India Celebrates Cultural Heritage at UNESCO Meeting in Red Fort
A Grand Showcase of India's Intangible Heritage
New Delhi: India is proudly displaying its vibrant cultural heritage at the Red Fort, where the inaugural ceremony for a significant UNESCO meeting focused on ‘safeguarding intangible legacy’ commenced on Sunday evening.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is the chief guest at this event. The 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) is set to take place at the historic Red Fort from December 8 to 13.
This marks the first occasion that India is hosting a session of the UNESCO committee. Notable attendees at the opening ceremony included Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and India’s Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Vishal V. Sharma.
UNESCO has stated that the session will review nominations from state parties for inclusion on the UNESCO ICH lists, assess the status of existing elements, and offer international support for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage.
Vishal V. Sharma will preside over the session. Guests arriving at the venue were greeted with traditional Mysuru headgear and scarves, while outside, performers showcased various dance forms, including Punjab's bhangra, Assam's bihu, and tribal dances.
Exhibits set up in British-era barracks by the National Museum and the National Gallery of Modern Art will captivate delegates from around the globe.
The venue also features displays of India's intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO, such as Kolkata's Durga Puja and Gujarat's Garba.
In his speech, Shekhawat remarked that the Red Fort has been a significant witness to India's enduring legacy. He emphasized that hosting this meeting is not only a point of pride but also a reminder of the cultural values rooted in India's rich history.
He stated, “This event serves as a gateway for dialogue among civilizations.”
Ambassador Sharma highlighted the importance of intangible cultural heritage in India, noting, “Communities are the heartbeats of heritage.”
On December 5, Union Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal announced that India’s nomination for the ‘Deepavali’ festival will be discussed during the UNESCO meeting on December 10, aiming for its inclusion on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
He expressed optimism for a favorable outcome, having submitted the nomination dossier in 2023 for the 2024-25 cycle.
Currently, India boasts 15 elements inscribed on the prestigious UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, including the Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja, Garba dance, yoga, Vedic chanting traditions, and Ramlila, the traditional performance of the Ramayana.
Aggarwal mentioned that over 1,000 delegates from 190 countries are anticipated to attend the event. The 17th-century fort complex will be closed to the public from December 5 to 14 due to the event.
Constructed by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as the palace fort of his capital, Shahjahanabad, the Red Fort complex is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a centrally protected monument.