UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List: India nominated Garba

India has nominated the Indian dance form Garba to be inscribed on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list. Last year, Durga Puja was included in UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list and for 2022, India has nominated ‘Garba’. The next UNESCO meeting will be held in November. In July, India was elected by UNESCO to serve on the distinguished intergovernmental Committee of the 2003 Convention for the safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. A total of 14 elements from India are inscribed on UNESCO’S list of Intangible Cultural Heritage and Humanity. These elements include music, dance, theatre, festivals, rituals, and storytelling.

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What is UNESCO’S list of Intangible Cultural Heritage and Humanity?

The UNESCO’S list of Intangible Cultural Heritage was established in 2008 after the convention for the safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage,2003 came into effect. This list is made up of those intangible heritage elements that help to demonstrate the diversity of cultural heritage.

List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in India

1. Buddhist Chanting
2. Kalbelia
3. Chhau Dance
4. Koodiyattam
5. Kumbh Mela
6. Mudiyett
7. Nawruz
8. Ramlila
9. Sankirtana
10. Ramman
11. Traditional Brass and Copper Craft of Utensil making
12. Vedic Chanting
13. Yoga
14. Durga Puja

About Garba

Garba is a dance form which has originated in Gujarat, India. The term Garba has derived from the Sanskrit term Garbha, which means womb. Garba traditionally is performed around clay lanterns with a light inside called Garbha Deep or Womb lamp. It is believed that the lantern represents life and the fetus in the womb of a mother. The dance honors goddess Durga, the feminine form of divinity. Garba is performed in circles which symbolizes the Hindu view of time. The rings of dancers revolve in cycles, as time in Hinduism is cyclical. As these cycles of time revolve, from birth to life, to death, and again to rebirth, the Goddess remains constant.