Gujarat’s Garba Receives UNESCO Recognition 

Garba, a traditional dance form of Gujarat, has received global recognition by being included in UNESCO’s representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). During the Navratri festival, this dance form was nominated for its inclusion. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, was the one who announced the achievement on social media platform X( formerly known as Twitter) on 6th December. 

The official website of UNESCO describes Garba as ‘A ritualistic and devotional dance that is performed on the occasion of Navaratri, which is dedicated to the worship of the feminine energy or ‘Shakti”. Garba is a religious dance that is performed to honour Goddess Amba. Traditionally, the dance is performed by women. The dancers move around in a circle, using simple movements while singing and clapping their hands. 

UNESCO started this list to protect the culture and heritage around the world. Garba became the 15th Indian cultural heritage to join the list. Some other famous Indian festivals that are part of the list are Durga Puja and Kumbh Mela.

In celebration of this remarkable achievement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his joy on the social media platform named X. He described Garbas as a celebration of life, unity and deep-rooted traditions.