This marks India's 15th element on the list, highlighting the country's diverse intangible cultural heritage
In a momentous cultural achievement, the Garba dance, originating from Gujarat, India, has been recognized and added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This landmark announcement on Wednesday (December 6, 2023), which reverberates the rich cultural heritage of India, has garnered widespread appreciation and acknowledgment, including from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
 
The Inscription and Its Significance
 
The inclusion of Garba on the UNESCO list corroborates to the dance's cultural and historical significance. It marks India's 15th element on the list, highlighting the country's diverse intangible cultural heritage.
 
Garba is a ritualistic dance performed during the nine-day festival of Navaratri, symbolizing devotion and vibrant cultural expression. The inscription of the dance form celebrates its cultural significance and translates the importance of preserving and promoting such valuable cultural treasures for future generations.
 
Prime Minister's Response
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his elation over this global acknowledgment. He hailed Garba as a "celebration of life, unity, and our deep-rooted traditions," emphasizing that its inscription showcases the beauty of Indian culture to the world.
 
“Garba is a celebration of life, unity and our deep-rooted traditions. Its inscription on the Intangible Heritage List showcases to the world the beauty of Indian culture. This honour inspires us to preserve and promote our heritage for future generations. Congrats for this global acknowledgment,” he wrote on social media platform X.
 
The Prime Minister's reaction reflects a sense of national pride and a commitment to preserving India's rich cultural heritage.
 
The Prime Minister has actively shared his thoughts and creative works related to Garba on social media. He has penned a Garba himself, which was given voice and music by artists, showing his personal connection and reverence for the dance form. Moreover, he has extended Navratri greetings through social media, underlining the cultural significance of the festival and the dance.
 
Other Notable Reactions
 
The inscription has also been lauded by other prominent figures. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel termed it a "proud moment for Gujarat and India," while Telangana BJP chief G Kishan Reddy recognized it as a testimony to the government's efforts in showcasing India's rich culture and traditions globally.
 
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his deep appreciation and pride for the inclusion of the traditional dance in UNESCO's list. He highlighted Garba as an age-old dance form that symbolizes the beauty and resilience of Indian culture. Shah noted that the dance brings the community together with its rhythmic harmony, and its inscription on the Intangible Heritage List serves as a global recognition of these qualities.
 
He also emphasized that this moment is not only a proud one for Gujarat and India but also a reminder of the responsibility to promote and preserve such cultural treasures.
 
The Journey to UNESCO's List
 
Garba's journey to being recognized as the world's intangible heritage is marked by its deep cultural roots and widespread popularity. The decision to include Garba on the list was reached at the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Kasane, Botswana. The dance form, integral to the Hindu festival of Navaratri, involves participants encircling a symbolic representation of the goddess Amba, reflecting the dance's spiritual and communal essence.
 
UNESCO's Citation for Garba
 
UNESCO recognizes Garba as more than just a dance form; it is a vibrant cultural tradition passed down through generations in various settings, from bustling urban landscapes to tranquil rural areas. This rich cultural inheritance is perpetuated through dedicated practice, dynamic live performances, and the keen observation and emulation by younger generations.
 
Garba holds a prestigious position among a diverse array of global cultural practices. Recent inclusions to the list include Dhaka's iconic rickshaws and their unique paintings, Indonesia's Jamu wellness tradition, and Thailand's renowned Songkran festival.
 
India's cultural repertoire is well-represented on this list, showcasing elements like the Nawrouz festival, Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja from Kolkata, Ramlila, and the ancient Vedic Chants. As of January 2022, the list features 14 distinct elements from India, showcasing the rich tapestry of global cultural diversity as recognized by UNESCO.
 
This recognition of Garba on an international stage like UNESCO not honours the dance form while shining a spotlight on India's rich cultural tapestry, encouraging global appreciation and preservation of diverse cultural expressions.