Durga Puja in Kolkata on UNESCO's list
In 2021 Durga Puja in Kolkata entered UNESCO's list. What the recognition means, and when the 2027 puja falls.
Last checked: Β· 4 sources
When and how it was inscribed
According to UNESCO's 15 December 2021 release, the Committee inscribed "Durga Puja in Kolkata" on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during its 16th session, held virtually from 13 to 18 December. (Source: UNESCO, Durga Puja inscribed on the Representative List (15 Dec 2021))
The decision is numbered 16.COM 8.B.15. The nomination, submitted by India, carries number 00703, and the decision text says the Committee decides to inscribe Durga Puja in Kolkata on the Representative List. (Source: UNESCO ICH, Decision 16.COM 8.B.15)
What the listing recognises
UNESCO describes Durga Puja as a ten-day celebration of the collective worship of the Hindu goddess Durga. It involves sculpted clay images displayed in community pavilions, along with folk music, cuisine, crafts and performing arts. (Source: UNESCO, Durga Puja inscribed on the Representative List (15 Dec 2021))
Wikipedia says the festival begins with Mahalaya, when ancestors are honoured and the goddess's arrival is marked. Shashthi is when devotees welcome the goddess, and on the last day, Vijaya Dashami, sindoor khela and a procession end with the immersion of clay idols. (Source: Wikipedia, Durga Puja)
When is Durga Puja 2027
For Kolkata, Drik Panchang lists Shashthi on Tuesday 5 October 2027, Saptami on Wednesday 6 October, Durga Ashtami on Thursday 7 October and Maha Navami on Saturday 9 October. The Bengal listing puts Vijaya Dashami on Sunday 10 October, paired with Durga Visarjan. (Source: Drik Panchang, Durga Puja calendar 2027 (Kolkata))
π‘ Ashtami tithi can spread across two dates, so confirm the exact day and time of Sandhi Puja with your local puja committee or Drik Panchang.
Questions
- When was Durga Puja added to the UNESCO heritage list?
- In December 2021, at the Committee's 16th session (13 to 18 December).
- Which UNESCO list is Durga Puja on?
- The Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, as "Durga Puja in Kolkata".
- What does UNESCO say about Durga Puja?
- A ten-day celebration of the collective worship of Goddess Durga, with clay images, community pavilions, folk music, cuisine, crafts and performing arts.
- When is Durga Puja in 2027?
- Per Drik Panchang, Shashthi is Tuesday 5 October; the Bengal listing has Vijaya Dashami on Sunday 10 October.
- Does the UNESCO listing cover all Durga Pujas in Bengal?
- The listing is titled "Durga Puja in Kolkata". The sources we checked give no wider boundary, so go by that title.
See also
Durga Puja 2027Calendar 2027Mahalaya greeting cardsKolkata pujasBelur Math guideAmavasya 2027