UNESCO has authorised the traditional Garba dance of Gujarat to be included in its "Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity," chief minister Bhupendra Patel said. Garba, which is performed during the Navratri festival throughout Gujarat and many other regions of the country, was nominated by India to be on the list.
The age-old tradition of devotion to Goddess Mother in the form of Garba is alive and growing. Garba which has become the identity of Gujarat has been approved by UNESCO under its intangible cultural heritage list, Patel said in a post on X.
This is a moment of pride for Gujaratis spread all over the world. This is a result of importance being given to the heritage of the country under prime minister Narendra Modi's leadership and such heritage being taken to the world. Congratulations to the people of Gujarat, Patel further said.
During the 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which got underway in Kasane, Botswana, the inclusion was made in accordance with the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Garba of Gujarat is the 15th ICH element from India to join this list. This inscription underscores Garba's pivotal role as a unifying force that fosters social and gender inclusivity. Garba as a dance form is entrenched deeply in ritualistic and devotional roots, involving people from all walks of life and it continues to thrive as a vibrant living tradition bringing communities together, an official release said.