Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ahead of its centenary celebrations, recalling its establishment during India&rsquo;s colonial era when the nation&rsquo;s &ldquo;self-respect and confidence&rdquo; had been gravely wounded.
Addressing the 126th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi also made a strong outreach to poll-bound Bihar, announcing that the Union government is working to get Chhath Puja inscribed on UNESCO&rsquo;s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
&ldquo;Once a local tradition, Chhath is now becoming a global festival,&rdquo; he said, praising its unique rituals where devotees worship the Sun God by offering prayers to the setting sun. He added that the festival&rsquo;s grandeur is now being witnessed worldwide.
Urging people to buy swadeshi products during the festive season, the Prime Minister appealed to citizens to purchase at least one Khadi item on October 2, Mahatma Gandhi&rsquo;s birth anniversary, and share it on social media with the hashtag #VocalForLocal.

PM Modi speaks; devotees celebrate Chhath Puja

Modi hails Chhath as a global festival, govt seeks UNESCO Intangible Heritage tag

PM Modi: Push for Chhath UNESCO Heritage Tag

Modi hails Chhath as a global festival, govt seeks UNESCO Intangible Heritage tag

September 29, 2025 | 14:56 IST