The international community has once again recognized the vast cultural heritage of India. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), at its 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee in Botswana, announced the addition of Gujarat’s Garba dance to its esteemed Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity. The Garba dance, a symbol of Gujarati heritage and tradition, is the 15th addition to the UNESCO list from India.
Garba Dance: Embodying Gujarati Tradition and Spirit
Originating from the Indian state of Gujarat, Garba is a traditional folk dance performed during the nine-day Hindu festival of Navratri. The festival is symbolic of the triumph of good over evil. The term ‘Garba’ is derived from the Sanskrit word for womb, suggesting life and creation.
Garba dances exude themes of fertility, womanhood, and veneration of an array of mother goddesses. The ritualistic performance is often tied to significant milestones in a woman’s life such as her first menstrual cycle and impending marriage. Participants dance around a central lamp or a representation of Goddess Shakti, the embodiment of feminine energy.
Garba, characterized by rhythmic music, singing, and clapping, is open to all without any distinction of age, gender or social standing. Its modern form is notably impacted by Dandiya Raas, a dance traditionally performed by men. The coming together of these two dances has given birth to the dynamic and energetic Garba dance we witness today. The dance promotes social equality by breaking down socio-economic and gender barriers, encouraging participation from diverse communities, and strengthening communal ties.
UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage: Safeguarding World’s Cultural Diversity
UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage is a concept that encompasses practices, expressions, knowledge, skills, and cultural spaces that communities, groups, or individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage. As per UNESCO, ICH is “the mainspring of humanity’s cultural diversity and its maintenance a guarantee for continuing creativity.”
In 2003, UNESCO instituted the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, underscoring the international commitment to preserve, promote, and transmit the diverse expressions of human culture. The convention introduces two main lists for ICH: the Representative List, highlighting global ICH diversity, and the Urgent Safeguarding List, identifying threatened ICH and calling for immediate protective measures.
Examples of Intangible Cultural Heritage
ICH examples include languages, oral traditions, literature, and poetry; performing arts like music, dance, and theatre; social practices, rituals, and festive events; knowledge and practices about nature and the universe; and traditional craftsmanship such as pottery, weaving, and metalwork.
India’s Contributions to UNESCO’s ICH list
India has made several significant contributions to the UNESCO’s ICH list with the latest addition being the Garba dance. Previously, Kolkata’s Durga Puja was added in 2021. Other examples from India include Kumbh Mela, Yoga, Buddhist chanting of Ladakh, and Chhau dance. These additions emphasize India’s rich cultural diversity and its commitment to preserving and promoting its traditional art forms.
