India’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Inscribed by UNESCO
Context:
India will host the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) from December 8–13, 2025, in New Delhi
The historic Red Fort complex has been chosen as the venue, symbolizing the convergence of India's tangible and intangible heritage.
This coincides with the 20th anniversary of India's ratification of the 2003 Convention for Safeguarding ICH.
India has served on the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for three terms.
To date, 15 Indian elements have been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative list
Intangible Cultural Heritage in India:
India, as a signatory to the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi, as the national nodal agency in coordinating India’s nominations to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
To date, 15 Indian elements have been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This year (2025), India has nominated Chhath Mahaparva and Diwali for UNESCO’s ICH List.
The Ministry of Culture (MoC), and its autonomous body, the Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) are the nodal agencies to host the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee at the Red Fort (Lal Qila) in New Delhi.
India’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Elements Inscribed by UNESCO:
Year
Intangible heritage
Description
2008
Kutiyattam (Sanskrit Theatre,Kerala)
Sanskrit Theatre from Kerala, over 2,000 years old, combining Sanskrit classicism with local traditions.
2008
Vedic Chanting
Oral recitation of the Vedas, dating back over 3,500 years, preserving ancient philosophical and ritualistic knowledge.
2008
Ramlila
Traditional performance of the Ramayana during Dussehra, dramatizing Lord Rama's life.
2009
Ramman (Saloor -Dungra villages of Uttarakhand)
Religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal Himalayas (UK), celebrating the deity Bhumiyal Devta.
2010
Chhau Dance (Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal)
A dance form from Eastern India fusing martial arts and storytelling with colorful masks.
2010
Kalbelia (Rajasthan)
Folk songs and dances of Rajasthan's Kalbelia community, known for mimicking serpents.
2010
Mudiyettu (Kerala)
Ritual theatre and dance drama from Kerala enacting the victory of Goddess Kali over the demon Darika.
2012
Buddhist Chanting (Ladakh)
Recitation of sacred Buddhist texts by monks in Ladakh, accompanied by music and dance.
2013
Sankirtana (Manipur)
Ritual singing, drumming, and dancing from Manipur narrating Krishna's life.
2014
Thatheras of Jandiala Guru de Thathere (Punjab)
Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab.
2016
Novruz
Persian New Year marking the arrival of spring, a shared heritage celebrating renewal and peace.
2016
Yoga
Ancient practice harmonizing body, mind, and soul, rooted in Indian philosophy.
2017
Kumbh Mela
The world's largest congregation of pilgrims for spiritual purification at sacred rivers.
2021
Durga Puja (Kolkata, West Bengal)
A grand celebration in Kolkata honoring Goddess Durga's triumph over evil.
2023
Garba (Gujarat)
A rhythmic circular dance from Gujarat performed during Navaratri to honor divine feminine energy.