Gujarat’s Garba Recognized as UNESCO World Heritage 2023, Celebrations in Ambaji Dham

Gujarat’s esteemed cultural tradition, ‘Garba,’ is now set to receive global recognition. UNESCO will announce Garba as the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) for the year 2023. The announcement will be made through a live webcast starting at 6 PM today, showcasing celebrations from various locations.

Celebration at Ambaji Chachar Mandir – A Sacred Journey

From 5 PM to 9 PM tonight, a grand celebration will take place at the sacred pilgrimage site of Ambaji Chachar Mandir. The UNESCO-recognized heritage of Garba folk dance will be broadcast live online, engaging artists, dance classes, Garba classes, Raas groups, schools, colleges, citizens, youth, officials, and the general public of Banaskantha district.

Inclusion of Cultural Traditions in the Heritage List – Durga Puja, Kumbh Mela, and More

This program is part of UNESCO’s efforts to include Gujarat’s prestigious traditional dance style, Garba, in the Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The proposal was made by India two years ago.

UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List – Showcasing India’s Rich Diversity

According to the information provided by Gujarat Vishwakosh, Garbo is derived from the word ‘Garbhadeep’ and was popularized during the medieval period, as stated by Narsinhrao Divetiya. The term ‘Raas,’ used to describe Krishna’s dance with the gopis, has its roots in ancient Vishnupurana. Poet Bhanudas later referred to his poems as ‘Garbi.’ Vallabha Mevada and Ranchhodji Devan were inspired to compose Garbas in praise of Vallabha’s mother. Beyond them, Dayaram and others continued this tradition, with subjects ranging from Narsinh, Meera, Bhalan, and more.