Deepavali now on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, Pg13

Key Highlights:

• Deepavali, the festival of light, was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on Wednesday.
• The decision occurred during a UNESCO meeting held at the Red Fort.
• India submitted the Deepavali nomination dossier to UNESCO in 2023 for the 2024-25 cycle.
• India has nominated Bihar's Chhath Puja for consideration in the next UNESCO cycle.
• This marks the first time India is hosting a session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).
• India now has 15 elements inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Detailed Insights:

• UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee advances the objectives of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• The nomination process for Deepavali involved diverse communities providing inputs, consent letters, and testimonials.
• The Sangeet Natak Akademi, the nodal agency for ICH matters, formed a committee of experts to ensure regional representation in the nomination.
• Intangible cultural heritage includes traditions, languages, music, craftsmanship, and other expressions of culture owned by all.
• The 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee is being held at the Red Fort from December 8 to 13.
• Other Indian elements on the UNESCO list include Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja, Garba dance, yoga, Vedic chanting, and Ramlila.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Intangible Cultural Heritage: Cultural practices, traditions, knowledge, and skills that communities recognize as part of their cultural heritage.
• UNESCO: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which aims to promote international collaboration through education, science, and culture.
• Sangeet Natak Akademi: The national academy of music, dance and drama in India, responsible for preserving and promoting the performing arts.