UNESCO adds Gujarat's Garba to its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, acknowledging its Global Importance

UNESCO has officially granted approval for the inclusion of Gujarat's traditional Garba dance in its "Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity," as announced by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday. The decision comes after India submitted a nomination for Garba, a dance performed across Gujarat and during the Navratri festival.

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In a statement, Chief Minister Patel expressed his pride in the recognition, stating that the age-old tradition of devotion to Goddess Mother through Garba is thriving. He emphasized that Garba, synonymous with the identity of Gujarat, attaining UNESCO approval reflects the importance given to the country's heritage under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

The inclusion took place during the 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in Kasane, Botswana, starting on Tuesday, under the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

This marks the 15th Intangible Cultural Heritage element from India to be included in the UNESCO list. The inscription highlights Garba's role as a unifying force, promoting social and gender inclusivity. The dance, deeply rooted in ritualistic and devotional aspects, involves participants from all walks of life, continuing to thrive as a vibrant living tradition that brings communities together.

Garba, described by UNESCO as a "ritualistic and devotional dance," is performed during the Navratri festival dedicated to the worship of feminine energy or 'Shakti.' The dance revolves around a lit earthenware pot or an image of the mother goddess Amba, with participants moving in a counter-clockwise circle, using simple movements, singing, and clapping hands in unison.

The dance starts with slow circular movements, gradually building up to frenzied whirling. Garba involves a diverse range of participants, including dancers, musicians, social groups, craftspeople, and religious figures, fostering social equality by transcending socio-economic, gender, and religious boundaries. Recognizing diverse and marginalized communities, Garba strengthens social bonds.

This UNESCO acknowledgment adds Garba to the esteemed list of recognized Indian cultural phenomena, joining the ranks of Ramlila, Vedic Chants, Kumbh Mela, and Durga Puja.

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