Bengal govt hails UNESCO's recognising Durga Puja as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity First in Asia

Kolkata: Hailing UNESCO's recognising Durga Puja as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity-First in Asia, West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar said, "It's a matter of great pride for every Indian."

"Matter of great pride for every Indian-Durga Puja in Kolkata has been inscribed on the #IntangibleHeritage list," tweeted Mr Dhankhar.

"A well deserved and earned distinction @MinOfCultureGoI @MamataOfficial," he stated.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, "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," she added.

"We are all beaming with joy!" Ms Banerjee said.

Earlier, a statement of the West Bengal Government said, "We are proud of our Durga Puja and it is our proud and historic moment. It is a red-letter day for us. In a real sense, Bengal is now Biswa Bangla."

"Our congratulations to all the people of Bengal, country and the world. We convey our thanks and gratitude to UNESCO for the recognition bestowed on this great festival as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity."

The 16th Committee of UNESCO for the safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in its meeting held on December 15, 2021, in Paris inscribed DURGA PUJA in KOLKATA on the representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

This is the first festival in Asia to achieve recognition as UNESCO ICH of Humanity.

UNESCO also commended the concerned organisations in Kolkata for their initiatives to involve marginalised groups and individuals as well as women in their participation of safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage.

The inclusion of the Durga Puja in the intangible heritage list of humanity underlines the importance of the festival in the public life of Bengal, and the efforts made by the Government of West Bengal under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to highlight the cultural richness of Bengal in this prism to the international community and involvement of people of all faith and communities.

The Puja Carnival organised at the end of the festivities on the Red Road of Kolkata which started with the initiative of the Chief Minister is a unique event and the only of its kind in the country. It attracts people from all walks of life who collectively celebrate the rich and diverse culture of Bengal epitomised in the Durga Puja festival.

"This recognition by UNESCO symbolises the victory of the cultural richness of Bengal and Biswa Bangla," the statement added. (UNI)