HomeIndiaCelebration for the successful inclusion of 'Durga Puja in Calcutta' in the...

Celebration for the successful inclusion of ‘Durga Puja in Calcutta’ in the Representative List of ICH Humanities in 2022

The Ministry of Culture, along with Sangeet Natak Akademi, the designated nodal agency for ICH, in collaboration with the National Museum and the National Institute of Museums, organized a celebration for the successful inclusion of ‘Durga Puja in Calcutta‘ in the Representative List of ICH Humanities in 2021. ‘Durga Puja in Calcutta’ was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during its 16th session held in Paris, France from 13 to 18 December 2021.

On this occasion, a two-day capacity building workshop at the ICH was also launched at the National Museum. Ms. Lily Pandeya, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Mr. Tim Curtis, Secretary of the 2003 UNESCO ICH Convention, Mr. Eric Falt, Director and UNESCO Representative in Bhutan, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka, Ms. RituSethi, ICH Expert, Ms. Shikha Jain, Prof. Manvi Seth, National Museum Institure, Mr. Arvind Kumar, Director/ UNESCO, Ministry of Culture, Mr. Suman Kumar of Sangeet Natak Akademi and officers from Ministry of External Affairs graced the occasion with their presence.

On the occasion of the Secretary of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, Mr. Tim Curtis spoke about the development of the 2003 UNESCO ICH Convention. He stated that UNESCO will now accept ICH documentation in the language of practitioners for evaluation, along with an English or French version. He added that non-formal education is something that the UNESCO Convention has been working on for four years. He also said that since conservation of living heritage involves passing on knowledge to the next generation, education becomes central to the process.

UNESCO Director and Representative in Bhutan, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka Eric Falt said: “I think it is very important to bring together all the stakeholders and the different groups that are involved in such nominations, and this workshop in particular is a great example of how things should be done’. He added: “I am grateful to all the other partners who have worked with us in recent years to increase the importance and visibility of intangible cultural heritage”. He also mentioned that UNESCO is organizing a regional level ICH workshop in Udaipur for which a number of representatives from different countries of the region will come.

On the occasion Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture Ms. Lily Pandeya said, “India is a member of almost all cultural conventions and programs of UNESCO. With 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 14 Intangible Cultural Heritage inscribed on the Representative List – the latest being the Durga Puja of Calcutta, 9 Documentary Heritage recognized in the International Memory of the World Register and 6 Creative Cities, India continues to strengthen intercultural dialogue among nations”. She also added, “The two-day national capacity building workshop reflects our commitment to support the 4 goals of the UNESCO ICH Convention”

Ms. RituSethi, an expert on ICH, spoke about the Indian association, role and contribution to protect and preserve ICH. Prof. Manvi Seth, Chair of the Working Group on Intangible Cultural Heritage (CIDOC), shared her thoughts on ICH’s many challenges and its future prospects. India considers ICH not only in terms of cultural expression but also in terms of the wealth of knowledge, know-how and skills that are passed down from one generation to the next.

A two-day capacity building workshop designed by the Ministry of Culture and the Government of India aims to initiate a special series of workshops across India to identify ways of collaboration between professionals and community stakeholders to introduce methodologies and principles in community formulation. – inventory and discuss safeguarding practices, government and community responsibilities in promoting, preserving and protecting ICH elements. The workshop on August 28 includes a presentation and theoretical meeting by Dr. B. Venugopala, Convenor, India Heritage and Museum field school, Kochi along with a session on traditional craft.

The venue also displayed several stalls related to ICH, showcasing traditional West Bengal handicrafts such as Pattachitra and Kantha, along with PuruliyaChhau masks and Nayagram wooden toys from other regions. This was accompanied by a demonstration and presentation of Dhak and DhunuchiNritya to provide insight and context of the traditional way of celebration.

Recently, on 7 July 2022, India was elected as a member of the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2022–2026 cycle. Elections to the Intergovernmental Committee took place during the 9th General Assembly of the 2003 Convention, held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris from 5 to 7 July 2022. Against the four seats that became vacant within the Asia-Pacific Group, eight countries , namely India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Iran, presented their candidacy. India won the election with a comfortable majority of 110 votes out of 155 states present and voting. Having been elected to this body, India aims to strengthen the scope and impact of the Convention and mobilize the capacities of various actors around the world to effectively protect intangible heritage around the world.

“Durga Puja in Kolkata” was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during its 16th session held in Paris, France from 13 to 18 December 2021. The Committee appreciated the inclusive nature of Durga Puja celebrations and related initiatives involving marginalized groups , as well as women in their participation in the protection of the element. It is not only a celebration of the feminine divinity but is a perfect expression of dance, music, crafts, rituals, culinary and cultural aspects. The festival transcends the boundaries of caste, creed and economic classes and unites people in its celebration. India now has 14 intangible cultural heritage elements on UNESCO’s prestigious ICH Representative List of Humanity.

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