Odisha seeks Centre's help for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity tag for Rath Yatra

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has sought Centre's support for nominating Puri's Jagannath Rath Yatra for UNESCO's List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Majhi forwarded a proposal from the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration to Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on August 1, requesting priority action.

The Rath Yatra, held annually in Puri, attracts millions of devotees and visitors worldwide; the 2026 edition (July 16-27) saw over 50 lakh participants.

Majhi emphasized the festival's cultural significance, describing it as a timeless civilisational tradition embodying India's diversity and inclusivity.

The SJTA has already submitted all supporting documents in the prescribed format to the Ministry of Culture.