Culture

Artists of Ma Durga statues to be honoured in Kolkata tomorrow

It is indeed a great honour for India and its festivals with Durga Puja being inscribed in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Interestingly, Durga Puja is the first Indian festival to be a part of this List.

Also read: Durga Puja Now Included In UNESCO Heritage List

Following this, the Union Government is keen to acknowledge the invaluable hard work, artwork and artistry of the artisans who form an integral part of the process of making the idols for the Durga Puja and the pandals. According to the Minister of State for Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi, it is their contribution that gives the entire festival its fanfare and fervour.

To recognise and appreciate their efforts, a special function has been organized by the Ministry of Culture on September 24 at the Indian Museum in Kolkata where a select group of 30 artisans and artists, intimately involved in Durga Puja celebrations, will be honoured.

Among those who will be honoured are shilpis of Durga’s protima, members from Rajbaris, pandal makers, artists, the dhakis (drummers), the pujaris, the jewellery makers of protimas and others.

Also read: Ma Durga made of dark Belgian chocolate turns heads in Kolkata

Besides Lekhi, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Subhas Sarkar will attend the function.

Stressing on the importance of Durga Puja, Lekhi observed: “We nominated Durga Puja as the Intangible culture of the country because cutting across States, it is celebrated by everyone. In this process, it brings everyone together, it’s unity in Diversity.”

She added that India has sent garba as the next consideration for UNESCO’s List.

IN Bureau

Recent Posts

New Zealand Foreign Minister arrives Kathmandu on two days’ visit, ahead Everest Day

New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters has arrived Kathmandu on his…

11 hours ago

Indian, Mongolian armies to hold 17th ‘Nomadic Elephant 2025’ joint exercise in Ulaanbaatar

The Indian Army and the Mongolian Armed Forces will commence the 17th edition of their…

13 hours ago

“Never thought this would happen…”: Pandi Ram Mandavi on receiving Padma Shri for wood craft

Pandi Ram Mandavi, a renowned artist from Bastar, Chhattisgarh, was conferred the Padma Shri award…

13 hours ago

Taiwan slams China’s Cross-Strait summits as ‘United Front Lectures,’ shuns events in Beijing

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) criticised China on Wednesday for organising two summits for Taiwanese…

15 hours ago

ETGE slams UNWTO official for endorsing China’s tourism drive amid ongoing Uyghur genocide

The East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE) vehemently denounces Mr. Francesco Frangialli, the Honorary Secretary-General…

15 hours ago

US lawmakers urge AI Safety Institute to counter China’s growing AI threat

Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi of the House Select Committee on the…

16 hours ago