The Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's top cultural organization under the Union Ministry of Culture, has recognized Odisha's rich cultural legacy by adding the Puri Rath Jatra and Cuttack Bali Jatra to the National Heritage List. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration's (SJTA) Chief Administrator, Dr. Arabinda Padhee, made this announcement on Monday via a social media post on platform X.

Padhee went on to say that these two large festivals' inclusion on the esteemed list is a significant step toward recognizing their historical and cultural importance. These festivals have been observed in Odisha for centuries, and their recognition by the Sangeet Natak Akademi highlights their rich spiritual fervor and enduring traditions.

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Furthermore, he revealed that the SJTA has recently submitted a proposal to the Union Ministry of Culture to enlist the Puri Rath Jatra in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. This move aims to secure global recognition for the centuries-old chariot festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath. The national recognition now serves as the first step towards achieving this prestigious international acknowledgment.

“Very excited to learn that the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's apex cultural body under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India has listed Ratha Jatra and Bali Jatra from Odisha in its “National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage,” Padhee wrote in his official X handle.

According to Padhee, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) had recently submitted the Nomination Dossier to the Union Ministry of Culture for UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity recognition for Ratha Jatra of Shree Jagannath Puri.

Expressing optimism, Padhee stated that with this initial success, efforts will continue to ensure the Puri Rath Yatra is inscribed in UNESCO’s list, granting it worldwide recognition as a unique and invaluable cultural heritage event. 

“With this first milestone achieved, we eagerly anticipate the grand spectacle's inscription onto UNESCO’s final list,” he added in his post.

The news has been met with enthusiasm from devotees, historians, and cultural enthusiasts, who see this as a step towards enhancing the global profile of Odisha’s rich traditions.