Bhubaneswar/New Delhi, August 6: Four of Odisha's most celebrated cultural traditions—Mayurbhanj Chhau Dance, Odissi, Bali Jatra and Ratha Yatra—have been included in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of India, the Central government informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

Union Culture and Tourism Minister  Gajendra Singh Shekhawat shared the information in a written reply to a question raised by Rajya Sabha MP Dilip Kumar Ray.

The Minister said the four traditions were included in the National Inventory through the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the nodal institution responsible for documenting and maintaining India's intangible cultural heritage.

Shekhawat said the Centre is undertaking several initiatives to preserve and promote the country's intangible cultural heritage, including documentation, training programmes, workshops, financial assistance and participation in national and international cultural events.

He further highlighted that Odisha's rich cultural traditions, including Chhau, Gotipua and Odissi, have been showcased at prestigious events such as the Republic Day Parade, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, UNESCO programmes, SCO Cultural Events, and Expo 2025 in Osaka, significantly enhancing their visibility at the national and global levels.

The Minister also noted thatChhau Dancehas already been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, underscoring its international recognition and Odisha's rich cultural legacy.