It was revealed that the Culture Department of the Odisha Government have sought a letter to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in this regard.
“All the norms set by the UNESCO for availing World Heritage festival status are being followed for holding the unique Lord Jagannath Ratha Yatra. Thus, we demand that the World Heritage status given soon,” said Madhab Pujapanda, a member of the Shree Jagannath Management Committee.
Rajat Pratihari, an intellectual, said UNESCO has already given world status to over 40 festivals across the globe. Ratha Yatra of Puri will certainly be addition as this grand festival is attended by lakhs of devotees belonging to different religions from across the world.
“Lord Jagannath Ratha Yatra is a unique festival as it is attended by lakhs of people belonging to different religions from the country and outside. Besides, rituals and celebrations of our Ratha Yatra are par excellence,” said Pratihari.
Dr Naresh Chandra Dash, a noted Jagannath culture researcher, opined, The Shreemandir of Puri is a world-class monument. Puri is going to be the international-level heritage city. Once World Class Heritage status is availed to the Ratha Yatra, another feather of excellence will be added to the glory of Shreemandir,” said Dash.
