New Delhi: Four traditional cultural practices of Odisha—Mayurbhanj Chhau Dance, Odissi, Cuttack Bali Yatra and Puri Rath Yatra—have been included in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of India.

This was revealed by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, while replying to a query of Rajya Sabha MP Dilip Kumar Ray in the Upper House of the Parliament on Thursday.

According to Shekhawat, the identification and inclusion of these traditions have been undertaken through the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the nodal institution responsible for maintaining the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of India.

The Union Minister further informed that the Centre is promoting India's intangible cultural heritage through documentation, training, workshops, financial assistance to cultural institutions and participation in national and international cultural festivals. He added that Odisha's renowned traditions, including Chhau, Gotipua and Odissi, have been showcased at prestigious platforms such as the Republic Day Parade, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, UNESCO events, SCO Cultural Events and Expo 2025, Osaka, helping strengthen their global visibility.

Chhau Dance has been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, further enhancing international recognition for Odisha's cultural heritage, informed the Union Minister.