IIndia is a land of festivals that celebrate and reveal its rich culture and diverse traditions. in the Hindu month of Ashwin, or September–October in the Gregorian calendar, we celebrate Sharad Navratri, known as Durga Puja in eastern India. The festival involves worshiping the feminine spirit, which manifests in many forms.
Durga Puja is the homecoming of Goddess Durga to her maternal home from the holy mountain Kailash. It includes qualities such as power, transformation, beauty, compassion and power, which are reflected in each individual and even in the universe.
thought Many Incorporating traditional values, activists, artists and sentiments, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has finally included Kolkata’s famous Durga Puja in its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (ICH) list. While the government sent its proposal in 2019, it was accepted only in December 2021.
UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee Appreciated Durga Puja for its initiatives involving marginalized groups and individuals as well as women on the protection of intangible cultural heritage.
Durga Puja is more than empty festivals
“Durga Puja highlights our traditions and ethos. And, Kolkata’s Durga Puja is an experience that everyone should have.” Told While congratulating the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it right.
During Durga Puja in Kolkata, the entire city comes together and dresses up in a festive atmosphere. The 10-day festival is one of the most awaited events for almost every person living in the city. The final five are spent socializing, entertaining, lively reunions and lavish feasts.
With buzzing energy in the air, the city of Kolkata lit up with lights for those 10 days filled with the sound of push (drum, And shell (conch) with the aroma of freshly cooked enjoyment (prayer meal) in the air.
Making an idol for worship is more than mixing sand and clay. This limits the emotions and efforts of all artisans – a contribution that must be recognized.
For example, to celebrate and celebrate his outstanding contributions and achievements, there was a special ceremony Organised A select group of 30 artisans and artists were felicitated by the Ministry of Culture on September 24 at the Indian Museum in Kolkata, where the Durga Puja celebrations took place.
These include Shilpi (sculptor) of Durga protima (murti), member of Raj Bari, pandal maker, artist, Dhakiso (drummers), priests and ornament makers of Protemas, among others.
But before Durga Puja became a national symbol, it was 18. was a symbol of pride and class for merchantsth century Bengal. Gradually, it became more widespread and 20 . untilth century, gained popularity at the community and national level. This included the public organization of Durga Puja in pandals or temporary sheds used for public meetings.
Read also: Pet-friendly Durga Puja pandal set to redefine faith and family in West Bengal
UNESCO ICH. make into
The entry of Durga Puja into the list of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage was made possible only because of the tireless efforts of all the stakeholders who have put their heart and soul in making this a grand celebration over the centuries. Thanks for this inclusion, India has 14 Intangible cultural heritage components are included in the list of UNESCO. Before Durga Puja, Yoga and Kumbh Mela made it to this prestigious index in 2016 and 2017 respectively. As a signatory to the 2003 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Intangible Heritage, India has clearly prioritized the preservation of its cultural ethos.
The Ministry of Education, which is the nodal agency of UNESCO in India, and the Ministry of Culture were also involved in preparing the dossier for the inscriptions on the UNESCO list. At the same time, the Ministry of External Affairs mobilized international support to get the resolution passed by UNESCO. Finally, with the help of the Sangeet Natak Akademi of the Ministry of Culture, file Prepared for Durga Puja and sent to UNESCO.
But what is this intangible cultural heritage, and why is it so important?
UNESCO defines ICH as unique “oral traditions, performing arts and rituals” that are of immense relevance to communities – to the point where they become part of a nation’s collective heritage.
Furthermore, the importance of these traditions lies not only in their cultural expression, but in the wealth of knowledge, information and skills that help to transmit them from one generation to the next. From dance, music, crafts, customs and culinary practices, ICH has many interesting aspects.
After West Bengal’s Durga Puja has been recognized by UNESCO, Gujarat’s famous ‘Garba’ dance has also been performed Nominated for 2023.
Cultural heritage is the soul of any civilization and is the bridge between generations. The cultural heritage and natural history of a nation makes it unique and priceless. Therefore, we must preserve our tangible and intangible heritage so that it receives global appreciation while serving as a landmark for the nation.
The author is Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Government of India. He tweeted @Drsubhassarkar.
(Edited by Zoya Bhatti)