BJP MP Jyotirmoy Singh Mahato asked a question in the Lok Sabha regarding the international recognition and promotion of Durga Puja. Jyotirmoy Singh Mahato asked what initiative the government has taken to promote Durga Puja globally after UNESCO recognized it as a cultural heritage. Further, has the Government allocated any special funds to preserve and promote Durga Puja globally as an important cultural event and has the Government collaborated with international organisations, Indian embassies and cultural institutions to showcase Durga Puja on global platforms?
Have you started any research or documentation project regarding Durga Puja?
It was also asked whether the Government has any specific plan to expand tourism promotion campaign to attract international tourists to Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal and whether it has initiated any research or documentation project to highlight the historical, artistic and socio-cultural significance of Durga Puja?
Shekhawat told how much the government spent
In response to all this, Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that under the Global Engagement Scheme of the Ministry of Culture, grants are given to international organizations to promote Durga Puja globally. The ministry allocated an amount of Rs 22,29,244 for documentation and research of Durga Puja for submission of nomination under Intangible Cultural Heritage to UNESCO in the year 2023.
Information given about last year’s program
The Minister informed that in September 2025, Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) shared a video of Durga Puja celebration with Ippon Shadan Houjin Indojino Tsudoi, representing the Indian Bengali community in Tokyo, which celebrates the festival with deep devotion and cultural fervor. Apart from this, a traditional Dhunuchi dance was displayed in front of representatives of more than 190 participating countries and UNESCO officials during the Intergovernmental Committee meeting held at the Red Fort, Delhi on 8-13 December 2025.
Giving information, the Union Minister said that the government is expanding its Asambha Bharat 2.0 campaign to promote Durga Puja, recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO, which includes international media coverage and cultural performances to attract foreign tourists.
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