Preservation and Promotion of Durga Puja as an Intangible Cultural Heritage

Preservation and Promotion of Durga Puja as an Intangible Cultural Heritage

Durga Puja is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, especially in the state of West Bengal. It is a ten-day long event, marked by the worship of Goddess Durga in her various incarnations. The rituals and traditions associated with Durga Puja are deeply rooted in the culture of Bengal and have been passed down from generation to generation. However, in recent times, there has been a growing concern over the preservation and promotion of Durga Puja as an intangible cultural heritage.

Intangible cultural heritage refers to the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills, and instruments that communities, groups, and individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage. Durga Puja is a prime example of this as it is not just a religious ceremony but also an expression of Bengali culture and identity.

One of the key challenges in preserving Durga Puja as an intangible cultural heritage is the changing nature of society. With the rapid urbanization and globalization, younger generations are often disconnected from their cultural roots and traditions. In order to counter this, various initiatives have been taken to promote and preserve Durga Puja as an intangible cultural heritage.

One such initiative is the documentation of Durga Puja. Documentation helps in preserving the rituals and traditions associated with Durga Puja and also provides a valuable resource for future generations. Organizations like the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) have been actively involved in documenting Durga Puja in different parts of West Bengal.

Another way to promote and preserve Durga Puja as an intangible cultural heritage is through education and awareness. Schools and educational institutions can play a crucial role in fostering a sense of pride and identity among young students by creating awareness about the significance of Durga Puja and its associated traditions and customs. This can be done through field trips to local pandals, interactive sessions with artists, musicians, and other practitioners, and an overall emphasis on cultural heritage in the curriculum.

Furthermore, the use of modern technology can also be leveraged in preserving and promoting Durga Puja as an intangible cultural heritage. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube can be used to showcase the beauty and diversity of Durga Puja to a global audience. Several Durga Puja committees have already started live streaming their pandals and events to reach out to a wider audience.

In conclusion, the preservation and promotion of Durga Puja as an intangible cultural heritage is crucial to maintaining the rich cultural fabric of India. Through documentation, education, awareness, and the use of modern technology, we can ensure that future generations value and cherish the traditions associated with Durga Puja and other festivals that are an integral part of our cultural heritage.

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