Indian Intangible Cultural Heritage List of UNESCO
1. Vedic chanting tradition
Ancient oral recitation of the sacred Vedic texts. The Vedic tradition consists of a number of texts and commentaries collected in the four Vedas. They are commonly called "books of knowledge", although they were transmitted orally.
2. Ramlila, a traditional performance of the Ramayana
It is a traditional performance of the Ramayana enacted across North India. Ramlila, literally meaning "Rama's play", is a series of performances of the epic Ramayana, which include song, narration, recitation and dialogue. It commemorates the war between Rama and Ravana and includes a series of dialogues between gods, sages, and devotees.
3. Koodiyattam
(Sanskrit drama)
Koodiyattam is the first Indian dance form to be recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of India by UNESCO. It is one of the ancient Sanskrit drama forms. Guru Mani Madhava Chakyar's work on Koodiyattam is 'Natyakalpadrumam'.
4. Ramman, festival and drama (2009)
Religious festival and ritual theatre in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It is a ceremony that involves very complex rituals. It includes the recitation of the epic of Rama and various legends, and the presentation of songs and masked dances.
5. Mudiyettu (2010)
An art form commonly practiced in southern Kerala and Kochi. It is a ritual dance drama from Kerala enacting the tale of Kali and Darika. It is the second art form from Kerala to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
6. Kalbelia (2010)
Songs and dances are expressions of the traditional way of life of the Kalbelia community. Once professional snake handlers, the Kalbelia revive their ancient profession through music and dance, which are evolving in new and creative ways.
7. Chhau Dance (2010)
Chhau dance is the main dance form of Odisha. Chhau dance depicts episodes from epics including the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, as well as local folklore. It has its origins in indigenous dance forms and martial arts.
8. Buddhist chanting of Ladakh (2012)
In monasteries and villages in the Ladakh region, Buddhist lamas (priests) chant sacred texts that represent the spirit, philosophy, and teachings of the Buddha.
9. Sankirtana (2013)
Artists present the life and deeds of Krishna through song and dance. Ritual singing, drumming, and dancing expressing religious devotion in Manipur.
10. Thathera Brass/Copper Craft (2014)
Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making in Punjab.
11. Yoga
Ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice originating in India. Yoga is based on unifying the mind with the body and spirit to ensure greater mental, spiritual and physical well-being.
12. Nowruz / Navroz (2016)
Navroz is the Parsi New Year spring celebration. An important tradition observed during this time is to gather around a 'table' and eat a special meal with loved ones. The table is decorated with objects that symbolize purity, brightness, livelihood and wealth.
13. Kumbh Mela (2017)
The Kumbh Mela is the largest gathering of Hindu devotees in the world. The Kumbh Mela is held four times in every twelve years in four major locations. These are Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. The Mahakumbh Mela will be held for the twelfth year. It is estimated that 60 million people participate in this fair held in Prayag. The Ardha Kumbh Mela is held every six years.
14. Durga Puja
Durga Puja is an annual festival in the city of Kolkata that marks the ten-day worship of the Hindu mother goddess Durga. The worship of the goddess begins on the opening day of the month of Mahalaya, with eyes painted on clay idols to bring the goddess to life. On the tenth day, Durga Puja concludes with the immersion of the clay idols in the river, where clay was taken.
15. Garba
Garba is a ritual and devotional circle dance performed during the Hindu festival of Navratri in the state of Gujarat. It is dedicated to the worship of female power or 'Shakti'.
16. Deepavali (2025)
The widely celebrated pan-Indian festival of lights.
0 Comments