"Bhuj garba" by calliopejen is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
What is the [[UNESCO::Stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It is an organisation of the United Nations that promotes world peace and collaboration in education, science, culture, etc.]] Representative List of the [[Intangible::Something that cannot be touched.]] Cultural Heritage of Humanity?
The meaning of "cultural [[heritage::The language, traditions, buildings, food, stories and other things of the past that make a society special.]]" has changed over time. It's not just about old buildings and things; it also includes traditions and practices passed down from our ancestors.
This includes different kinds of arts, social practices, rituals, oral traditions, festivals, and the knowledge and skills to make traditional crafts.
Intangible cultural heritage must be protected to preserve [[cultural diversity::The presence of many different cultural groups within a society.]].Intangible cultural heritage also helps pass on knowledge and skills from one generation to another.
So, UNESCO developed its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity to protect and make people aware of these important cultural practices worldwide. Recently, something from India was added to this list.
What has been added to the list?
'Garba of Gujarat' was recently added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This is India’s 15th addition to the list.
Garba is a special dance performed during the Navaratri festival in Gujarat and India. People celebrate it for nine days, dedicated to the worship of Shakti, or feminine force. Garba is enjoyed in houses, temple courtyards, public areas in cities and villages, streets, and big open grounds.
What other elements of India are on the list?
The other elements of India that are on the list are:
2008- Ramlila
2008- Tradition of Vedic chanting
2008- Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre
2009- Ramman, ritual theatre and religious festival of the Garhwal Himalayas
2010- Mudiyettu, dance drama and ritual theatre of Kerala
2010- Kalbelia, Rajasthan's folk songs and dances
2010- Chhau Dance
2012- Buddhist chanting of Ladakh
2013- Sankirtana (Manipur's ritual singing, drumming and dancing)
2014- Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the Thatheras of Punjab's Jandiala Guru
2016- Yoga
2016- Nowruz
2017- Kumbh Mela
2021- Durga Puja in Kolkata
Many people are happy with the inclusion of Garba on the list.
Quick Revision
UNESCO’s List protects important traditions like dances, songs, and festivals.
Garba of Gujarat was added in 2023 — India’s 15th entry.
Garba is danced for nine nights during Navaratri to honor Goddess Shakti.
Other Indian entries include Yoga, Durga Puja, Ramlila, and Kumbh Mela.
