Tue Apr 01 07:01:01 UTC 2025: ## Odisha’s Rath Yatra and Bali Yatra Added to National Intangible Cultural Heritage List
**Bhubaneswar, April 1, 2025** – Odisha’s iconic Rath Yatra and Bali Yatra festivals have been included in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, a significant step towards potential UNESCO recognition. The announcement was made by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who hailed the inclusion as a proud moment for the state.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s national academy for performing arts, listed the festivals. Rath Yatra, the annual procession of Lord Jagannath in Puri, is renowned globally for its scale and religious significance. Bali Yatra, celebrated in Cuttack, commemorates Odisha’s maritime history and trade links with Southeast Asia.
The Chief Minister highlighted that this listing is the first step toward seeking UNESCO recognition for these festivals as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has already submitted a nomination dossier to the Union Ministry of Culture for this purpose. The inclusion in the national inventory is a crucial step in this process.
Both festivals attract millions of devotees and tourists annually, showcasing Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. The Rath Yatra sees lakhs of pilgrims gather in Puri to witness the procession, while the Bali Yatra draws crowds to the banks of the Mahanadi River for a week-long celebration.
First Piper 