On Sunday, September 28, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation through the 126th episode of his monthly radio program, ‘Man Ki Baat.’ In this episode, he highlighted several important topics such as Durga Puja, the Chhath festival, and the celebration of women’s power. During his speech, PM Modi spoke about the ongoing festival of Navratri and praised the country’s daughters for excelling in various fields such as business, sports, education, and science. He emphasized the importance of these festivals and their cultural significance for India, both locally and internationally.
PM Modi on Navratri and Women’s Empowerment
Prime Minister Modi began his address by discussing the significance of Navratri. He stated that Navratri is a time of worshiping strength, and the country celebrates the power of women during this period. He noted how women in India are making their mark in every sphere of life, from business to sports, education to science. PM Modi praised the contributions of women across the country, highlighting that they are increasingly breaking barriers and setting new records in their respective fields. The message of empowerment was evident as he reiterated that India’s daughters are playing a crucial role in shaping the future of the nation.
Durga Puja’s Global Recognition
During his address, PM Modi also mentioned the celebration of Durga Puja, particularly in West Bengal. He praised the efforts of the Indian government in getting the Durga Puja in Kolkata recognized by UNESCO. The Durga Puja has now been included in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The inclusion of Durga Puja in this prestigious list by UNESCO, according to PM Modi, is a significant achievement for India and a recognition of the country’s rich cultural traditions. He also emphasized that such global recognition helps in promoting India’s cultural heritage worldwide.
PM Modi further explained that when India’s cultural events receive global recognition, people from across the world would become more interested in understanding, participating in, and appreciating these festivals. He described the process of achieving UNESCO recognition as a key step in ensuring that these traditions are passed down to future generations, while also becoming a part of the global cultural discourse.
Efforts to Include Chhath Puja in UNESCO’s List
In addition to Durga Puja, PM Modi also highlighted the importance of the Chhath festival, which is widely celebrated in several parts of India. He mentioned that the Indian government is working towards getting Chhath Puja included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. He explained that the festival, which is dedicated to the Sun God, is celebrated with great devotion and grandeur, especially after Diwali. PM Modi said that when Chhath Puja gets listed in UNESCO’s cultural heritage list, its magnificence and spiritual significance will be appreciated and experienced by people worldwide.
Chhath Puja, PM Modi noted, is not just a regional festival but one that is gaining global recognition. The rituals associated with this festival, including offering prayers to the setting sun, are performed with great devotion, and it has become an important cultural event. By including it in the UNESCO list, the Indian government aims to preserve the festival’s traditions while allowing it to be appreciated on a global scale.
Cultural Heritage and Global Recognition
PM Modi’s mention of Durga Puja and Chhath Puja in his ‘Man Ki Baat’ program underlined the government’s efforts to showcase India’s diverse and rich cultural heritage to the world. He stressed the importance of acknowledging the significance of festivals and traditions that have been passed down through generations. These festivals are not just religious observances; they are celebrations of community, devotion, and India’s diverse cultural fabric.
By highlighting the global recognition of Durga Puja and working towards getting Chhath Puja included in UNESCO’s list, PM Modi reflected on how cultural events can foster a sense of national pride while encouraging cross-cultural exchange. He also pointed out that such recognition will boost tourism and invite more people from around the world to experience the grandeur and spirituality of these celebrations.
In this episode of ‘Man Ki Baat,’ PM Modi not only celebrated the festivals of Durga Puja and Chhath but also praised the role of women in shaping the future of India. He spoke about the empowerment of women in various fields and the role of such cultural events in bringing global recognition to India’s heritage. By mentioning the government’s efforts to include Chhath Puja in the UNESCO cultural heritage list, PM Modi reaffirmed the importance of preserving India’s traditions while sharing them with the world.
As the country continues to celebrate these significant festivals, PM Modi’s address served as a reminder of the cultural strength that India possesses and the importance of honoring these traditions on both national and international stages. His call for global recognition of India’s cultural heritage is a step towards ensuring that these traditions continue to thrive and inspire people across the globe.
