{"id":3372,"date":"2025-12-14T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-14T00:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/readingroomz.com\/?p=3372"},"modified":"2025-12-13T13:30:36","modified_gmt":"2025-12-13T08:00:36","slug":"list-of-intangible-cultural-heritage-elements-in-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/readingroomz.com\/te\/list-of-intangible-cultural-heritage-elements-in-india\/","title":{"rendered":"List of Intangible Cultural Heritage elements in India: 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-751af9e67502735af775dfd8a0979f2d\" style=\"color:#0045d5\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>\u0c35\u0c3f\u0c37\u0c2f \u0c38\u0c42\u0c1a\u0c3f\u0c15<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#what-is-intangible-cultural-heritage-ich\">What is Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#unesco-2003-convention-on-intangible-cultural-heritage\">UNESCO 2003 Convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#purposes-of-the-convention\">Purposes of the Convention<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#intergovernmental-committee-for-ich-key-functions\">Intergovernmental Committee for ICH \u2013 Key Functions<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#why-india-hosting-the-20th-ich-session-matters\">Why India Hosting the 20th ICH Session Matters<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#list-of-intangible-cultural-heritage-elements-in-india-unesco\">List of Intangible Cultural Heritage Elements in India (UNESCO)<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#list-of-intangible-cultural-heritage-elements-in-india\">List of Intangible Cultural Heritage elements in India<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#indias-institutional-support-for-ich\">India\u2019s Institutional Support for ICH<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#key-agencies\">Key Agencies<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#national-scheme-for-ich\">National Scheme for ICH<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#importance-of-intangible-cultural-heritage-for-india\">Importance of Intangible Cultural Heritage for India<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#frequently-asked-questions-fa-qs\">\u0c24\u0c30\u0c1a\u0c41\u0c17\u0c3e \u0c05\u0c21\u0c3f\u0c17\u0c47 \u0c2a\u0c4d\u0c30\u0c36\u0c4d\u0c28\u0c32\u0c41 (FAQs)<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1765611099492\">What is the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage elements in India ?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1765611126491\">How many ICH elements does India have?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1765611156471\">Which Indian festival is newly nominated for UNESCO ICH?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1765611200970\">Which year was Yoga added to UNESCO ICH?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1765611232026\">What is the 15th UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of India?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1765611314976\">Which Indian festival has been added to UNESCO\u2019s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2025?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1765611358556\">What are the 16 Intangible Cultural Heritages of India recognised by UNESCO?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/readingroomz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/List-of-Intangible-Cultural-Heritage-elements-in-India-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"List of Intangible Cultural Heritage Elements in India\" class=\"wp-image-3379\" srcset=\"https:\/\/readingroomz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/List-of-Intangible-Cultural-Heritage-elements-in-India-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/readingroomz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/List-of-Intangible-Cultural-Heritage-elements-in-India-400x267.webp 400w, https:\/\/readingroomz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/List-of-Intangible-Cultural-Heritage-elements-in-India-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/readingroomz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/List-of-Intangible-Cultural-Heritage-elements-in-India-18x12.webp 18w, https:\/\/readingroomz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/List-of-Intangible-Cultural-Heritage-elements-in-India-600x400.webp 600w, https:\/\/readingroomz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/List-of-Intangible-Cultural-Heritage-elements-in-India.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>India hosted the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) from 8\u201313 December 2025 in New Delhi. This is the first time India hosting this event. India\u2019s hosting of this session highlights its leadership role in protecting living heritage\u2014traditions, rituals, crafts, festivals, and performing arts that communities practise and transmit across generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-intangible-cultural-heritage-ich\">What is Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to UNESCO, Intangible Cultural Heritage refers to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Practices, expressions, and knowledge<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Performing arts, rituals, festivals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Traditional craftsmanship<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oral traditions and social customs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike monuments or sites, ICH is living heritage, evolving with communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"unesco-2003-convention-on-intangible-cultural-heritage\">UNESCO 2003 Convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>\u0c15\u0c4b\u0c23\u0c02<\/th><th>\u0c21\u0c40\u0c1f\u0c48\u0c32\u0c4d\u0c38\u0c4d<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Adopted<\/td><td>17 October 