Context:
- ‘Garba of Gujarat’ declared as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
- UNESCO recognises Ramadan meal tradition of iftar.
- Inclusion has been made under the provisions of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).
About Garba:
- Belongs to – Gujarat (also performed in Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh)
- Ritualistic and devotional folk dance.
- Performed during festival of Navratri
- Dedicated to worship of the feminine energy or ‘Shakti’.
- It celebrates fertility, honours womanhood, and pays respect to mother goddesses.
- Modern Garba – heavily influenced by Dandiya Raas (dance traditionally performed by men)
Iftar (also called Eftari or Iftor) is observed by Muslims at sunset in the month of Ramadan, upon completion of all religious and ceremonial rites.
About Intangible Cultural Heritage:
- It is the practices, expressions, knowledge and skills that communities, groups and sometimes individuals recognise as part of their cultural heritage.
UNESCO defines ICH as “the mainspring of humanity’s cultural diversity and its maintenance a guarantee for continuing creativity.”
- 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) –
- A commitment to protect, promote, and transmit the diverse expressions of human culture.
- 2 crucial lists –
- Representative List: Showcasing the global diversity of ICH, this list raises awareness of its significance and importance.
- Urgent Safeguarding List: Identifying threatened ICH, this list calls for immediate measures to ensure its survival.
- 5 broad domains –
- Oral traditions
- Performing arts
- Social practices, rituals and festive events
- Knowledge and practices concerning nature
- Traditional craftsmanship
- Significance of Inscription in ICH –
- Raise awareness at the local, national and international levels of importance of ICH.
- Provide for international cooperation and assistance for preserving/safeguarding ICH.
Related Information
Sangeet Natak Akademi as nodal office for matters relating to ICH.
Sangeet Natak Akademi:
- National academy for music, dance and drama.
- An Autonomous Body of the Ministry of Culture
- Purpose – establishes and looks after institutions and projects of national importance in the field of the performing arts
Source: Indian Express | Hindustan Times
Previous Year Question
Consider the following pairs:
Tradition — State
1. Chapchar Kut Festival — Mizoram
2. Khongjom Parba ballad — Manipur
3. Thang-Ta Dance — Sikkim
Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 3 only
(d) 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Thang-Ta is a martial dance of Manipur.
