- India has begun hosting, for the first time, the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage under UNESCO.
- The event is being held from December 8–13 at the historic Red Fort, marking a significant milestone in India’s cultural diplomacy.
- The Prime Minister, in a written message read during the inauguration, emphasised that intangible heritage carries the moral and emotional memories of societies, and preserving it is essential for safeguarding cultural diversity worldwide.
- He reiterated that India views heritage not as nostalgia, but as a living and evolving knowledge system, expressed through festivals, craftsmanship, rituals, music and embodied traditions.
- The External Affairs Minister, addressing the delegates, highlighted that intangible heritage represents the most democratic form of culture, owned collectively by communities and transmitted across generations.
- As per UNESCO regulation one nomination is submitted in every two year cycle for inclusion in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.
- For the 2025-26 cycle, Deepawali has been nominated for inclusion in the ICH list. Chhath Mahaparv has been nominated for the cycle 2026-27.
- India currently has 15 intangible cultural practices inscribed on UNESCO’s heritage list.
- The session will review new nominations, strengthen global frameworks for safeguarding traditions, and improve multilateral cooperation.
- India’s hosting signifies the country’s evolving global cultural leadership and aligns with its broader approach of being a bridge between ancient heritage and modern aspirations.
Indian ICH heritage inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the ICH of Humanity
S. No. | ICH Heritage | Year of Inscription | State/ Union Territory |
| 1. | Tradition of Vedic chanting | 2008 | All states |
| 2. | Ramlila, the traditional performance of the Ramayana | 2008 | All states |
| 3. | Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre | 2008 | Kerela |
| 4. | Ramman, religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal Himalayas, India | 2009 | Uttarakhand |
| 5. | Mudiyettu, ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala | 2010 | Kerela |
| 6. | Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan | 2010 | Rajasthan |
| 7. | Chhau dance | 2010 | Eastern India (West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha) |
| 8. | Buddhist chanting of Ladakh: recitation of sacred Buddhist texts in the trans-Himalayan Ladakh region, Jammu and Kashmir, India | 2012 | UT of Ladakh, UT of Jammu & Kashmir |
| 9. | Sankirtana, ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur | 2013 | Manipur |
| 10. | Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab, India | 2014 | Punjab |
| 11. | Yoga | 2016 | All States |
| 12. | Nawrouz, Novruz, Nowrouz, Nowrouz, Nawrouz, Nauryz, Nooruz, Nowruz, Navruz, Nevruz, Nowruz, Navruz | 2016 | All states |
| 13. | Kumbh Mela | 2017 | Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh |
| 14. | Durga Puja in Kolkata | 2021 | West Bengal |
| 15. | Garba of Gujarat | 2023 | Gujarat |
Exam Hook — Prelims Question
Q. Which of the following recently hosted the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee of UNESCO for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage?
(a) France
(b) India
(c) Japan
(d) Egypt
Answer: (b) India
Q. Consider the following statements regarding UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH):
- It focuses primarily on preservation of monuments and historical architecture.
- India hosted the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee on ICH in 2025.
Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: (b) 2 only
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