**Executive Summary**
India is hosting the 20th session of the UNESCO Inter-Governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in New Delhi from December 8 to 13, 2025. The meeting will involve examining nominations, reviewing the status of existing elements, and providing international assistance. Over 800 delegates are expected to participate in the event.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Meeting Objectives:**
* Examine nominations for UNESCO ICH Lists inscription.
* Review the status of existing intangible cultural elements.
* Provide international assistance for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
* **Meeting Agenda:**
* Assess safeguarding reports submitted by States.
* Address requests for international assistance.
* Discuss “living heritage safeguarding” best practices.
* Report and plan future safeguarding efforts.
* **India's Cultural Heritage:**
* India has 15 elements inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List, detailed in an annexure.
* **Event Significance:**
* Offers strategic and diplomatic advantages for India.
* Strengthens collaboration with UNESCO.
* Provides a platform to showcase heritage and strengthen international cooperation.
* Solidifies India's position in cultural diplomacy.
**Impact Analysis**
**Committee Members, UNESCO officials, experts, accredited NGOs and practitioners**
* **Impact**: Participation in the 20th session of the UNESCO Inter-Governmental Committee.
* **Action Required**: Participate in the session from December 8 to 13, 2025, in New Delhi.
**States Parties**
* **Impact**: Review and assessment of nominations for inscription on the UNESCO ICH Lists.
* **Action Required**: Submit nominations for inscription and safeguarding reports for existing elements.
**India**
* **Impact**: Opportunity to enhance global influence, strengthen cultural diplomacy, and showcase diverse heritage.
* **Action Required**: Host the 20th session effectively and lead discussions on important heritage issues.
Key Entities Referenced
UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity: A list of intangible cultural heritage elements recognized by UNESCO, for which India has 15 inscribed elements.
Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage: The UNESCO committee holding its 20th session in New Delhi, India, focused on safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
Ministry of Culture: The Indian ministry associated with hosting the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee meeting.
New Delhi: Location of the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee.
Ministry of Culture
INDIA HOSTS 20TH UNESCO’S INTER-
GOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE IN NEW DELHI
प्रव तथ: 04 DEC 2025 4:19PM by PIB Delhi
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:
i. Examining nominations submitted by States Parties for inscription on the UNESCO ICH Lists
ii. Reviewing the status of existing elements
iii. 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
*****
M Annadurai
pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com
AnnexureDetails of 15 elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural
Heritage of Humanity
S. No. ICH Heritage Year of Inscription
1. Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre 2008
2. Tradition of Vedic chanting 2008
3. Ramlila, the traditional performance of the Ramayana 2008
4. Ramman, religious festival and ritual theatre of the 2009
Garhwal Himalayas, India
5. Mudiyettu, ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala 2010
6. Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan 2010
7. Chhau dance 2010
8. Buddhist chanting of Ladakh: recitation of sacred Buddhist 2012
texts in the trans-Himalayan Ladakh region, Jammu and
Kashmir, India
9. Sankirtana, ritual singing, drumming and dancing of 2013
Manipur
10. Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among 2014
the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab, India
11. Yoga 2016
12. Nawrouz, Novruz, Nowrouz, Nowrouz, Nawrouz, Nauryz, 2016
Nooruz, Nowruz, Navruz, Nevruz, Nowruz, Navruz
13. Kumbh Mela 2017
14. Durga Puja in Kolkata 2021
15. Garba of Gujarat 2023
******(रलीज़ आईडी: 2198744) आगंतुक पटल : 1076
इस वज्ञ को इन भाषाओ ंम पढ़: ही