PM Modi Ji's 'Mann Ki Baat' Focuses on Chhath and RSS Centenary
During his latest radio address, PM Narendra Modi announced a push to get Chhath Mahaparva recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. He also used the opportunity to praise the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as it nears its 100th anniversary.
Introduction
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s latest "Mann Ki Baat" address covered two significant topics that highlight India’s cultural and social landscape. Speaking to the nation on Sunday, September 28, 2025, the Prime Minister announced that the government is actively working to get the ancient and sacred festival of Chhath Mahaparva included on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. He also paid tribute to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as the organization prepares to celebrate its centenary.
A Global Bid for Chhath Mahaparva
PM Modi shared his enthusiasm about the government's efforts to get Chhath Puja recognized globally. He explained that this initiative would allow people around the world to experience the festival's unique traditions and divine nature.
Chhath Mahaparva is a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Devta). It is known for its strict rituals, including fasting and offering prayers at sunrise and sunset while standing in bodies of water. The festival is most widely celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, and its popularity has now spread across the globe. The Prime Minister drew a comparison to the successful inclusion of Kolkata's Durga Puja on the UNESCO list, noting that such recognition helps share India's rich cultural heritage with the world. This move is seen as a way to formally honor a festival that deeply connects people with nature and community solidarity.
Honoring a Century of the RSS
The Prime Minister’s address also recognized the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as it approaches its centenary year. The organization was founded in 1925, and PM Modi called its 100-year journey "amazing, unprecedented, and inspiring."
He reflected on the RSS's origins during a time of colonial rule and emphasized its "Nation First" philosophy. He commended the discipline and selfless service of its members. The Prime Minister specifically noted that in times of disaster, RSS volunteers are often among the first to arrive to provide help. The tribute highlighted the organization's enduring role in India's social fabric and its focus on service to the nation.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Chhath Mahaparva being considered for a UNESCO list? If Chhath is added to the list, it would receive international recognition, which helps raise awareness about its unique traditions and cultural importance globally.
2. What is UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list? The list, established by UNESCO, aims to safeguard important cultural traditions, practices, and expressions that are passed down through generations.
3. Why did PM Modi praise the RSS in his address? He was acknowledging the organization's upcoming 100th anniversary. He praised the RSS for its "Nation First" ideology and its long history of selfless service and disaster relief work.
4. When exactly is the RSS centenary? The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will complete 100 years of its foundation on Vijayadashami in 2025. The centenary year will be celebrated from 2025 to 2026.
Conclusion
PM Modi's most recent "Mann Ki Baat" address was a mix of cultural promotion and recognition of a long-standing organization. By working toward UNESCO recognition for Chhath Mahaparva, the government is trying to showcase India's heritage to the world. At the same time, the tribute to the RSS's 100th anniversary acknowledges the organization's significant role in the country. Both of these points show a strong focus on celebrating and preserving India's identity and core values.
