Kolkata: UNESCO accorded the heritage status to Kolkata’s Durga Puja festival, which is a classic fusion of culture and religion. The Durga Puja’s inclusion in the coveted list earned accolades from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
It was decided during the 16th session, virtually taking place between December 13 and 18.
“I would like to offer warm congratulations to India, its people and especially all those who worked on the nomination dossier. I am confident that this inscription will offer encouragement to the local communities that celebrate Durga Puja, including all the traditional craftspeople, designers, artists, and organizers of large-scale cultural events, as well as tourists and visitors who partake in the inclusive festivity that is Durga Puja,” UNESCO New Delhi Director, Eric Falt, said via a press statement on Wednesday.
“Cultural heritage does not end at monuments and collections of objects. It also includes traditions or living expressions inherited from our ancestors and passed on to our descendants, such as oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe or the knowledge and skills to produce traditional crafts,” said the unesco.org.
🔴 BREAKING
Durga Puja in Kolkata has just been inscribed on the #IntangibleHeritage list.
Congratulations #India 🇮🇳! 👏
ℹ️https://t.co/gkiPLq3P0F #LivingHeritage pic.twitter.com/pdQdcf33kT
— UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳😷 (@UNESCO) December 15, 2021
The ancient festival of Durga Puja is celebrated across the country for several centuries and has found a place on this list of 14 Intangible Cultural Heritage elements.
Proud moment for Bengal!
To every #Bengali across the world, Durga Puja is much more than a festival, it is an emotion that unites everyone.
And now, #DurgaPuja has been added to the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
We are all beaming with joy!
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 15, 2021
A matter of great pride and joy for every Indian!
Durga Puja highlights the best of our traditions and ethos. And, Kolkata’s Durga Puja is an experience everyone must have. https://t.co/DdRBcTGGs9
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 15, 2021
