for future generations but also projects Bharat’s cultural legacy on the world stage. From temple-based rituals to vibrant processions and agrarian-linked observances, each inscription reflects the diversity and resilience of Hindu Dharma traditions. In the following sections, this report provides a detailed account of the ten festivals and rituals that have earned UNESCO recognition between 2008 and 2025, including their origins, practices, and significance.

Chhath Puja: Bihar’s ancient festival/ritual for UNESCO recognition

The Union Ministry of Culture, on August 8, 2025, forwarded a proposal to the Sangeet Natak Akademi seeking the inclusion of Chhath Puja in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The proposal, submitted by Sandeep Kumar Dubey, Chairman of the Chhathi Maiya Foundation, aims to secure global recognition for this ancient festival that has been preserved and celebrated for generations in Bharat.

Chhath Puja, observed on the sixth day after Diwali, is a four-day festival/ritual dedicated to Surya Bhagwan and Chhathi Maiya. It is primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, though its reach has expanded to many parts of Bharat and among the diaspora worldwide. The observance includes a rigorous 36-hour nirjala fast, offerings made in rivers, ponds, and lakes, and a series of rituals performed with only natural products like sugarcane, fruits, turmeric, and earthen lamps.

Beyond its religious depth, Chhath Puja embodies values of social harmony, women empowerment, and ecological sustainability. The collective participation of communities, the emphasis on purity and discipline, and the intimate connection with nature give the festival a unique character. The Ministry’s move to seek UNESCO recognition marks an important step in highlighting the cultural and environmental ethos of Hindu Dharma traditions on the world stage.

UNESCO-listed Garba, celebrated during Sharad Navratri in Gujarat

On December 6, 2023, Garba, the vibrant folk dance of Gujarat performed during Sharad Navratri, was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The recognition highlights the living traditions of Hindu Dharma and the enduring cultural expressions that continue to thrive in Bharat.

Garba is performed over nine nights in honor of Devi Durga (Amba/Maa Shakti). Dancers swirl rhythmically to the beats of dhols and traditional folk songs, circling around a perforated earthen pot (Garbo) with a lamp inside or an image of the Devi. The circular movements symbolize the cycle of life, while the earthen lamp represents the divine feminine energy that sustains the universe.

Beyond its devotional significance, Garba carries a profound social message of equality, inclusiveness, and community unity. Men and women, young and old, participate together, breaking social barriers through dance. UNESCO’s recognition of Garba not only celebrates Gujarat’s rich cultural heritage but also acknowledges the role of Navratri in strengthening community bonds and promoting the worship of Shakti (feminine energy) at the global stage.

Durga Puja of Kolkata listed as UNESCO heritage

On December 15, 2021, Durga Puja of Kolkata was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 16th Committee meeting in Paris. With this, it became Asia’s first festival to receive such recognition, marking a historic moment for Bharat’s cultural and spiritual traditions on the global stage.

Durga Puja, celebrated every autumn (Sharad Ritu), honors Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The festival is known for its magnificent artistic displays, elaborate pandals, idol craftsmanship, devotional rituals, and the collective participation of millions of people. Alongside religious observances, it is also a celebration of music, dance, theatre, and cuisine, creating an atmosphere of joy and creativity.

The UNESCO recognition highlights not only Bengal’s rich traditions and vibrant artistry but also the festival’s role as a unifying cultural and social event that transcends boundaries of community, class, and background. Durga Puja today stands as a living heritage, embodying the spirit of devotion, inclusiveness, and collective celebration in Hindu Dharma.

UNESCO listed Kumbh Mela for cultural heritage

On December 7, 2017, Kumbh Mela was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during its 12th session held in Jeju, South Korea. This recognition marked global acknowledgment of one of the most ancient and spiritually profound gatherings in Hindu Dharma, celebrated as the world’s largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims.

Held every 12 years in rotation at Prayagraj (Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik, Kumbh Mela draws millions of devotees who take ritual baths in sacred rivers, seeking spiritual purification and liberation. The festival is deeply rooted in the Guru–Shishya parampara (teacher-disciple tradition), ensuring the transmission of Vedic knowledge, ascetic practices, and ritual disciplines across generations.

Beyond its religious significance, Kumbh Mela stands as a living example of inclusiveness, tolerance, and cultural diversity. People from all walks of life, sadhus, scholars, householders, and international visitors, come together in harmony. UNESCO’s recognition of Kumbh Mela highlights its enduring importance in preserving Bharat’s cultural identity, spiritual traditions, and community values on a global platform.

Nat-Sankirtana of Manipur enters UNESCO heritage list

On December 4, 2013, Manipuri Nat-Sankirtana was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, bringing global recognition to this sacred performance tradition. Conceived in the 18th century by King Bhagyachandra Singh, Nat-Sankirtana is central to Vaishnavite traditions of Manipur, blending devotional singing, drumming, and dancing to narrate the divine life of Bhagwan Krishna.

Performed in temples and courtyards, the ritual involves ensembles of drummers and singer-dancers, surrounded by devotees who participate with devotion and reverence. The performance is not merely artistic but profoundly spiritual, serving as a medium for reinforcing social unity, religious devotion, and cultural identity within the community.

Nat-Sankirtana has been preserved through strong community participation and intergenerational transmission, ensuring its continuity for centuries. It also embodies values of environmental harmony and spiritual discipline, making it both a religious expression and a cultural heritage. UNESCO’s recognition of Nat-Sankirtana affirms its role as a living tradition of Hindu Dharma, showcasing the devotion of Manipuri Vaishnavite culture on a global stage.

