Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed optimism that Chhath Puja, a significant festival in Bihar and other regions, could gain global recognition and allow people all over the world to witness its grandeur and divinity if it is included in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

In the 126th edition of his monthly radio program 'Mann ki Baat', Modi highlighted the government's efforts to have Chhath Mahaparva added to UNESCO's list. He noted that this recognition would help people worldwide learn about the festival's importance and beauty. He also recalled Kolkata's Durga Puja being added to the UNESCO list due to similar government efforts. Durga Puja was included in 2021.

Chhath Puja is a special festival dedicated to the Sun God, celebrated not only in India but around the world and is becoming a global festival. During the festival, devotees offer prayers to the setting sun. The festival emphasizes social harmony, environmental conservation, and women's empowerment. The rituals involve offering prayers to the Sun God at riverbanks and water bodies. The four-day festival includes rigorous rituals, fasting, offerings, and prayers at sunrise and sunset, symbolizing purification, gratitude, and devotion.

The Union Culture Ministry has been actively working towards the multinational nomination of 'Chhath' for inscription on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. A meeting was held with senior diplomatic representatives of the UAE, Suriname, and the Netherlands to seek their cooperation for the nomination. The diplomatic representatives welcomed the initiative and assured support for the nomination, acknowledging the festival's importance among the Indian diaspora in their countries.

The Prime Minister has appealed to citizens to prioritize local products during the festive season, emphasizing that this boosts traditional industries and directly benefits the families making them, thereby strengthening the economy from the grassroots. He also appealed for the promotion of Khadi and handloom products.

In August 2025, the Union Ministry of Culture directed the Sangeet Natak Academy to examine a proposal received regarding the inclusion of Chhath Puja in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The proposal was submitted by Sandeep Kumar Dubey, Chairman of the Chhathi Maiya Foundation. Dubey emphasized that Chhath meets UNESCO's key criteria, including the preservation of cultural heritage, observance across multiple countries, and an organized campaign for recognition. He also noted that UNESCO recognition could facilitate the festival’s observance abroad, particularly in nations where special permissions are required for worship on natural water bodies.