Indians in Paris celebrate as UNESCO declared Gujarat’s ‘Garba’ as intangible cultural heritage

A huge crowd in Paris participates in the Garba of Gujarat dance on getting the certificate of inscription from UNESCO. India’s incredible intangible cultural heritage. Garba, the famed traditional dance form of Gujarat has been declared as an Intangible Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation

The streets of Paris came alive with the vibrant rhythms and graceful movements of Garba as participants, adorned in traditional attire, filled the air with joyous cheers and spirited dances. The event served as a poignant tribute to the centuries-old tradition, which holds immense cultural significance for the people of Gujarat and beyond.

Garba, characterised by its intricate footwork, rhythmic clapping, and vibrant costumes, has long been celebrated as a symbol of unity, joy, and community bonding during festivals such as Navratri. Its inclusion in UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage highlights its universal appeal and enduring cultural relevance.

Speaking at the event, Indian diplomats expressed pride and gratitude for the global recognition bestowed upon Garba, emphasizing its role in fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. They lauded the efforts of the Gujarat community in preserving and promoting this cherished cultural art form, ensuring its legacy continues to thrive for future generations.

In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, UNESCO posted, “New inscription on the Intangible Heritage List: Garba of Gujarat, India. Congratulations!”

The decision was made during the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, underway at the Cresta Mowana Resort in Kasane, Botswana.

Garba is a ritualistic and devotional dance that is performed on the occasion of the Hindu festival of Navaratri.
The dance takes place around a perforated earthenware pot lit with an oil lamp, or an image of the mother goddess Amba.

Participating dancers move around the centre in a counter-clockwise circle, using simple movements while singing and clapping their hands in unison.

The Gujarati dance starts with slow circular movements and the tempo slowly builds up to a frenzied whirling.
The practitioners and bearers of Garba include from the dancers to the musicians, social groups, craftspeople and religious figures involved in the festivities and preparations, according to a citation by UNESCO.
Garba is transmitted across generations in urban and rural areas through practice, performance, imitation, and observation, it said.

Apart from Garba, the Rickshaws and rickshaw painting in Dhaka, Bangladesh; Jamu wellness culture of Indonesia, Songkran in Thailand, the traditional Thai New Year festival, have also become new inscriptions on UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage List, amongst many others. As of January 2022, a total of 14 Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) elements are inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

These include the traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making of the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru in Punjab, the Nawrouz festival, the Kumbh Mela, the Durga Puja of Kolkata, Ramlila and Vedic Chants.