2003<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u0c35\u0c47\u0c26\u0c3f\u0c15<\/td><td>UNESCO General Conference, Paris<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u0c32\u0c15\u0c4d\u0c37\u0c4d\u0c2f\u0c02<\/td><td>Safeguard living cultural traditions<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>\u0c2b\u0c4b\u0c15\u0c38\u0c4d<\/td><td>Community-centred heritage protection<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>India ratified<\/td><td>2005<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"purposes-of-the-convention\">Purposes of the Convention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Safeguard intangible cultural heritage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure respect for community traditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Raise awareness at all levels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promote international cooperation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"intergovernmental-committee-for-ich-key-functions\">Intergovernmental Committee for ICH \u2013 Key Functions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Committee:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Implements the 2003 Convention<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decides ICH inscriptions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Approves international assistance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reviews State Party reports<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Manages the ICH Fund<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>India has served three terms on this Committee and will chair the 20th session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-india-hosting-the-20th-ich-session-matters\">Why India Hosting the 20th ICH Session Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First time India hosts the ICH Committee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Venue: Red Fort (Lal Qila) \u2013 UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coincides with 20 years of India\u2019s ratification of the Convention<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Boosts India\u2019s soft power and cultural diplomacy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"list-of-intangible-cultural-heritage-elements-in-india-unesco\">List of Intangible Cultural Heritage Elements in India (UNESCO)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As of 13 December 2025 total 16 Indian elements are inscribed on UNESCO\u2019s Representative List.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"list-of-intangible-cultural-heritage-elements-in-india\">List of Intangible Cultural Heritage elements in India<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Sl No<\/th><th>\u0c38\u0c02\u0c35\u0c24\u0c4d\u0c38\u0c30\u0c02<\/th><th>Festival\/Event<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>1<\/td><td>2025<\/td><td>Deepavali<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2<\/td><td>2024<\/td><td>Nawrouz<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3<\/td><td>2023<\/td><td>Garba of Gujarat<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4<\/td><td>2021<\/td><td>Durga Puja in Kolkata<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>5<\/td><td>2017<\/td><td>Kumbh Mela<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>6<\/td><td>2016<\/td><td>Yoga<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>7<\/td><td>2014<\/td><td>Thatheras of Jandiala Guru (Metalcraft)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>8<\/td><td>2013<\/td><td>Sankirtana of Manipur<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>9<\/td><td>2012<\/td><td>Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>10<\/td><td>2010<\/td><td>Chhau Dance<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11<\/td><td>2010<\/td><td>Kalbelia Folk Songs &amp; Dances<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>12<\/td><td>2010<\/td><td>Mudiyettu (Kerala)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>13<\/td><td>2009<\/td><td>Ramman Festival<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>14<\/td><td>2008<\/td><td>Kutiyattam (Sanskrit Theatre)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>15<\/td><td>2008<\/td><td>Tradition of Vedic Chanting<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>16<\/td><td>2008<\/td><td>Ramlila<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"indias-institutional-support-for-ich\">India\u2019s Institutional Support for ICH<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-agencies\">Key Agencies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ministry of Culture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"national-scheme-for-ich\">National Scheme for ICH<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Documentation &amp; inventories<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>UNESCO nomination dossiers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Training &amp; capacity building<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support to artists &amp; communities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Education\u2013culture integration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"importance-of-intangible-cultural-heritage-for-india\">Importance of Intangible Cultural Heritage for India<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"social-cultural\"><strong>Social &amp; Cultural<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Preserves regional, tribal &amp; linguistic identities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthens unity in diversity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"economic\"><strong>Economic<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Supports artisans, performers &amp; crafts economy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Boosts cultural tourism<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"education\"><strong>\u0c35\u0c3f\u0c26\u0c4d\u0c2f<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Transmits