India is a land of rich and diverse cultural heritage. From music and dance to cuisine and art, India is a treasure trove of intangible cultural heritage elements that need to be preserved and promoted. The UNESCO has recognized 14 such intangible cultural heritage elements of India, which are in dire need of protection and promotion. In this blog post, we will explore these 14 intangible cultural heritage elements of India in detail.
1. Badaga Dance of Karnataka
The Badaga dance is performed by the Badaga community of Karnataka and is an important part of their religious and cultural events. It is a group dance where dancers form a circle and move in a clockwise direction while singing songs in praise of their god. The dance involves intricate footwork and hand gestures.
2. Chhau Dance of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha
Chhau is a tribal dance form practiced in Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. It is a high-energy dance form characterized by acrobatic movements and martial arts techniques. There are three forms of Chhau- Seraikella, Purulia, and Mayurbhanj, each with its distinct style and technique.
3. Kalbelia Dance of Rajasthan
The Kalbelia dance is a traditional dance form of the Kalbelia community of Rajasthan. It is known for its fluid and graceful movements and involves a lot of spinning and twirling. The dancers wear colorful costumes and perform to the beats of the ‘poongi’ or the snake-charmer’s instrument.
4. Koodiyattam of Kerala
Koodiyattam is an ancient Sanskrit theater form that originated in Kerala. It is a highly ritualistic and stylized form of theater, involving intricate hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements. The themes of Koodiyattam are based on the Hindu epics and mythology.
5. Mudiyettu of Kerala
Mudiyettu is a traditional ritualistic theater art form of Kerala. It is a highly symbolic form of theater that depicts the triumph of good over evil. The performance involves elaborate makeup, costumes, and masks, with the performers enacting characters from Hindu mythology.
6. Ramman of Uttarakhand
Ramman is a folk theater form of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It is an elaborate and colorful form of theater that is performed once every year during the Bikhauti Mela. The performance involves the singing of hymns and a procession that culminates in the representation of an ancient battle.
7. Sankirtana of Manipur
Sankirtana is a traditional devotional art form of Manipur that combines music, dance, and theater. The performance involves a group of singers, led by a main singer, who sing devotional songs while playing the ‘dholak’ and ‘mridang’. The dancers perform intricate footwork and hand gestures, accompanied by the music.
8. Thatheras of Punjab
Thatheras are a community of skilled metalworkers from Punjab who practice the ancient art of brass and copper utensil making. The craftsmen use traditional techniques to make utensils of various shapes and sizes, which are highly durable and aesthetically pleasing.
9. Traditional Brass and Copper Craft of Uttar Pradesh
The Traditional Brass and Copper Craft of Uttar Pradesh is a skilled craft practiced by artisans in Moradabad and surrounding areas. The craftsmen use traditional techniques to make a range of brass and copper products, including utensils, decorative items, and jewelry.
10. Terracotta of Uttar Pradesh
Terracotta is a traditional form of pottery that has been practiced in Uttar Pradesh for centuries. The artisans use clay to make a range of items, including decorative figurines, lamps, and kitchenware. The pottery is decorated with intricate designs and patterns.
11. Vedic Chanting of Kerala
Vedic Chanting is a traditional form of reciting ancient Hindu scriptures practiced in Kerala. It involves the recitation of the Vedas in a particular rhythm and tone, which is considered to be sacred. The chants are accompanied by a range of musical instruments, including the ‘mridang’, ‘gong’, and ‘dholak’.
12. Weaving of Kaushambi of Uttar Pradesh
The Weaving of Kaushambi is a traditional form of weaving practiced by the weavers of Kaushambi in Uttar Pradesh. They use cotton and silk yarns to make a range of fabrics, including sarees, dupattas, and stoles. The fabrics are intricately woven, with elaborate designs and patterns.
13. Weaving of Sualkuchi of Assam
The Weaving of Sualkuchi is a traditional form of weaving practiced by the weavers of Sualkuchi in Assam. They use silk yarns to make a range of fabrics, including Mekhela Chador, Gamusa, and Assamese sarees. The fabrics are decorated with intricate designs and patterns.
14. Yoga
Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India and has gained immense popularity across the world. It involves a range of physical, mental, and spiritual practices aimed at promoting holistic health and well-being. Yoga has been recognized by the UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage element of India.
In conclusion, India’s intangible cultural heritage elements are as diverse and rich as its culture and traditions. The 14 elements recognized by the UNESCO provide a glimpse into the wealth of cultural heritage that India possesses. It is essential to preserve and promote these elements to ensure that they continue to enrich India’s cultural fabric for generations to come.
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