Durga Puja makes it to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list

Kolkata’s Durga Puja has been officially recognised by UNESCO. Yes, the incredible cultural feast has made it to the UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. The news came as a great reason to celebrate for Indians, especially Bengalis.
The UNESCO office in New Delhi tweeted,“Durga Puja in #Kolkata has just been inscribed on the #IntangibleHeritage list! Inscriptions to the Representative List are one of the several ways by which #UNESCO advocates the promotion and safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage.”

While it is a moment of pride for India, it is in fact a moment of pride for all of Asia. This is the first festival in Asia to achieve the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity status.
West Bengal’s Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee took to twitter, and wrote, “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!”

The decision was taken in Paris on December 15 when the 16th Committee of UNESCO inscribed Durga Puja as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Durga Puja is celebrated in Kolkata with great pomp and show when the city completely halts for five days. The festival sees beautiful ornamental pandals being made, wherein large idols of Goddess Durga and her children are placed for worship. A celebration of art, culture, and of great religious importance, the festival is truly unique.