🔆 Chhath Mahaparva & Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)

📍 Why in Focus?
• Chhath Mahaparva, an ancient Vedic ritual dedicated to Sun God & Chhathi Maiya, is being highlighted for its cultural, ecological, and egalitarian values.

📍 Key Highlights:
✅ Known for simplicity, devotion, and self-discipline, while upholding ecological balance.
✅ References in Rig Veda and Mahabharata (Karna’s sun worship) mark it as one of the oldest Vedic rituals.
✅ Celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and by diaspora communities in Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, UAE, Netherlands.
✅ India has 15 elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).

📍 Significance of ICH:
✅ Represents living traditions, practices, and skills valued by communities.
✅ Promotes cultural identity & diversity at the global level.
✅ Strengthens India’s case for global heritage recognition of Chhath.

✅ Prelims Question:
Which of the following is associated with Chhath Mahaparva?
A. Worship of Lord Shiva
B. Worship of Sun God & Goddess Chhathi Maiya
C. Worship of Lord Vishnu
D. Worship of Goddess Durga
Ans: B. Worship of Sun God & Goddess Chhathi Maiya

✅ Mains Question:
“Discuss the cultural, ecological, and social significance of Chhath Mahaparva. How can its recognition under UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list promote India’s soft power?” (150 words)

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