Grant in Aid is provided to International Organizations for promoting Durga Puja Globally under Global Engagement Scheme of Ministry of Culture.

In the year 2023, an amount of Rs. 22,29,244/- was allotted by this Ministry for the documentation and research of Durga Puja for submission of Intangible Culture Nomination to the UNESCO.

In September 2025, Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) shared a video of Durga Puja celebrations with the association Ippan Shadan Houjin Indojinno Tsudoi, representing the Indian Bengali community in Tokyo, which was observing the festival with deep devotion and cultural fervour. Further, during the Intergovernmental Committee Meeting held from 8-13 December 2025 at the Red Fort, Delhi, a traditional Dhunuchi Naach performance was showcased before representatives of more than 190 participating countries, as well as UNESCO officials.

The Government is expanding its Incredible India 2.0 Campaign to boost international tourism, with a specific focus on promoting Durga Puja, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Strategy involves digital marketing, international media coverage, and cultural showcases to attract foreign visitors.

Sangeet Natak Akademi, the nodal agency for Intangible Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, constituted an expert committee which carried out extensive outreach and fieldwork to ensure the active participation of diverse communities, groups, and individuals associated with the festival. These field consultations with stake holders provided detailed accounts of observances, thereby enabling first-hand documentation grounded in lived cultural practice. These initiatives collectively ensure that the historical evolution, artistic excellence, ritual practices, and socio-cultural dimensions of Durga Puja are systematically recorded, preserved, and promoted at national and international levels.

This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today

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M Annadurai