Durga Puja's Journey of Recognition as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

You might know Durga Puja as one of the biggest festivals in India, but it also has a prestigious title that puts it on the world map. It was recognised as UNESCO's 'Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity' in 2021. This is a matter of pride for every Indian as it was the first Asian festival to receive this distinguished recognition, showcasing India’s rich culture. Let's unravel its journey as we approach this extravagant festival. 

How did it get the recognition?

Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Kolkata prepared the dossier on ‘Durga Puja’ which was sent from The Ministry of Culture, Government of India to UNESCO’s sixteenth session (2021) of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage at the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for recognising “Bengal’s Durga Puja” as the “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.” After a brief discussion and questioning, the Intergovernmental committee which consisted of elected members from 24 countries from around the world decided to give Kolkata's Durga Puja this tag. 

Preview Show of Durga Puja Art by UNESCO

After granting the tag, UNESCO organised a Preview Show of Durga Puja Art to give the audience a symbolic glimpse of the unique features of the pandal, idols and overall decorations. Over five days, between October 11 and 15, 2023, the audience was exposed to the best of temporary art installations that came up in Kolkata during Durga Puja. This show displayed 24 community Durga Pujas of Kolkata along with 2 Bonedi Baris (aristocratic households) selected by UNESCO. It gave visitors a special opportunity to witness the pandas even before they opened. 

UNESCO-themed Durga Puja Pandal

After its recognition, the Sarbojanin Durgotsav Committee also played a huge role in celebrating this achievement and creating awareness among the general public regarding this honour. The committee devised a unique theme for their 2022 Durga Puja celebration. They created an 'Indian Coin Park' at the pandal to commemorate coins from 1947 to till date. Among all the displays, one coin that symbolically represented Maa Durga was an imaginative coin on which 'UNESCO’s recognition of Bengal’s Durga Puja as Intangible Cultural Heritage 2022' was written. 

Durga Puja Coin as a Souvenir by the Government Mint

To appeal to citizens outside Bengal, the Babubagan Sarbojanin Durgotsav Committee approached the India Government Mint, Kolkata, to create a commemorative coin. The purpose of this coin was to preserve the memory of this significant UNESCO recognition and to raise awareness about this achievement. The mint agreed to the committee's request and minted a coin with a design provided by the Babubagan Sarbojanin Durgotsav team. This coin was available for sale on the India Government Mint’s website for Rs. 1,235.

The richness of culture, the efforts of various communities, and the unwavering craftsmanship of artists and families make festivals like Durga Puja worthy of global recognition.