LIST OF UNESCO INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGES IN INDIA

1. VEDIC CHANTING TRADITION (2008)

The Vedas are considered the source of knowledge and the sacred foundation of Hinduism, one of the world's oldest surviving cultural traditions. There are four types of Vedas – Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda.

 

2. RAMLILA, TRADITIONAL PERFORMANCE OF RAMAYANA (2008)

Ramleela is a stage show consisting of a sequence of episodes from the Ramayana. It is played throughout North India during the Dussehra festival and is based on Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas.

 

3. KUTIYATTAM, SANSKRIT THEATRE (2008)

Kutiyattam, one of the oldest surviving theatrical traditions in the southern state of Kerala, was added to the list by UNESCO in 2008. Kuttampalams are traditional theatres, usually located in Hindu temples, and are where Kuttiyattam is traditionally performed.

 

4. RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL AND RITUAL THEATRE OF RAMMAN, GARHWAL HIMALAYA, INDIA (2009)

The Uttarakhand villages of Salur and Dungra light up for Ramman when residents come to pay respect to Bhumiyal Devta, the local governing deity. In 2009, the festival was included in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.

 

5. MUDIYETTU, RELIGIOUS THEATER AND DANCE DRAMA OF KERALA (2010)

Mudiyettu is another cultural heritage that was added to the list in 2010. This theatrical performance enacts the mythological account of the battle of Goddess Kali with the demon Darika in the temples known as 'Bhagavathi Kavas' located in the villages along the banks of Chalakkudi Puzha, Periyar, and Moovattupuzha rivers.

 

6. KALBELIA FOLK SONGS AND DANCES OF RAJASTHAN (2010)

Kalbelia is an Indian intangible cultural heritage. It is believed that he is the descendant of the ancestors of Kanlipar, the twelfth disciple of Guru Gorakhnath. This troupe of snake charmers and dancers was historically hired by royal families for festive entertainment.

 

7. CHHAU DANCE (2010)

Chhau, a dance tradition, re-enacts scenes from epics such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana, as well as local folklore and abstract concepts. East Indian folk dance, which was included in the UNESCO list in 2010, is based mostly on three styles that evolved from the villages of Seraikela, Purulia, and Mayurbhanj.

 

8. BUDDHIST CHANTING OF LADAKH: RECITATION OF SACRED BUDDHIST TEXTS IN THE TRANS-HIMALAYAN LADAKH REGION, JAMMU AND KASHMIR, INDIA (2012)

In 2012, UNESCO listed sacred Buddhist chanting from the Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh on its list. Buddhist priests or lamas recite the teachings and philosophy of Lord Buddha in the form of hymns in every monastery and community in the region. Ladakh is home to two schools of Buddhism, Mahayana, and Vajrayana, as well as four important sects, Nyangama, Kagyud, Sakya, and Geluk.

 

9. SANKIRTAN, RITUAL SINGING, DRUMMING AND DANCE OF MANIPUR (2013)

Sankirtan performances bring the community together, ushering in harmony and unity among the Vaishnav community of Manipur. In 2013, UNESCO included this Manipur indigenous art in its list. It is mostly performed by the Vaishnav community of the region to depict stories and episodes from the life of Lord Krishna.

 

10. TRADITIONAL BRASS AND COPPER CRAFT OF POTTERY AMONG THE THATHARS OF JANDIALA GURU, PUNJAB, INDIA (2014)

This intangible cultural property, inscribed in 2014, is exceptionally rare. The banter of Jandiala Guru in Punjab is the originator of this skill. They use copper, brass, and other alloys which are said to be beneficial for health.

 

11. YOGA (2016)

This age-old Indian practice connects the mind, body, and spirit and was added to the list in 2016. The free-hand exercise is designed to have a relaxing effect and make you feel at home with nature. Earlier, it was passed directly from Guru (teacher) to Shishya (student), but now there are yoga ashrams and wellness centers that provide training to anyone to practice it.

 

12. NOWRUZ (2016)

Nowruz was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. People often wish for wealth and new beginnings in the New Year. Navroz, celebrated in many countries including India, celebrates the beginning of a new year and is marked with a variety of rites, ceremonies, and other cultural activities that last about two weeks.

 

13. KUMBH MELA (2017)

The Kumbh Mela is the world's largest peaceful gathering of pilgrims, during which people take a bath or dip in the sacred river. Ascetics, saints, sages, aspirants, Kalpavasis, and guests from the congregation. Every four years, the event is held in Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik, and is attended by millions of people regardless of caste, creed, or gender.

 

14. DURGA PUJA IN KOLKATA (2021)

Durga Puja in Kolkata was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during its 16th session which took place in Paris, France from 13 to 18 December 2021. It is the tenth day of devotion to the Hindu mother goddess Durga.

 

15. GARBA (2023)

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 on 6^th December 2023. Garba is a dance that accepts, worships, and celebrates divinity in its feminine form. The word “Garba” is derived from the Sanskrit word garbha, meaning “Womb.”