Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a rally in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, announced a nationwide competition for Chhath songs to promote new artists and preserve cultural traditions. The winners, chosen by public vote, will be honoured before next year’s Chhath festival
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public rally ahead of Bihar Assembly elections, in Chhapra. Pic/PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on October 30, was in Bihar in view of campaigning for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) during the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections in 2025. As part of a national initiative to include Chhath Mahaparva in the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list and promote the heritage and history of the festival, the central government has further urged that it will organise a public competition to encourage newer artists and songs on Chhath.
While addressing an election rally in Muzaffarpur, PM Modi further said that the competition winner will be decided by the public, and the winners will be recognised just before next year's Chhath festival, as reported by news agency ANI.
PM Modi, further, during an election rally in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur, said that "the youth learns the traditions of Chhath Mahaparva from the elders through songs. With that in mind, to give strength, along with multiple artists, we will organise a competition of Chhath songs," as cited by news agency ANI.
With the competition, which will be open to people from all languages and will promote newer artists and newer songs.
PM Modi said that "So that new artists, new bhakti, and new emotions are shown, and people from all over the country from all languages would get an opportunity to compete. In this, the public will choose which songs they like. The top songs, the lyricists, and the singers will be given awards and honoured," as cited by news agency ANI.
The Prime Minister also highlighted India's efforts to get Chhath included in the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "After Chhatth Mahaparva, this is my first public assembly. Chhath Mahaparva is the country's and Bihar's pride. All over the world, Chhath Mahaparva is celebrated. Chhathi Maiya puja is the festival of our heritage. That is why our government is trying to make sure that the world, too, learns from its values. Our government is trying to have the Chhath Mahaparva included on the UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Now, will every Bihari be proud of this or not? When its name is written in the world's list, won't people feel good?"
Celebrated not only in India but also globally, Chhath Puja is a festival honouring the Sun God. Durga Puja was added to the list in 2021; thus, this will not be the first Indian celebration to receive UNESCO recognition.
According to the lunar calendar, Chhath, the festival of blessing to Lord Surya (the Sun), starts on Karthik Shukla Chaturthi and finishes on Shukla Saptami. Baskets called 'Dhakri' are used to prepare traditional offerings such as Thekuwa, Khajuri, and Kasar, as well as dry fruits, fruits, and flowers.
Devotees especially fast and worship the sun for the long lives and well-being of their family members, also praying for their expectations and efforts to come true. Chhath is celebrated by all members of the family. The Hindu religion adores and respects Lord Sun, who, at the time of Chhath, is also called Chhatti Mata, the Goddess of Chhath.
(With inputs from ANI)
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