Indian elements on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List
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Kutiyattam
One of the oldest living theatrical traditions in the southern state of Kerala, Kutiyattam was inscribed in the list by UNESCO in 2008.
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Ramlila
Inscribed in 2008, the traditional theatrical performance of the epic Ramayana is called Ramlila. Widely performed in North India during Dussehra .
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Ramman
The villages of Saloor and Dungra in Uttarakhand light up to the occasion of Ramman where villagers gather to worship the local governing god Bhumiyal Devta. The festival was inscribed on the UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2009.
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Chhau Dance
The folk dance from eastern India, which was included in UNESCO’s list in 2010, is mainly based on three distinct styles that emerged from the villages of Seraikella, Purulia and Mayurbhanj.
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Kalbelia songs and dance
Included in the list of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010 is Kalbelia folk songs and dance. The Kalbelia community of Rajasthan takes pride in their traditional dance and songs
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Mudiyettu
Another cultural heritage that made it to the list in 2010 was Kerala’s ritualistic theatre, Mudiyettu.
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Buddhist chanting
The holy Buddhist chanting from the trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh was inscribed on the UNESCO’s list in 2012.
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Sankirtana
This traditional art form from Manipur was inscribed on UNESCO’s list in 2013. It is performed mainly to portray tales and episodes from Lord Krishna’s life by the Vaishnava community of the region.
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Traditional brass and copper craft of making utensil
Inscribed in 2014, this intangible cultural heritage is extremely unique. Pioneers of this craft are the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru of Punjab.
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Yoga
Yoga needs no introduction. Inscribed on the list in 2016, this age-old Indian practice unifies the mind, body and soul.
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Kumbh Mela
Inscribed in 2017, Kumbh Mela, or the festival of the sacred Pitcher is the world’s largest peaceful congregation of people.
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Durga puja
One popular festival among them is the Durga Puja, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a matter of pride for the Indians, the Bengalis, to be precise.