What is the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity?
The meaning of "cultural heritage" 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.
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.
