Multinational UNESCO Nominations and Soft Power Diplomacy: Chhath Mahaparv, Project Mausam, and Project Brihattar Bharat

UPSC Relevance: 

GS Paper I (Indian Culture, Salient Aspects of Art Forms & Literature) and GS Paper II (Bilateral Relations, Soft Power Diplomacy & International Institutions). 

Why in News 

• India has partnered with Mauritius for a joint multinational nomination to list Chhath Mahaparv on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Representative List.  

• The Centre is expanding global cultural diplomacy by pursuing shared UNESCO nominations under Project Mausam and Project Brihattar Bharat (e.g., shadow puppetry, batik textiles, and manuscript traditions across Asia).  

Background

 • Chhath Mahaparv: An ancient Vedic festival dedicated to Surya (Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya, celebrated predominantly in Eastern India and among the Indian diaspora across Girmitiya countries like Mauritius, Suriname, Fiji, and Guyana. 

 • Project Mausam: Launched in 2014 by the Ministry of Culture, implemented by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to reconnect Indian Ocean countries along ancient maritime trade routes.  • Project Brihattar Bharat: A flagship initiative (2026–2031) administered by IGNCA to document, preserve, and showcase historical, spiritual, and architectural links across Southeast Asia and the diaspora. 

 Impact & Measures Key Implications & Benefits 

• Soft Power Projection: Elevates India status as a Vishwa Bandhu (global friend) through shared civilizational heritage.  

• Diaspora Engagement: Reinforces identity and cultural links among Indian indentured laborer descendants in Girmitiya nations. 

 • Transnational Conservation: Facilitates collaborative restoration of historical sites across Myanmar, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Vietnam by ASI.  Challenges & Strategic Initiatives 

• Complex Coordination: Managing multi-country UNESCO files requires aligned documentation and diplomatic consensus.  

• Institutional Support: IGNCA and ASI are digitizing manuscript traditions and expanding academic research networks across Asia. 

 Essential Definitions 

 • Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH): Traditions, oral expressions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, and festive events recognized by UNESCO for community identity. 

• Girmitiya Countries: Nations where Indian indentured laborers were brought under the Girmit system in the 19th and early 20th centuries. 

 Legal and Constitutional Framework

 • Article 51(c): Directive Principles encouraging respect for international law and treaty obligations.

 • Article 51A(f): Fundamental Duty to value and preserve the rich heritage of India\'s composite culture.

 • UNESCO 2003 Convention: International Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ratified by India in 2005).

 Conclusion 

Joint UNESCO nominations bridge historical maritime routes and living diaspora traditions. Leveraging schemes like Project Mausam and Brihattar Bharat successfully integrates cultural heritage into modern Indian foreign policy and global cultural diplomacy.