Union Culture Minister launches the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of India

On the occasion of the World Heritage Day, Union Ministry for Culture launched the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage(ICH) of India in Delhi. The National ICH List is an attempt to recognize the diversity of Indian culture embedded in its intangible heritage.

New Delhi:Union Minister for Culture, Independent Charge, Prahlad Singh Patel launched the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage(ICH) of India on Saturday in Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion of the World Heritage Day, Patel said that India houses a repository of unique Intangible Cultural Heritage(ICH) traditions, 13 of which have also been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

"The National ICH List is an attempt to recognize the diversity of Indian culture embedded in its intangible heritage. It aims to raise awareness about the various intangible cultural heritage elements from different states of India at the national and international level and ensure their protection," he said.

This initiative, as a part of the Vision 2024 of the Ministry of Culture, aims to raise awareness about the various intangible cultural heritage elements from different states of India at national and international level and ensure their protection.

Following the UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, this list has been classified into five broad domains.

They are oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage; performing arts; social practices, rituals and festive events; knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe; and traditional craftsmanship.

It is to be noted that the list has more than 100 elements already but may be considered as a draft version, as the Ministry of Culture endeavours to update it regularly.