India hosts the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage from 8 to 13 December 2025 at Red Fort (Lal Qila), New Delhi. Its aims and objective are as under:
- Examining nominations submitted by States Parties for inscription on the UNESCO ICH Lists
- Reviewing the status of existing elements
- Providing international assistance for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage
India currently has 15 elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The details of these elements are placed at annexure.
The core issues likely to be taken up during the meeting are as under:
- Assessment of safeguarding reports submitted by States about existing listed elements
- Requests for international assistance to support safeguarding of ICH
- Discuss “living heritage safeguarding,” best practices, and innovative safeguarding methodologies
- Reporting and future planning for safeguarding of ICH
Over 800 delegates from more than 180 countries, including Committee Members, UNESCO officials, experts, accredited NGOs and practitioners are likely to participate in this event.
Hosting of the said meeting offers several strategic and diplomatic advantages for India and strengthen its collaboration with UNESCO. The meeting will help the country by increasing its global influence and cultural Diplomacy & soft power, providing a platform to showcase its diverse heritage, strengthening international cooperation on cultural preservation and inspiring younger generations to connect with their cultural identity.
The event also provides an opportunity for India to lead discussions on important heritage issues and solidify its position as a global leader in cultural diplomacy.
This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today
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M Annadurai
pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com
Annexure
Details of 15 elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
| S. No. | ICH Heritage | Year of Inscription |
| Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre | 2008 | |
| Tradition of Vedic chanting | 2008 | |
| Ramlila, the traditional performance of the Ramayana | 2008 | |
| Ramman, religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal Himalayas, India | 2009 | |
| Mudiyettu, ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala | 2010 | |
| Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan | 2010 | |
| Chhau dance | 2010 | |
| Buddhist chanting of Ladakh: recitation of sacred Buddhist texts in the trans-Himalayan Ladakh region, Jammu and Kashmir, India | 2012 | |
| Sankirtana, ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur | 2013 | |
| Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab, India | 2014 | |
| Yoga | 2016 | |
| Nawrouz, Novruz, Nowrouz, Nowrouz, Nawrouz, Nauryz, Nooruz, Nowruz, Navruz, Nevruz, Nowruz, Navruz | 2016 | |
| Kumbh Mela | 2017 | |
| Durga Puja in Kolkata | 2021 | |
| Garba of Gujarat | 2023 |
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