Gujarat’s popular Garba dance has been
included in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of
Humanity by UNESCO, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said on Wednesday.
The inclusion has been made under the
provisions of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural
Heritage during the 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the
Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage which began in Kasane,
Botswana on Tuesday.
“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.
PTI