Chhau – from festival/ritual grounds to UNESCO list

On November 19, 2010, Chhau dance was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing this unique performance tradition from eastern Bharat. Chhau seamlessly blends martial movements, folk expressions, and mythological storytelling, drawing inspiration from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and local legends.

The dance exists in three distinctive styles, Seraikella (Jharkhand), Purulia (West Bengal), and Mayurbhanj (Odisha), each with its own techniques and costumes but unified in spirit. Traditionally performed during festivals such as Chaitra Parva, Chhau brings communities together in collective celebration. Performers often wear elaborate masks, accompanied by vibrant music and powerful drumbeats, creating an electrifying atmosphere of devotion, valor, and festivity.

More than just an art form, Chhau reflects the fusion of martial discipline, ritual worship, and folk creativity. Its ability to transcend social and ethnic boundaries has made it a symbol of unity and cultural resilience in Bharat. UNESCO’s recognition highlights Chhau as a living expression of Hindu Dharma’s cultural ethos, ensuring its preservation and celebration on the global stage.

Ramman festival/ritual listed in UNESCO’s intangible heritage

On October 2, 2009, UNESCO inscribed the Ramman Festival of Saloor-Dungra village in Uttarakhand on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing this little-known but deeply significant tradition. Rooted in the worship of Bhumiyal Devta, the local village deity, Ramman is celebrated annually in late April through a combination of ritual performance, storytelling, and devotional art.

The festival includes recitations of the Ramayana, the narration of legends, the singing of traditional folk songs, and a series of masked dances that bring together both religious devotion and community expression. Every villager has a defined role: Brahmans conduct prayers, while the Bhandaris wear the sacred Narasimha mask, symbolizing divine strength and protection.

Ramman reflects a holistic blend of environmental, spiritual, and cultural values, embodying the founding myths and traditions of the community. Its preservation is ensured through intergenerational transmission and collective participation. UNESCO’s recognition emphasizes the importance of safeguarding such localized but profound Hindu Dharma traditions, ensuring that Ramman continues to thrive not just within Uttarakhand but as part of Bharat’s shared cultural heritage.

Ramlila – from Dussehra grounds to UNESCO list

In 2008, Ramlila was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, marking one of Bharat’s most celebrated religious and cultural traditions as a treasure of global significance. Literally meaning Rama’s play, Ramlila is a dramatic re-enactment of the Ramayana, performed through song, narration, recital, and dialogue that blend devotion with artistry.

Rooted in Tulsidas’ Ramacharitmanas, Ramlila is staged across northern Bharat during Dussehra, drawing vast audiences from villages, towns, and cities alike. Prominent performances are held in Ayodhya, Ramnagar, Varanasi, Vrindavan, Almora, Satna, and Madhubani. While most performances last 10–12 days, the Ramnagar Ramlila is distinctive for its scale and grandeur, extending over an entire month with elaborate sets and community-wide participation.

Ramlila not only dramatizes the victory of Dharma over Adharma but also reinforces cultural unity and collective devotion. Its recognition by UNESCO highlights the living continuity of the Ramayana tradition and the role of community theatre in preserving and transmitting Hindu Dharma’s epic narratives to future generations.

Vedic chanting – ancient oral tradition inscribed by UNESCO

In 2008, Vedic Chanting was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, honoring one of the world’s most ancient and enduring oral traditions. Developed over 3,500 years ago by the Aryans, the Vedas form the spiritual and cultural bedrock of Hindu Dharma, transmitted from generation to generation through sacred recitation.

The tradition encompasses the four Vedas—Rig, Sama, Yajur, and Atharva, which preserve Sanskrit poetry, philosophical dialogues, myths, and ritual hymns. What makes Vedic chanting unique is the use of highly complex oral techniques, including specific accents, intonations, and rhythmic patterns, ensuring flawless preservation of the texts without reliance on written manuscripts.

Once practiced in over 1,000 distinct recitation branches, today only 13 survive, sustained by dedicated schools in Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, and Odisha. UNESCO’s recognition underscores both the fragility and the significance of this tradition, calling for its urgent preservation. Vedic chanting remains not just a religious practice but also a living heritage of sound, memory, and devotion, keeping alive the timeless wisdom of the Vedas.

Kutiyattam: UNESCO-recognised ancient Sanskrit theatre of Kerala

In 2008, Kutiyattam, the ancient Sanskrit theatre tradition of Kerala, was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. With origins tracing back over 2,000 years, Kutiyattam is regarded as one of Bharat’s oldest surviving theatrical art forms, embodying both Sanskrit classicism and Kerala’s rich temple traditions.

Kutiyattam is renowned for its elaborate acting techniques, especially the use of neta abhinaya (eye expressions) and hasta abhinaya (hand gestures), which allow performers to portray intricate layers of emotion and narrative. Performed traditionally in temple theatres (Koothambalams), it integrates dance, music, mime, and drama, making it a composite art form rooted in devotion and ritual practice.

The recognition of Kutiyattam by UNESCO underscores the importance of safeguarding this rare performance tradition, which has been preserved through guru–shishya parampara (teacher-disciple lineage). More than entertainment, Kutiyattam represents a living spiritual and cultural heritage of Hindu Dharma, where storytelling becomes an offering to the divine while transmitting classical knowledge and artistry across generations.

Kutiyattam is not just a performance art but a living embodiment of Hindu dharmic traditions that have survived for over two millennia. Its intricate expressions, ritualistic depth, and spiritual essence reflect the continuity of Bharath’s cultural and sacred heritage.