UNESCO Acknowledges Garba as Humanity’s Cultural Heritage

United Nations, December 7: UNESCO has officially designated Gujarat’s traditional dance Garba as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” (ICHH). This recognition underlines Garba’s status as a vibrant expression that promotes inclusivity and pays homage to the feminine energy of Shakti.

The decision was taken by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage during its meeting in Kasane, Botswana. Garba, a vibrant dance form, is performed during the nine days of the Navratri festival, dedicated to the worship of Shakti.

UNESCO stressed that intangible cultural heritage plays an important role in preserving cultural diversity amid globalization. Garba, integral to Gujarati culture in India and among the Indian diaspora globally, goes far beyond a religious ritual. It acts as a unifying force, breaking down socio-economic, gender and communal barriers, promoting social equality.

In addition to monuments and tangible objects, cultural heritage includes traditions, oral expressions, performing arts, rituals, celebratory events, and knowledge passed down from generations. UNESCO hopes that designating Garba as an ICHH will contribute to its continued vitality, inspiring communities, especially younger generations, to maintain the related knowledge, skills and oral traditions.

Garba now joins twelve other elements from India on the ICHH list, such as Vedic chanting, Chhau dance, Mudiyettu dance drama of Kerala, Ramlila performance, Buddhist chanting of Ladakh and Durga Puja. Additionally, the committee also recognized rickshaws and rickshaw painting in Dhaka during the same session.