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India hosted the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) from 8–13 December 2025 in New Delhi. This is the first time India hosting this event. India’s hosting of this session highlights its leadership role in protecting living heritage—traditions, rituals, crafts, festivals, and performing arts that communities practise and transmit across generations.
What is Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)?
According to UNESCO, Intangible Cultural Heritage refers to:
- Practices, expressions, and knowledge
- Performing arts, rituals, festivals
- Traditional craftsmanship
- Oral traditions and social customs
Unlike monuments or sites, ICH is living heritage, evolving with communities.
UNESCO 2003 Convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Adopted | 17 October 2003 |
| Venue | UNESCO General Conference, Paris |
| Objective | Safeguard living cultural traditions |
| Focus | Community-centred heritage protection |
| India ratified | 2005 |
Purposes of the Convention
- Safeguard intangible cultural heritage
- Ensure respect for community traditions
- Raise awareness at all levels
- Promote international cooperation
Intergovernmental Committee for ICH – Key Functions
The Committee:
- Implements the 2003 Convention
- Decides ICH inscriptions
- Approves international assistance
- Reviews State Party reports
- Manages the ICH Fund
India has served three terms on this Committee and will chair the 20th session.
Why India Hosting the 20th ICH Session Matters
- First time India hosts the ICH Committee
- Venue: Red Fort (Lal Qila) – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Coincides with 20 years of India’s ratification of the Convention
- Boosts India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy
List of Intangible Cultural Heritage Elements in India (UNESCO)
As of 13 December 2025 total 16 Indian elements are inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List.
List of Intangible Cultural Heritage elements in India
| Sl No | Year | Festival/Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2025 | Deepavali |
| 2 | 2024 | Nawrouz |
| 3 | 2023 | Garba of Gujarat |
| 4 | 2021 | Durga Puja in Kolkata |
| 5 | 2017 | Kumbh Mela |
| 6 | 2016 | Yoga |
| 7 | 2014 | Thatheras of Jandiala Guru (Metalcraft) |
| 8 | 2013 | Sankirtana of Manipur |
| 9 | 2012 | Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh |
| 10 | 2010 | Chhau Dance |
| 11 | 2010 | Kalbelia Folk Songs & Dances |
| 12 | 2010 | Mudiyettu (Kerala) |
| 13 | 2009 | Ramman Festival |
| 14 | 2008 | Kutiyattam (Sanskrit Theatre) |
| 15 | 2008 | Tradition of Vedic Chanting |
| 16 | 2008 | Ramlila |
India’s Institutional Support for ICH
Key Agencies
- Ministry of Culture
- Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA)
National Scheme for ICH
- Documentation & inventories
- UNESCO nomination dossiers
- Training & capacity building
- Support to artists & communities
- Education–culture integration
Importance of Intangible Cultural Heritage for India
- Preserves regional, tribal & linguistic identities
- Strengthens unity in diversity
Economic
- Supports artisans, performers & crafts economy
- Boosts cultural tourism
Education
- Transmits indigenous knowledge systems
- Promotes intergenerational learning
Global Diplomacy
- Enhances India’s soft power
- Strengthens leadership in UNESCO forums
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage elements in India ?
It refers to 16 Indian traditions inscribed by UNESCO under the 2003 Convention.
How many ICH elements does India have?
As of 2025, India has 16 Intangible Cultural Heritage elements on UNESCO’s list.
Which Indian festival is newly nominated for UNESCO ICH?
Diwali and Chhath Mahaparva have been nominated.
Which year was Yoga added to UNESCO ICH?
Yoga was inscribed in 2016.
What is the 15th UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of India?
The 15th UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of India is Nawrouz.
Which Indian festival has been added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2025?
The Indian festival Deepavali (Diwali) has been added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
What are the 16 Intangible Cultural Heritages of India recognised by UNESCO?
As of 2025, List of Intangible Cultural Heritage elements in India
Complete List (Chronological Order):
Tradition of Vedic Chanting (2008)
Kutiyattam – Sanskrit Theatre (2008)
Ramlila – Performance of the Ramayana (2008)
Ramman – Ritual Theatre of Garhwal Himalayas (2009)
Mudiyettu – Ritual Theatre of Kerala (2010)
Kalbelia Folk Songs & Dances of Rajasthan (2010)
Chhau Dance (2010)
Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh (2012)
Sankirtana of Manipur (2013)
Thatheras’ Brass & Copper Craft of Punjab (2014)
Yoga (2016)
Kumbh Mela (2017)
Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021)
Garba of Gujarat (2023)
Novruz / Nawrouz (Multinational, India included) (2024)
Deepavali (Diwali) (2025)
