GARBA INCLUDED IN UNESCO’S INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE LIST

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TAG: GS 1: ART AND CULTURE

THE CONTEXT: Recently, Gujarat’s traditional dance form ‘Garba’ was included in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

EXPLANATION:

• This inclusion marks the 15th cultural element from India to earn this distinction, following Kolkata’s Durga Puja added two years earlier.

UNESCO’s Recognition

• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced the inscription of ‘Garba of Gujarat’ during its 18th session in Kasane, Botswana.
• It was included under the provisions of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Description of Garba

• Garba is an integral part of Gujarat’s cultural tapestry, characterized as a ritualistic and devotional dance form performed across the state and India.
• It holds prominence during the nine-day festival of Navaratri, dedicated to worshipping feminine energy or Shakti.
• This dance is an expressive representation of the divine feminine, showcasing cultural, performative, and visual aspects embedded within its celebration.

Cultural Significance

• UNESCO highlighted Garba’s multi-dimensional celebration of feminine energy.
• It transcends spaces, being performed in homes, temple courtyards, public areas in villages, urban squares, streets, and expansive open grounds.
• The dance serves as an inclusive community event, fostering participation and cultural communion.
• The dance’s essence lies in its worship of the primordial goddess, making Garba a unique manifestation of honouring the divine feminine.
• This recognition would preserve the tradition and inspire younger generations to continue nurturing the associated knowledge, skills, and oral traditions.

National Celebration and Recognition

• The Government of Gujarat organized numerous curated Garba events across the state to celebrate this monumental achievement.
• Additionally, a troupe of eight dancers from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) showcased Garba at the UNESCO meeting venue.

Other UNESCO Inscriptions

• Besides Garba, UNESCO added various cultural elements to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list, including Rickshaws and Rickshaw painting in Dhaka, Songkran in Thailand, Hiragasy from Madagascar, Junkanoo from the Bahamas, and celebrations of Prophet Mohammed’s birthday in Sudan.

INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE LIST OF UNESCO:

• The Intangible Cultural Heritage List is a UNESCO initiative aimed at safeguarding and promoting the world’s diverse traditions and expressions.
• It was established by the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• The list recognizes cultural practices and expressions that help demonstrate the diversity of this heritage and raise awareness about its importance.
• List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding:
  • The List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding is composed of intangible heritage elements that concerned communities and States Parties consider require urgent measures to keep them alive.
  • Inscriptions on this List help to mobilize international cooperation and assistance for stakeholders to undertake appropriate safeguarding measures.
• Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
  • The Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is made up of those intangible heritage elements that help demonstrate the diversity of this heritage and raise awareness about its importance.

Conclusion

• Garba’s inclusion in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list stands as a testament to its cultural richness and significance, spotlighting India’s diverse cultural heritage.
• This recognition not only honours Gujarat’s tradition but also underscores the importance of safeguarding and promoting such invaluable cultural expressions worldwide.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/garba-of-gujarat-makes-it-to-unesco-intangible-cultural-heritage-list/article67611502.ece/amp/