indigenous knowledge systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promotes intergenerational learning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"global-diplomacy\"><strong>Global Diplomacy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Enhances India\u2019s soft power<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthens leadership in UNESCO forums<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/readingroomz.com\/te\/current-affairs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>\ud83d\udc49 \u0c21\u0c48\u0c32\u0c40 \u0c15\u0c30\u0c46\u0c02\u0c1f\u0c4d \u0c05\u0c2b\u0c48\u0c30\u0c4d\u0c38\u0c4d \u0c35\u0c3f\u0c2d\u0c3e\u0c17\u0c3e\u0c28\u0c3f\u0c15\u0c3f \u0c35\u0c46\u0c33\u0c4d\u0c32\u0c02\u0c21\u0c3f<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"frequently-asked-questions-fa-qs\">\u0c24\u0c30\u0c1a\u0c41\u0c17\u0c3e \u0c05\u0c21\u0c3f\u0c17\u0c47 \u0c2a\u0c4d\u0c30\u0c36\u0c4d\u0c28\u0c32\u0c41 (FAQs)<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list\">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1765611099492\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">What is the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage elements in India ?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>It refers to 16 Indian traditions inscribed by UNESCO under the 2003 Convention.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1765611126491\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">How many ICH elements does India have?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>As of 2025, India has 16 Intangible Cultural Heritage elements on UNESCO\u2019s list.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1765611156471\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Which Indian festival is newly nominated for UNESCO ICH?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Diwali and Chhath Mahaparva have been nominated.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1765611200970\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Which year was Yoga added to UNESCO ICH?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Yoga was inscribed in 2016.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1765611232026\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">What is the 15th UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of India?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>The 15th UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of India is Nawrouz.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1765611314976\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Which Indian festival has been added to UNESCO\u2019s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2025?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>The Indian festival Deepavali (Diwali) has been added to UNESCO\u2019s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1765611358556\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">What are the 16 Intangible Cultural Heritages of India recognised by UNESCO?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>As of 2025, List of Intangible Cultural Heritage elements in India<br \/>Complete List (Chronological Order):<br \/>Tradition of Vedic Chanting (2008)<br \/>Kutiyattam \u2013 Sanskrit Theatre (2008)<br \/>Ramlila \u2013 Performance of the Ramayana (2008)<br \/>Ramman \u2013 Ritual Theatre of Garhwal Himalayas (2009)<br \/>Mudiyettu \u2013 Ritual Theatre of Kerala (2010)<br \/>Kalbelia Folk Songs &amp; Dances of Rajasthan (2010)<br \/>Chhau Dance (2010)<br \/>Buddhist Chanting of Ladakh (2012)<br \/>Sankirtana of Manipur (2013)<br \/>Thatheras\u2019 Brass &amp; Copper Craft of Punjab (2014)<br \/>Yoga (2016)<br \/>Kumbh Mela (2017)<br \/>Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021)<br \/>Garba of Gujarat (2023)<br \/>Novruz \/ Nawrouz (Multinational, India included) (2024)<br \/>Deepavali (Diwali) (2025)<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/ich.unesco.org\/en\/state\/india-IN?info=elements-on-the-lists\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">UNESCO Intangible Cultural heritage<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>India hosts UNESCO\u2019s 20th ICH session in 2025. Here is the updated list of 15 Intangible Cultural Heritage elements in India, with exam-oriented facts and tables.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3379,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"googlesitekit_rrm_CAowpNK9DA:productID":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[56],"tags":[74],"class_list":["post-3372","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest-updates","tag-unesco"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/readingroomz.com\/te\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3372","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/readingroomz.com\/te\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/readingroomz.com\/te\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingroomz.com\/te\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingroomz.com\/te\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3372"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/readingroomz.com\/te\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3372\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3383,"href":"https:\/\/readingroomz.com\/te\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3372\/revisions\/3383"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingroomz.com\/te\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3379"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/readingroomz.com\/te\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3372"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingroomz.com\/te\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3372"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readingroomz.com\/te\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3372"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}