Gujarat's popular Garba dance, mostly performed in community circles, has achieved a significant milestone. The dance form has made it to the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity by UNESCO. The news was announced by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday.
This prestigious recognition was granted under the provisions of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage during the 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Kasane, Botswana.
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The inclusion of Garba marks the 15th ICH element from India to join this distinguished list, signifying the dance form's cultural significance. Garba, deeply rooted in ritualistic and devotional traditions, plays a pivotal role in promoting social and gender inclusivity. An official release stressed the dance form's enduring vibrancy, which brings diverse communities together in a celebration of cultural richness.
Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy took to social media to express the nation's pride in this achievement. Reddy highlighted Garba's symbolic representation of celebration, devotion, gender inclusivity, and social equality, transcending geographical boundaries.
The inscription of Garba in UNESCO's prestigious list is seen as a testament to the relentless efforts led by the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to showcase India's rich cultural heritage to the global community.
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UNESCO’s 2003 convention on Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, through its intergovernmental committee, recognised 'Garba of Gujarat' during its 18th session in Botswana. The UNESCO New Delhi cluster office also shared the excitement, announcing, "Excited to share that #Garba of Gujarat is now India’s 15th inscription on the @UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity!"
Garba is traditionally performed during Navratri, dedicated to the worship of feminine energy or Shakti.
Previous Indian inclusions in the prestigious list include Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021), Kumbh Mela (2017), and Yoga (2016).
