Lok Sabha Question No. 2717 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-09
Subject: International Recognition and Promotion of Durga Puja
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Shri Jyotirmay Singh Mahato

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2717 ANSWERED ON 09.03.2026

## INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION AND PROMOTION OF DURGA PUJA

## 2717. SHRI JYOTIRMAY SINGH MAHATO:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state :-

- (a) the  details  of  the  initiatives  taken  by  the  Government  to  promote  Durga  Puja globally following its recognition by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage;
- (b) whether the Government has allocated any special funds to support the preservation,  documentation  and  global  promotion  of  Durga  Puja  as  a  significant cultural event;
- (c) whether the Government has collaborated with international organizations,  Indian embassies and cultural institutions to showcase Durga Puja at global platforms;
- (d) whether  the  Government  has  any  specific  plans  to  expand  tourism  promotion campaigns  to  attract  international  visitors  to  Durga  Puja  celebrations  in  West Bengal;and
- (e) whether  any  research  or  documentation  projects  taken  to  highlight  the  historical, artistic and socio-cultural significance of Durga Puja and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

- (a) Grant  in  Aid  is  provided  to  International  Organizations  for  promoting  Durga  Puja Globally under Global Engagement Scheme of Ministry of Culture.
- (b) In  the  year  2023,  an  amount  of  Rs.  22,29,244/-  was  allotted  by  this  Ministry  for  the documentation  and  research  of  Durga  Puja  for  submission  of  Intangible  Culture Nomination to the UNESCO.
- (c) In  September  2025,  Sangeet  Natak  Akademi  (SNA)  shared  a  video  of  Durga  Puja celebrations with the association Ippan Shadan Houjin Indojinno Tsudoi, representing the  Indian  Bengali  community in Tokyo, which was observing the festival with deep devotion  and cultural fervour.  Further,  during  the  Intergovernmental  Committee Meeting held from 8-13 December 2025 at the Red Fort, Delhi, a traditional Dhunuchi Naach performance was showcased before representatives of more than 190 participating countries, as well as UNESCO officials.
- (d) The Government is expanding its Incredible India 2.0 Campaign to boost international tourism,  with  a  specific  focus  on  promoting  Durga  Puja,  recognized  as  a  UNESCO

Intangible  Cultural  Heritage.  The  Strategy  involves  digital  marketing,  international media coverage, and cultural showcases to attract foreign visitors.

- (e) Sangeet Natak Akademi, the nodal agency for Intangible Cultural Heritage under the Ministry  of  Culture,  Government  of  India,  constituted  an  expert  committee  which carried  out  extensive  outreach  and  fieldwork  to  ensure  the  active  participation  of diverse communities, groups, and individuals associated with the festival. These field consultations  with  stake  holders  provided  detailed  accounts  of  observances,  thereby enabling first-hand documentation grounded in lived cultural practice. These initiatives collectively ensure that the historical evolution, artistic excellence, ritual practices, and socio-cultural  dimensions  of  Durga  Puja  are  systematically  recorded,  preserved,  and promoted at national and international levels.

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