Manabasa Gurubara, Chhau dance, Ravana Chhaya in ICH list

Bhubaneswar: Manabasa Gurubara, Chhau dance and Ravana Chhaya from Odisha have been included in the list as Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of India.

This was informed by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday.

 “The decision will help present the unique, historic and culture of the state on the international platform. I thank PM Narendra Modi & Union Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel for their historic decision,” tweeted Pradhan.

Earlier, Union Minister for Culture Prahlad Singh Patel launched the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of India in New Delhi.

Patel said that India houses a repository of unique Intangible Cultural Heritage(ICH) traditions, 13 of which have also been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The National ICH List is an attempt to recognize the diversity of Indian culture embedded in its intangible heritage.

He said that It aims to raise awareness about the various intangible cultural heritage elements from different states of India at national and international level and ensure their protection.

This initiative is also a part of the Vision 2024 of the Ministry of Culture.

Following UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, this list has been classified into five broad domains in which intangible cultural heritage is manifested:

■ Oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage;

■ Performing arts;

■ Social practices, rituals and festive events;

■ Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe;

■ Traditional craftsmanship.