1 / 7Garba of Gujarat | Inscribed in 2023, Garba is a mesmerising and devotional dance, and an integral part of Navratri celebrations. Participants gracefully encircle a clay lantern or the image of the goddess Amba, moving in a harmonious, counter-clockwise dance. Simple yet profound, Garba involves singing and synchronised clapping, creating a captivating spectacle.
2 / 7Durga Puja in Kolkata | Durga Puja in Kolkata, inscribed in 2021, is an annual festival held in September or October that captivates Kolkata and resonates across India and the Bengali diaspora. The festival serves as a unifying force, breaking down barriers of class, religion, and ethnicity as crowds gather to admire elaborate installations. A cultural extravaganza, Durga Puja transcends boundaries, fostering a sense of collective celebration.
3 / 7Kumbh Mela | Inscribed in 2017 and regarded as the largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims globally, Kumbh Mela is a monumental event held at Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik every four years. Millions of devotees, regardless of caste or creed, converge to bathe in sacred rivers, seeking spiritual purification. The festival stands as a testament to the profound cultural and religious diversity thriving in India.
4 / 7Nowruz (Persian New Year) | Inscribed in 2016, Nowruz, heralding the Persian New Year, is celebrated in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, and among Parsis in India. The festivities include a symbolic gathering around 'the Table,' adorned with items representing purity, brightness, livelihood, and wealth. Nowruz transcends borders, emphasising shared traditions and the joy of communal feasting.
5 / 7Yoga | Inscribed in 2016, Yoga, a holistic practice comprising poses, meditation, controlled breathing, and chanting, aims at self-realisation and well-being. Widely embraced across age groups, genders, and religions, Yoga has transcended borders, becoming a global phenomenon. Its universal appeal lies in promoting physical and mental health, fostering harmony, and enhancing self-awareness.
6 / 7Utensil Making among the Thatheras | Inscribed in 2014, the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab, uphold the traditional art of crafting brass and copper utensils. Passed down orally from father to son, the intricate process involves shaping metal into utensils with skillful hammering and unique designs. This cultural heritage showcases the resilience and continuity of traditional craftsmanship.
7 / 7Sankirtana of Manipur | Inscribed in 2013, Sankirtana, a rich cultural practice in Manipur, involves various arts performed during religious occasions and significant life stages of the Vaishnava people. Performances, featuring song and dance, unfold in temples, narrating the life and deeds of Krishna. A captivating blend of tradition and artistry, Sankirtana brings communities together in shared devotion and celebration.
