Durga Puja in Kolkata’ was inscribed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Durga Puja in Kolkata’ was inscribed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Subject: History

Section : Art and Culture

Context: Ministry of Culture celebrates the successful inscription of ‘Durga Puja in Kolkata’ on the Representative List of ICH of Humanity in 2021 in the presence of senior representatives of UNESCO

Concept: 

• Durga Puja in Kolkata’ was inscribed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during its 16th session  held in Paris, France from 13th to 18th December 2021.
• The Committee commended the inclusive nature of Durga Puja celebrations and for related initiatives involving marginalized groups, as well as women in their participation in safeguarding the element.
• It not only is a celebration of feminine divinity but is a consummate expression of dance, music, crafts, rituals, practices culinary and cultural aspects. The festival transcends the boundaries of caste, creed, and economic classes and joins the people together in its celebration.
• India now has 14 intangible cultural heritage elements on the prestigious UNESCO Representative List of ICH of Humanity.

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages in India

About Durga Puja 

• Durga Puja, also known asDurgotsava or Sharodotsava, is an annual Hindu festival originating in the Indian subcontinent which reveres and pays homage to the Hindu goddess Durga and is also celebrated because of Durga’s victory over Mahishasur.
• Durga Puja is a five-day festival which begins on the fifth night of the nine-day Navratri festival and ends on the tenth day, which is Dashami. During this time, people collectively worship and invoke Goddess Durga, who is regarded as the feminine energy of the cosmos, also known as ‘Shakti’.
• Though originating in West Bengal, which has the largest Bengali community in the country, the festival is celebrated in many other parts of India, and also the world.
• The festival is observed in the Indian calendar month of Ashwin, which corresponds to September–October in the Gregorian calendar.
• It is a classic fusion of religion and culture.
• Durga puja is an important festival in the Shaktism tradition of Hinduism.