Government launches the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of India

News: Ministry of Culture launched National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of India

Facts:

• Aim: To raise awareness about the various intangible cultural heritage elements from different states of India at national and international level and ensure their protection.
• Classification:
  • Oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage;
  • Performing arts;
  • Social practices, rituals and festive events;
  • Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe;
  • Traditional craftsmanship

Additional Facts:

Intangible cultural heritage: It means the traditions or living expressions inherited from our ancestors and passed through generations as a way of life.

Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Heritage

• It was adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2003 and entered into force in 2006.
• Objectives:
  • to safeguard the expressions of intangible cultural heritage that are endangered by the processes of globalization;
  • to ensure respect for the intangible cultural heritage of the communities, groups and individuals;
  • to raise awareness at the local, national and international levels of the importance of the intangible cultural heritage.

Intangible Cultural Heritages from India included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

• India has a total of 13 intangible cultural heritages included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
• These include: Kutiyattam, the tradition of Vedic chanting, Ramlila, Ramman, Mudiyettu, Kalbelia folk songs and dances, Chauu Dance, Buddhist chanting of Ladakh, Sankritana, Craft of the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Nowruz, Yoga, and Kumbh Mela