Which dance form of India has been inscribed into UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity ?

Garba, a traditional dance from Gujarat, was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2023 [2]. It became India's 15th inscription on this prestigious list, joining other elements like Yoga and Kumbh Mela [2]. Garba is a ritualistic and devotional dance performed during the festival of Navaratri to worship feminine energy or 'Shakti' [2]. While other dance forms like Chhau and Kalbelia are also on the list, Kathakali, Bhangra, and Odissi are not currently inscribed as individual elements [4]. The list, established under the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, aims to protect living traditions, performing arts, and social practices [1]. Recent additions to the list also include India's Diwali, which was unveiled during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee.

Sources

1. [2] https://india.un.org/en/255203-garba-joins-unesco-list-intangible-cultural-heritage
2. [1] https://20com2025.culture.gov.in/intangible_cultural_heritage_in_India
3. [4] https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2024/jul/doc2024715349801.pdf